Lemonade Puppy Chow

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fast this treat is to make—no oven, no mess, and just a few simple ingredients. The lemon zest and juice give it a bright, citrusy pop that balances out the sweetness of the white chocolate. It’s kid-friendly but elegant enough for adult gatherings, and I can easily dress it up with sprinkles or extra zest for a festive look. It’s also perfect for making ahead and sharing.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

9 cups crispy rice cereal squares
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1 tbsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Yellow food coloring (optional)

Directions

1. I pour the crispy rice cereal into a large mixing bowl and set it aside.

2. In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the white chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

3. I stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a few drops of yellow food coloring if I want a brighter look.

4. I pour the lemon-chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently fold it in until all the pieces are coated evenly.

5. I place the powdered sugar into a large zip-top plastic bag, then add the coated cereal in batches. I seal the bag and shake until the cereal is fully covered in sugar.

6. Once coated, I spread the cereal out on wax paper or a baking sheet to cool and dry for about 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a little lemon extract for an even stronger citrus kick. I’ve also topped it with extra lemon zest or yellow sprinkles to make it more festive for parties. If I want to mix things up, I add freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist, or swap the white chocolate for lemon-flavored melting wafers. It’s easy to adjust this recipe depending on what I’m craving.

Storage/Reheating

I store the puppy chow in an airtight container at room temperature, where it stays fresh for up to 5 days. I don’t refrigerate it, as that can make it sticky or soggy. There’s no need to reheat—it’s meant to be enjoyed cool or at room temp.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it the day before and store it in an airtight container. It holds up really well and is perfect for parties or lunchbox treats.

What’s the best cereal to use?

I always go with crispy rice cereal squares (like Rice Chex), but corn cereal squares work just as well. The important part is that the cereal has enough surface area to hold the coating.

How do I avoid clumping?

I make sure to stir the cereal gently and thoroughly when adding the lemon-chocolate coating. Then I shake in batches in the powdered sugar to coat evenly without creating big clumps.

Can I freeze lemonade puppy chow?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture changes once thawed and it can lose its crispiness. It’s best fresh within a few days.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and double-check the chocolate chips and powdered sugar, it’s easy to make this gluten-free.

Conclusion

Lemonade Puppy Chow is a cheerful, citrusy snack that brings brightness to any occasion. I love how quick it is to throw together and how easy it is to share—or stash for myself. With its sweet lemony coating and satisfying crunch, this is one snack I can’t stop reaching for once I start. It’s a refreshing update on a classic that’s always a hit.

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