Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow – The Ultimate Summer Snack

When summer calls for something sweet, zesty, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow. This bright twist on a nostalgic classic combines the crunchy goodness of Rice Chex cereal with creamy white chocolate, a pop of lemon zest, and a sweet powdered sugar coating that makes every bite feel like sunshine.

Perfect for summer picnics, poolside snacking, kids’ parties, or just a refreshing afternoon treat, this lemon-flavored puppy chow is easy to make and even easier to love.

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What Makes This Lemonade Puppy Chow So Special?

Traditional puppy chow (or muddy buddies) is usually made with chocolate and peanut butter. But this version ditches the peanut butter and doubles down on citrusy brightness with real lemon juice, zest, and a secret flavor booster—lemon-flavored instant pudding mix. The result? A sweet and tangy snack with a creamy lemon coating and a perfectly crunchy finish.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this crave-worthy snack:

• 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1½ cups white chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (freshly grated)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup lemon-flavored instant pudding mix (dry mix only)

Pro Tip: Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—pre-bottled lemon juice doesn’t deliver the same zing.

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How to Make Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow

Step 1: Prep Your Station

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the Rice Chex cereal into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth (about 1–1½ minutes total).

Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice. The mixture should be glossy and fragrant.

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the warm lemon-white chocolate mixture over the Rice Chex cereal. Gently stir until every piece is evenly coated—be careful not to crush the cereal!

Step 4: Add the Sweet Coating

In a large zip-top bag, combine the powdered sugar and dry lemon pudding mix. Add the coated cereal to the bag, seal it, and shake well until all the pieces are covered in the lemon-sugar mixture.

Step 5: Let It Cool

Spread the finished puppy chow on your prepared baking sheet to cool and set for about 15–20 minutes. Then it’s ready to serve or store.

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Storage Tips

Store your Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge or freezer and let it come to room temp before serving.

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Fun Variations

Want to customize it? Try adding:

• A few drops of yellow food coloring to the melted chocolate for a sunny look
• Mini marshmallows for extra texture
• Freeze-dried fruit (like blueberries or strawberries) for a berry-lemon combo
• A sprinkle of lemon sugar for even more flavor

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Final Thoughts

This Zesty Lemonade Puppy Chow is more than just a treat—it’s a bite of summer in every handful. Easy to make, delightfully different, and sure to impress at any gathering, this citrusy snack is a must-try for lemon lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.

So the next time you want to brighten up your snack table, skip the usual and shake up a batch of lemonade-inspired puppy chow. Your taste buds will thank you.