Birthday Cake Puppy Chow

Birthday Cake Puppy Chow is a sweet, colorful twist on the classic snack mix known as Muddy Buddies. With vanilla candy coating, white cake mix, and festive sprinkles, this no-bake treat is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just adding a little celebration to your day. It’s quick, easy, and sure to please kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake Convenience: Ready in just minutes—no oven needed.
• Festive and Fun: Bright sprinkles and birthday cake flavor make it ideal for parties.
• Kid-Friendly: Safe and simple enough for children to help make.
• Customizable: Switch up the colors and flavors for any theme or occasion.
• Great for Gifting: Perfect for treat bags, party favors, or holiday gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• ¾ cup white cake mix
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1½ cups white chocolate chips or vanilla candy coating
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for smoother melting)
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

Directions

1. Place Rice Chex in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or vanilla coating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Add vegetable oil if needed to thin the mixture.
3. Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal. Gently fold with a spatula until all cereal is evenly coated.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the cake mix and powdered sugar.
5. Add the sugar mixture to a large zip-top bag. Add the coated cereal and shake until fully coated.
6. Add sprinkles and gently shake again to distribute.
7. Spread the mixture out on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set, about 15 minutes.
8. Store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Use chocolate cake mix and chocolate chips for a brownie-like flavor.
• Different Themes: Use holiday or themed sprinkles for Christmas, Halloween, baby showers, etc.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free.
• Add-Ins: Mix in mini marshmallows, M&M’s, or chopped candy for extra fun.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Do Not Reheat: This is a chilled snack—do not microwave or heat.

FAQs

Can I use other cereals besides Rice Chex?

Yes, Corn Chex or Crispix also work well for this recipe.

Is raw cake mix safe to eat?

Most store-bought cake mixes are not recommended to eat raw. To be safe, heat-treat the mix in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free white chocolate chips and ensure your cake mix is dairy-free.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles are best; nonpareils can bleed their color more easily.

Can I use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips?

Yes, almond bark or candy melts are great alternatives for coating the cereal.

How long does it stay fresh?

It stays fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container, but it’s best in the first 2–3 days.

Can I use funfetti cake mix?

Yes! Funfetti cake mix enhances the birthday cake flavor and adds built-in sprinkles.

Should I refrigerate the mix?

No need to refrigerate—store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.

Can I color the white chocolate?

Yes, you can tint it with gel-based food coloring to match party themes.

Is this good for party favors?

Definitely! Package in clear treat bags with ribbons for a festive and easy party favor.

Conclusion

Birthday Cake Puppy Chow is a joyful, delicious snack that’s perfect for celebrations big or small. With its sweet cake batter flavor, crunchy texture, and colorful sprinkles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make a batch for your next party—or just because—and watch it disappear fast.

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