Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow Snack Recipe

Introduction

This Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow is a bright and tangy twist on the classic snack mix. With a refreshing lemon flavor coating crunchy Rice Chex cereal, it’s perfect for parties or an anytime treat that’s both sweet and citrusy.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup lemon-flavored instant pudding mix

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: Microwave white chocolate chips, butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice in 20-second intervals, stirring after each until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the melted lemon chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold to coat the cereal evenly without breaking it.
4. Step 4: In a resealable plastic bag, combine powdered sugar and lemon-flavored pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake well until all pieces are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated puppy chow onto parchment paper to cool and set.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later snacking.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor; avoid the white pith for bitterness.
• For a stronger lemon taste, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice or zest.
• Try swapping white chocolate chips for vanilla almond bark if preferred.
• Mix in dried cranberries or mini white chocolate chips after coating for added texture.

Storage

Store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer a chilled snack, keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to two weeks. To refresh the coating’s crunch, allow the snack to come to room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemonade instead of fresh lemon juice?

It’s best to use fresh lemon juice for the most natural and vibrant flavor. Bottled lemonade often contains added sugars and preservatives that can affect the texture and taste of the coating.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free white chocolate chips and use a plant-based butter alternative to make this snack suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow Snack Recipe

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4.8 from 141 reviews

This Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow Snack is a bright and tangy twist on the classic puppy chow. Combining crispy Rice Chex cereal coated in a smooth white chocolate, lemon juice, and zest mixture, then dusted with powdered sugar and lemon-flavored pudding mix, it creates a refreshing and addictive snack perfect for parties or anytime snacking.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Base

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal

Lemon Coating

• 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (freshly grated)

Coating Mix

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup lemon-flavored instant pudding mix

Instructions

1. Prepare the cereal: Place 9 cups of Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ensuring it is roomy enough for folding and mixing later.
2. Melt the coating mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly each time until the mixture is completely smooth and well blended.
3. Coat the cereal: Pour the melted white chocolate and lemon mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently fold the cereal with a spatula to evenly coat every piece without crushing the cereal.
4. Mix the powdered coating: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and ½ cup lemon-flavored instant pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it securely, and shake vigorously until the cereal is thoroughly coated with the powder mixture.
5. Cool the snack: Spread the coated puppy chow out on a sheet of parchment paper in a single layer. Allow it to cool completely so the coating sets and the snack becomes crisp.
6. Serve and store: Once cooled, serve immediately or store the Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest to maximize the lemon aroma.
• Ensure the white chocolate mixture is smooth before pouring over the cereal to get an even coating.
• Shake the cereal gently when coating with powdered sugar and pudding mix to avoid breaking the cereal pieces.
• This snack is best enjoyed within 3-4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Adjust lemon juice to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy flavor.

Keywords: Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow, Lemon Puppy Chow, White Chocolate Snack, Lemon Snack Mix, Chex Mix Snack