- 6 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemonade powder
Chex cereal (rice or corn) gives the snack its signature airy crunch and plenty of nooks for the coating to cling to. White chocolate chips melt into a sweet, creamy base that carries the lemon flavor, while butter smooths the mixture and helps it coat evenly. Fresh lemon juice and zest add bright, real citrus flavor, and vanilla rounds out the sweetness. Powdered sugar and lemonade powder finish the mix with a sweet‑tart shell that tastes like powdered lemonade.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Coat the Cereal
- Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside. Use a bowl big enough that you can fold the cereal without crushing it.
- In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Microwave the mixture in 30‑second intervals, stirring well between each, until the white chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Take care not to overheat, since white chocolate can scorch quickly.
- Pour the melted lemon mixture over the cereal. Using a spatula, gently fold and toss the cereal until every piece is evenly coated; work from the bottom of the bowl up to avoid breaking the squares.
Add the Lemonade Coating
- In a large zip‑top bag (or two smaller ones), combine the powdered sugar and lemonade powder. Seal and shake briefly to mix them evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake gently but thoroughly until all the pieces are dusted and no sticky spots remain. Break up any clumps with your hands through the bag.
Dry and Store
- Spread the coated cereal out in an even layer on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Let it cool and dry completely at room temperature—this step helps the coating set and keeps the mix crunchy.
- Once fully cooled and dry, transfer the lemonade puppy chow to an airtight container or zip‑top bags for storage.
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