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 was a hit at our family New Year's party, everyone loved the balance of flavors and the unique look.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Step 3:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Step 7:
- 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.
- Step 8:
- Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.
Save Making this snack mix became a fun tradition for us each New Year's Eve, bringing everyone together before the countdown.
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 This gold and black midnight snack mix is sure to impress your guests and add sparkle to any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free pretzels and popcorn to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets while maintaining a crunchy texture.
- → How do I store the snack mix to keep it fresh?
Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to retain its crispness and flavor.
- → What is the purpose of baking the coated mix?
Baking helps the honey butter coating set and crisp slightly, enhancing the mix’s texture and melding flavors.
- → Can I skip the espresso beans in the mix?
Yes, espresso beans add a bittersweet depth but can be omitted for a kid-friendly version without changing the overall taste much.
- → Are there any nut-free options for this mix?
Omit any nut additions and check the candy and cereal labels carefully to ensure no nut contamination for a safer option.