A zesty, sweet twist on the classic Puppy Chow snack, this Lemonade Puppy Chow brings a burst of citrus sunshine to every bite. With crunchy Chex cereal coated in a lemony white chocolate mixture and dusted in lemonade-infused powdered sugar, it’s the ultimate summer treat. I love how easy this is to throw together, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at picnics, parties, or just for a snack on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9 cups Chex cereal
1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips
¼ cup butter
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup lemonade powder
Directions
I start by placing the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl.
In a microwave-safe bowl, I melt the white chocolate chips, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract together in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth.
I pour that warm, lemony mixture over the cereal and gently stir until every piece is coated.
In another bowl, I mix the powdered sugar with the lemonade powder.
Then I toss the coated cereal with the sugar mixture until everything is well covered in that sweet, tangy dust.
Finally, I spread it all out on a baking sheet to cool completely before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings, and each serving contains roughly 220 kcal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add a bit of yellow food coloring to the melted chocolate mixture to give it a sunny, lemonade-like hue.
For an extra citrus punch, I’ve used lime juice and zest instead of lemon for a limeade version.
If I want a slightly more tart kick, I up the lemonade powder to ⅓ cup.
A mix of Chex varieties—rice and corn—adds subtle texture variety.
I’ve even folded in some crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a strawberry lemonade twist.
storage/reheating
I store this Lemonade Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If it’s hot or humid, I prefer keeping it in the fridge so it doesn’t get sticky. I don’t reheat this one since it’s meant to be eaten cold or at room temp, and it's at its best freshly cooled with that crisp coating.
FAQs
What is lemonade powder and where do I find it?
Lemonade powder is typically a drink mix like Country Time or any powdered lemonade-flavored drink. I usually find it in the drink mix aisle of the grocery store.
Can I use white candy melts instead of white chocolate chips?
Yes, I’ve used candy melts before when I’m out of white chocolate. They work well, though I find they’re a bit less creamy in flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If I use gluten-free Chex (like Rice or Corn Chex) and check the labels on the white chocolate and other ingredients, I can easily make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I freeze Lemonade Puppy Chow?
I can freeze it in a sealed bag or container for up to a month, but I make sure to thaw it at room temp and give it a good shake before serving to redistribute the sugar coating.
How do I keep it from getting soggy?
Letting the coated cereal cool and dry completely on a baking sheet is key. I avoid sealing it up before it’s fully dry, or the moisture will make it soggy.
Conclusion
Lemonade Puppy Chow is such a fun, tangy spin on the classic treat that I can’t get enough of during the warmer months. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m packing it for a picnic or just munching at home, it always hits that sweet-tart snack craving just right.
Recipe:
Lemonade Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemonade Puppy Chow is a zesty, citrus-infused twist on the classic snack mix. This no-bake treat combines Chex cereal with lemony white chocolate and a powdered sugar lemonade coating—perfect for summer parties, picnics, or sweet snacking. Refreshing, easy to make, and bursting with bright lemon flavor, it's the ultimate lemon dessert snack.
Ingredients
9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
1 ¼ cups white chocolate chips
¼ cup butter
4 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup lemonade powder (like Country Time)
Instructions
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Place Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
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Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
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Pour the lemon-chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until fully coated.
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In a separate bowl, mix powdered sugar with lemonade powder.
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Toss the coated cereal with the sugar-lemonade mixture until evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture on a baking sheet to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For a brighter color, add a drop or two of yellow food coloring to the melted chocolate mixture.
Lime juice and zest can be used for a limeade variation.
Increase lemonade powder to ⅓ cup for a tangier flavor.
Try a blend of Chex types for texture variation.
Mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a strawberry lemonade twist.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (microwave)
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 12 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
