Save to Pinterest A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.
This snack mix has become my go-to when hosting New Year celebrations. The contrasting flavors and textures always impress my guests.
Ingredients
- Crunchy Base: 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar), 2 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 cup caramel popcorn
- Gold & Black Accents: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults), 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms), 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter
- Sweet & Savory Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Melt Butter Mixture:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Coat Snack Mix:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake Snack Mix:
- Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and just beginning to crisp.
- Cool Mix:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Add Accents:
- Once cooled, transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add chocolate chips, chocolate-covered espresso beans, gold candy-coated chocolates, and gold star sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together, especially during the holidays when we share stories and laughter over a bowl of this crunchy treat.
Notes
For a nutty variation, add 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews or almonds. Make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free pretzels and popcorn. Espresso beans add a sophisticated touch—omit for a kid-friendly version. Pair with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail for a perfect NYE treat.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories 235, Total Fat 9 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 3 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This Midnight Snack Mix is a festive and easy treat that adds sparkle to any celebration.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What gives this snack mix its gold and black colors?
The mix features black cocoa cereal and caramel popcorn for dark tones, accented by gold candy-coated chocolates and edible glitter.
- → Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pretzels and popcorn to accommodate gluten-free diets while maintaining texture.
- → Is there a way to add a nutty flavor to the mix?
Adding roasted salted cashews or almonds enhances crunch and adds a nutty note to the blend.
- → How long should I bake the coated snack mix?
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and just starting to crisp.
- → Are there adult-only ingredient options in this snack?
Chocolate-covered espresso beans add depth and a subtle coffee flavor; omit them for kid-friendly servings.
- → What serving suggestions complement this snack?
Pair it with sparkling wine or festive mocktails for a celebratory touch during gatherings or New Year events.