This is just the snack I need right now.
We’re back from vacation this week, and we’re still adjusting back to normal life.
We had an absolutely wonderful time with our family at the beach last week. It was SO needed. It’s amazing what a change of scenery can do for one’s mental state. We’ve all been home for almost six months now, and while I still think that it’s important and necessary, it felt good to do a careful, isolated trip away.
We rented a house in Emerald Isle, NC – a place we grew up vacationing – and it was a slice of heaven. We were isolated, only venturing out to the store once or twice all week (and this was done extremely carefully). But we were at the beach! My kids had a blast. The adults had a blast. It was exactly what we needed.
Yesterday, as all Monday’s following vacation are, was a bit rough. Even for the kids. My solution to surviving: snacks!
I mean, this is my general life motto, but especially after a week away!
This key lime puppy chow is not something you’d normally see me eat. Puppy chow (or muddy buddies) is something I love but never think to make. When eating Chex for breakfast as a kid, I used to beg my mom to make the puppy chow recipe on the box. And I’m not knocking her, but I don’t think we ever made it. She had three little kids and a full-time job, so I get it.
So, it wasn’t something I grew up on at all. I discovered it as an adult, and it’s insanely good. I think the first time I had it was in college, but a long time went by between puppy chow sessions. This recipe is one that I had the privilege of photographing and then eating somewhat recently…and it is seriously so good. Kieran and I were VERY happy once that photoshoot was over.
The wheels in my head starting turning about other fun puppy chow flavors I could try. I wanted something lighter than the original chocolate and peanut butter combo and something possibly citrusy. Like a summery, bright version of puppy chow.
Then it hit me: key lime pie puppy chow!
I thought it might be a bit weird, and it took some convincing. Of myself. But my citrus freak tendencies won out! I decided to give it a go, and after a couple fails, I finally got it right. This resulting key lime pie puppy chow is DELICIOUS.
Instead of using the traditional semisweet chocolate, we’re using white chocolate. White chocolate is my least favorite and I rarely use it. But sometimes, it serves an important purpose, and this recipe is the perfect example of that.
Melted white chocolate gets flavored with a ton (and I mean A TON) of fresh lime flavor. We’re adding lots of lime zest and juice to this situation – it’s necessary to achieve that key lime pie flavor. Then, to echo the graham cracker crust of key lime pie, we’re adding in some Golden Grahams cereal to the mix.
Oh yes.
The cereals get tossed in the lime-flavored white chocolate and then tossed in powdered sugar to coat. I’m telling you: it’s addictingly good. I dare you not to eat it straight out of the bag after it’s been tossed with the sugar.
To finish, I like to grate a little more lime zest over top of the puppy chow – just to let people know what it is – along with some crushed graham crackers. It makes for a super fun and festive snack, and my whole household gobbled this up.
My citrus freak tendencies live to see another day!
Key Lime Pie Puppy Chow
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Key Lime Pie Puppy Chow is an addictingly tangy twist on the original! Flavored with tons of fresh lime, graham crackers, and white chocolate – you won’t be able to stop at just one handful. Key lime pie lovers, this one’s for you!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- Zest of 3 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- Juice of 2 limes (about ¼ cup)
- 3 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Additional lime zest, for optional garnish
- Crushed graham crackers, for optional garnish
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl, place the white chocolate and salt. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring after each one, or until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
- Add the lime zest and juice to the melted chocolate and mix well.
- Stir the cereals into the melted chocolate mixture and stir well to evenly coat the cereal in the chocolate.
- Working quickly, transfer the chocolate-coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag and add in the powdered sugar. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, and shake/toss the bag around for a few minutes so that the sugar evenly coats the cereal.
- Spread the cereal out in an even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle additional lime zest and crushed graham crackers all over the cereal while it is still warm.
- Allow to set for 30 minutes before enjoying or transferring to an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: snack
Keywords: key lime pie puppy chow, key lime pie muddy buddies, key lime pie cereal mix, key lime pie chex mix, cereal snacks, cereal mix
Hi There. I'm Molly. I'm a food-obsessed, self-taught cook and I can't wait to share my passion for all things culinary with you. My love for egg yolks is just the tip of the iceberg!
[…] I love this twist on puppy chow! […]