Save A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.
This mix has become a holiday favorite at my gatherings and is always a hit with guests who appreciate both crunchy and chocolaty treats.
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:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Melt Coating:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Coat Mix:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake:
- 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:
- 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 This recipe always brings my family together, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoy its festive crunch and flavor.
Notes
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
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (pretzels, some cereals), and soy (chocolate). May contain nuts (if added or present in chocolates). Double-check candy and cereal labels for allergens.
Save This snack mix is a perfect blend of festive ingredients sure to delight your guests every time.
Kitchen Questions
- → What ingredients create the crunchy base?
The crunchy base combines black cocoa cereal, mini pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn for a mix of textures.
- → Can this mix be made gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pretzels and popcorn varieties, you can keep the mix gluten-free.
- → What adds the sweet and savory coating flavor?
A blend of melted unsalted butter, honey, and sea salt is drizzled over the base to coat and enhance flavors.
- → Are there options to customize the mix?
You can add roasted salted cashews or almonds for a nutty twist or omit espresso beans for a kid-friendly version.
- → How is the gold and black theme achieved?
The mix features gold candy-coated chocolates, gold star sprinkles, dark chocolate chips, and black coffee beans to create a festive color contrast.
- → What is the best way to serve this snack?
Serve it in bowls or festive bags as a stylish, crunchy treat ideal for New Year's or celebratory events.