Introduction

Bright, tangy, and sweet, this Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow is a delightful twist on the classic snack mix. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat, it combines citrus flavors with a crispy, chocolatey coating for an irresistible bite.

A white bowl filled with many small square pastries stacked high, each piece dusted with a generous layer of powdered sugar, giving them a soft, snowy look. The pastries are light golden yellow with a slightly crispy texture visible underneath the sugar. Several squares are scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface. In the background, there are some blurred yellow lemons adding a bright color contrast. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, place the Rice Chex cereal and set aside.
Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Stir the lemon juice and lemon zest into the melted white chocolate mixture until evenly combined.
Step 4: Pour the lemon-chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir to coat the cereal evenly without breaking the pieces.
Step 5: In a separate large resealable plastic bag, combine the powdered sugar and lemon-flavored instant pudding mix.
Step 6: Add the coated cereal into the bag with the sugar and pudding mix. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the cereal is fully coated with the dry mixture.
Step 7: Spread the puppy chow on parchment paper or a large baking sheet to cool and set completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra lemon flavor, add a small amount of lemon extract to the melted chocolate mixture.
Substitute white chocolate chips with yogurt chips for a tangier taste.
Add dried cranberries or mini lemon candies for texture and color contrast.
Make it gluten-free by choosing certified gluten-free Rice Chex cereal.

Storage

Store the Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with many small, square-shaped lemon drops covered in white powdered sugar. The lemon drops are light yellow and stacked high, with a few pieces scattered around the bowl on a white marbled surface. Fresh whole lemons and lemon halves are blurred in the background, adding a bright yellow contrast. The image shows soft natural light highlighting the powdery texture of the lemon drops. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with lime or orange zest and juice for a different but equally fresh flavor profile.

Will the puppy chow stay crunchy after coating?

If stored properly in an airtight container, the puppy chow will stay crunchy for several days. Avoid exposure to moisture to maintain its crispness.

Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow Snack Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

This Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow Snack is a bright and tangy twist on the classic puppy chow. Featuring Rice Chex cereal coated in a luscious mixture of white chocolate, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then dusted with powdered sugar and lemon-flavored pudding mix, this snack is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing, sweet treat with a citrusy punch.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

9 cups Rice Chex cereal
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup lemon-flavored instant pudding mix

Wet Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prepare the chocolate mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-30 second increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
Add lemon flavor: Stir the lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest into the melted white chocolate mixture until fully incorporated, creating a zesty and flavorful coating.
Coat the cereal: Place the Rice Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon-white chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula to evenly coat all the pieces without crushing them.
Combine dry coating mix: In a separate large resealable plastic bag or bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and lemon-flavored instant pudding mix to create the dry coating mixture.
Coat with powdered sugar mix: Add the coated Rice Chex cereal into the bag or container with the powdered sugar and pudding mix. Seal or cover and shake well until all the cereal is thoroughly coated with the dry mixture.
Set and serve: Spread the coated puppy chow out on wax paper or a large tray to cool and set. Once fully dry, serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the melted white chocolate mixture.
Make sure to let the coated puppy chow dry completely before storing to prevent clumping.
This snack is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
You can substitute lemon-flavored pudding mix with vanilla if unavailable, but it will reduce the lemon intensity.

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