Cheerios Snack Mix

If you’re looking for a snack that’s both delicious and easy to make, look no further than Cheerios Snack Mix. This delightful blend of crunchy Cheerios, sweet M&M’s, and savory peanuts comes together in a few simple steps, making it the perfect treat for parties, movie nights, or just a satisfying afternoon snack. The combination of flavors and textures makes this mix irresistible, and it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still getting a bit of that wholesome cereal goodness. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe, what you’ll need, and how to whip up your very own Cheerios Snack Mix.

Reasons to Love Cheerios Snack Mix

There are plenty of reasons to adore Cheerios Snack Mix. Here are just a few:

• Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this snack mix ready in no time.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, a game day gathering, or just a cozy night in, this mix fits right in.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness of the M&M’s and the crunch of the peanuts, making it a hit for family gatherings.
• Storage-Friendly: This snack mix keeps well, so you can make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

What to Buy

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to gather for your Cheerios Snack Mix:

• 6 cups Cheerios: The base of our snack mix, providing crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• 2 cups peanuts: Roasted and salted peanuts add a satisfying crunch and savory flavor.
• 1 cup raisins: Sweet and chewy, raisins balance the salty peanuts perfectly.
• 1/2 cup butter: For that rich, buttery flavor that binds it all together.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup: Helps to bind the mix together and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Creates a light texture and helps with the coating.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a wonderful aroma and flavor depth.
• 1 1/2 cups M&M’s: For a colorful and sweet finishing touch.

Equipment Breakdown

Gather the following kitchen tools to make your Cheerios Snack Mix:

• Large mixing bowl: To combine all your ingredients easily.
• Medium saucepan: For melting the butter and mixing the syrup and sugar.
• Baking sheet: To spread the mix out for cooling and crisping up.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy in your ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: To mix everything together thoroughly.

Cheerios Snack Mix: How It’s Done

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Cheerios Snack Mix.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your snack mix will bake evenly and become perfectly crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the mix from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cheerios, peanuts, raisins, and M&M’s. Set aside while you prepare the syrup mixture.

Step 4: Melt the Butter and Sugar

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Add Baking Soda and Vanilla

Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up a bit.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm syrup mixture over the dry ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until all the dry ingredients are well coated.

Step 7: Spread on Baking Sheet

Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. This helps it bake uniformly.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the sheet from the oven and let the mix cool completely. Once cooled, break it into clusters and store it in an airtight container.

Variations by Season

Cheerios Snack Mix is versatile, and you can easily adapt it for different seasons:

• Fall: Add pumpkin spice or chopped pecans for a seasonal twist.
• Winter: Mix in some chopped dried cranberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Spring: Incorporate pastel-colored candies and dried coconut for a festive look.
• Summer: Use fresh berries instead of raisins for a refreshing touch.

What Not to Do

To ensure your Cheerios Snack Mix turns out perfectly, avoid the following common mistakes:

• Don’t rush the cooling process; the mix needs to set and become crunchy.
• Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the mix to become too hard and difficult to chew.
• Don’t forget to stir halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t use stale or expired ingredients, as this will impact the flavor and texture.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To maintain the freshness of your Cheerios Snack Mix, consider these storage tips:

• Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in a resealable bag for up to three months.
• Keep the mix away from direct sunlight and heat to prevent it from becoming stale.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make Cheerios Snack Mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mix stores well, so feel free to make it a few days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for peanuts?

If you have nut allergies or simply don’t like peanuts, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even chocolate chips for an extra sweet twist.

Is there a way to make it healthier?

Sure! You can use whole grain Cheerios, reduce the amount of sugar, or add more dried fruits and seeds to increase the nutritional value.

Can I use different types of cereal?

Yes! Feel free to mix in or replace the Cheerios with other cereals like Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even granola for different textures and flavors.

Don’t Miss These

Explore more delicious recipes and snack ideas:

• Sally’s Baking Addiction
• Pinch of Yum
• Minimalist Baker
• Joy the Baker

The Last Word

Cheerios Snack Mix is a delightful and versatile treat that brings together sweet and salty flavors in a way that is sure to please everyone. Whether you whip up a batch for a gathering or keep it all to yourself for some well-deserved snacking at home, it’s a recipe that deserves a place in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this scrumptious snack mix. You won’t regret it!