Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Rice Chex Cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided into 1/2 cup portions)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided into two 1/4 cup portions)
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar, plus 1/2 cup extra (divided)
- 1/4 cup Strawberry Pectin Mix (or freeze-dried strawberry powder)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Bases. Divide the 9 cups of cereal evenly into three large zip-top gallon bags (3 cups per bag). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of the powdered sugar with the 1/4 cup strawberry carrageenan mix and stir until the color is uniform. Divide the remaining 1.5 cups of plain powdered sugar between the other two bags.
- Step 2: Create the Chocolate Component. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter with 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract. Microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth. Pour this mixture over the first bag of cereal (the one with plain powdered sugar), seal the bag, and gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated. Shake well until the powdered sugar adheres, then set aside.
- Step 3: Create the Strawberry Component. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter with 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder. Pour this mixture over the second bag of cereal (the one containing the strawberry-infused powdered sugar). Seal the bag and gently shake until fully coated, then shake vigorously until the powder adheres and the cereal is pink. Set aside.
- Step 4: Create the Vanilla Component. Melt the remaining 1/2 cup white chocolate chips. Pour this over the third bag of cereal (with plain powdered sugar). Seal the bag and shake gently until coated, then shake well until the powdered sugar adheres.
- Step 5: Combine and Chill. Pour all three batches of coated cereal—Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla—onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently mix the three colors together with a spatula or gloved hands. Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- For the best crunch, store the finished mix in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to four days; refrigeration can extend its freshness but may slightly soften the cereal.
- If the mix has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving so the chocolate components can warm slightly and return to optimal texture.
- Elevate the Neapolitan theme by serving this puppy chow as a fun, crunchy topping for a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
- To ensure the beautiful tricolor stripes remain distinct, combine the three separate batches using a very gentle folding motion or gloved hands, taking care not to aggressively stir or shake the colors together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American