Halloween Snack Mix
User Reviews
5
Halloween Snack Mix
Description
The Halloween Snack Mix features a base of popcorn, Cheerio and Chex cereals, and roasted peanuts mixed with a caramel sauce made from brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Baking the coated mix at a low temperature while stirring ensures an even, crisp caramel coating. Once cooled, the addition of autumn-themed candy corns and candy pumpkins adds color and contrasting textures. The sweet yet lightly salty profile stems from the mix's combination of plain cereals and peanuts with the sticky caramel.
Its crunchy texture and sweet flavor make it a convenient snack for fall gatherings or Halloween parties. The mix can be scooped into individual cups or served in a large bowl for grazing. The candy pieces added last prevent them from melting or losing shape in the oven.
Variations in cereal ratios allow for customization of texture and crunch. Peanuts can be swapped with additional cereal or pretzels for different snack profiles. Using salted peanuts offers a contrasting salty tone that complements the caramel. The preparation involves straightforward steps of mixing, coating, baking, and cooling, making it suitable for make-ahead holiday snacks.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Popcorn popped plain
- 2 cups Cheerios cereal plain
- 2 cups rice chex cereal
- 1 cup peanuts plain roasted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 11 ounce Autumn Candy Mix candy pumpkins and candy corn, package
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250F. Grease or use a silicone baking mat to line a half sheet pan or roasting pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together popcorn, Cheerios, Chex, and peanuts.
- Pour into prepared pan.
- In a large saucepan, stir together brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter.
- Heat over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring regularly.
- Boil for 6 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in the vanilla and baking soda until well-combined.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn mixture.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Stir.
- Continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
- Add candy mix before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the cereal amounts to your taste, for example using more Chex or Cheerios depending on texture preference.
- Substitute peanuts with extra cereal or pretzels to vary flavor and crunch.
- Salted peanuts can enhance the sweet and salty combination.
- Autumn candy mix often includes candy corn and candy pumpkins, but you can use only one type if preferred.
- Nutrition values are approximate and depend on ingredient versions used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 338 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 338kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 20% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 276mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 148mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 47g | 94% |
| Vitamin A | 297IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 52mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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