If you’re looking for a treat that’s as eye-catching as it is addictive, this Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow is a must-try. With vibrant red cereal squares coated in creamy white chocolate and dusted in powdered sugar, every handful offers a perfect sweet crunch. Whether you’re whipping it up for Valentine’s Day, a birthday bash, or a casual movie night snack, it’s guaranteed to steal the show.

The best part? It takes just minutes to throw together with minimal ingredients, no baking required, and it’s easy to customize. This puppy chow isn’t just a snack; it’s a conversation starter. Expect it to disappear fast!
What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?
While traditional puppy chow uses rice Chex, this red velvet version shines best with red velvet-flavored Chex (if you can find them) or plain rice Chex tinted with red food coloring and cocoa powder. The key is to choose a square cereal that holds onto the chocolate coating without getting soggy.
Ingredients for the Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow
- Rice Chex or Red Velvet Chex: This cereal provides the crispy base and soaks up all the chocolatey coating.
- White Chocolate Chips: Adds a creamy, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with cocoa notes.
- Cream Cheese Chips (optional): For that subtle tang reminiscent of classic red velvet frosting.
- Red Gel Food Coloring & Cocoa Powder: If starting with plain Chex, this combo mimics the rich color and taste of red velvet.
- Powdered Sugar: For that iconic puppy chow finish and a touch of sweetness.
How To Make the Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
Measure 5 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. If you’re using plain Chex, toss it with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and a few drops of red food coloring until evenly coated.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup white chocolate chips (and cream cheese chips, if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 4: Sugar Shower
Add 3/4 cup powdered sugar to a large zip-top bag. Transfer the coated cereal into the bag, seal it, and shake until fully dusted.
Step 5: Cool & Store
Spread the puppy chow out on a baking sheet to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

How to Serve and Store Your Puppy Chow
Serve in mini cups for parties or gift it in mason jars tied with ribbon. For optimal crunch, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate it to extend shelf life—just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to regain its crispness.
What to Serve With Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow?
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels
The salty crunch is the perfect contrast to the sweet cereal mix.
Cream Cheese Frosting Dip
A side of whipped frosting for extra indulgence.
Fruit Kabobs
Balance out the sweetness with strawberries and grapes.
Red Velvet Hot Chocolate
Pair like with like—this warm drink complements the snack perfectly.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Use the puppy chow as a crunchy topping.
Sparkling Berry Lemonade
The fizz and fruitiness refresh your palate between bites.
Coffee or Espresso
Ideal for grown-up gatherings and holiday brunches.
Want More Snack Mix Ideas?
If you loved this easy red velvet twist, you might want to try:
- Praline Crunch: A Sweet Crispy Treat for Every Occasion
- Twix Cookie Cups: A Caramel Shortbread Dream
- No-Bake Twinkie Pudding Cake for a Retro Treat
- Copycat Crumbl Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Mini Donuts
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you try cream cheese chips or stick with classic white chocolate? Did you add sprinkles or mix in extra goodies?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.
Explore more beautifully crafted dessert ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest.
Print
Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving a quick no-bake dessert that’s festive, fun, and downright addictive? This Easy Red Velvet Puppy Chow is the ultimate snack mix for every occasion—Valentine’s Day, birthday parties, or cozy nights in. With crispy Chex cereal coated in white chocolate, cocoa, and powdered sugar, this recipe delivers sweet crunch in every bite. Ideal for gifting or sharing, it’s a great addition to your easy dessert ideas, party food ideas, or sweet snack recipes. Fast to make and even faster to disappear!
Ingredients
5 cups Chex cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup cream cheese chips (optional)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
4 drops red gel food coloring
0.75 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Measure Chex cereal into a large bowl. If using plain Chex, stir in cocoa powder and red food coloring until evenly coated.
2. Melt white chocolate chips (and cream cheese chips if using) in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour melted mixture over the cereal and fold gently until fully coated.
4. Place powdered sugar in a large zip-top bag and add coated cereal.
5. Seal the bag and shake until cereal is evenly dusted.
6. Spread on a baking sheet to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
Use gel food coloring for vibrant red hues without watering down the cereal.
Let the coated cereal fully cool before sealing to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: easy dessert, no bake snack, red velvet puppy chow, sweet snack, party mix
