This fun snack mix combines crunchy cereal, red strawberries, white marshmallows, and blue blueberries for a colorful treat. Perfect for celebrations or just a snack at home!
It’s so easy to make that I can whip it up in no time. Plus, it looks great in a bowl for parties. I always take some to share—who could resist such a festive mix? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This cereal forms the base of your snack mix. If you can’t find Rice Chex, any other square cereal like Corn Chex or Crispix will work just fine!
White Chocolate or Almond Bark: I love using white chocolate for its creaminess. Almond bark is a great substitute if you’re looking for something that sets a bit quicker. You can even use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option.
Candy-Coated Chocolates: The mix of red, white, and blue chocolate candies adds color and sweetness. If you’re aiming for a more natural approach, try using colored raisins or other dried fruits instead!
Yogurt-Covered Pretzels: These add a nice crunch. If you prefer a salty kick, regular pretzels are a good swap. You can dip them in melted white chocolate for a similar taste.
How Do I Ensure the Coating Stays on the Cereal?
Getting the coating to stick can be tricky, but here’s a tip: Make sure to shake gently but thoroughly! This ensures even coverage without breaking the cereal.
- Melt the coating low and slow in short bursts in the microwave to avoid burning it.
- Work quickly when adding the coating to keep it from hardening before you mix.
- After shaking in the bag, spreading it out on parchment helps it set without clumping together.
Keep an eye on the coating while it sets—this is what gives the snack its satisfying crunch. Happy mixing!
Easy Red White and Blue Snack Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups white chocolate or almond bark coating
- Red powdered sugar (about 1/3 cup)*
- Blue powdered sugar (about 1/3 cup)*
- 1 cup white candy-coated chocolate candies (e.g., white M&M’s)
- 1 cup red candy-coated chocolate candies (e.g., red M&M’s)
- 1 cup blue candy-coated chocolate candies (e.g., blue M&M’s)
- 1 cup yogurt-covered pretzels or white chocolate-covered pretzels
*To make red and blue powdered sugar: place ½ cup of powdered sugar in a zip-top bag and add a few drops of red or blue food coloring; shake and mix until evenly colored.
Approximate Time Needed:
This colorful snack mix will take about 25 minutes to prepare, with about 20 minutes for the coating to set. It’s a fun and quick recipe to whip up for parties or celebrations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This will be used later to help set the coating. Don’t forget to line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Cereal:
Next, divide the Rice Chex cereal into two equal portions (3 cups each) and place each portion into separate large zip-top bags. This keeps the process organized!
3. Melt the White Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt half of the white chocolate or almond bark in 30-second intervals. Stir it after each interval until it’s fully melted and smooth. You want it creamy and easy to pour!
4. Coat the First Batch:
Pour the melted white chocolate over one bag of Rice Chex. Seal the bag and gently shake it to coat the cereal evenly. It’s like a fun shake dance for your snacks!
5. Add the Colored Sugar:
Add half of the red powdered sugar to the coated cereal bag, reseal, and give it another good shake to mix and coat. This will not only add sweetness but also a beautiful pop of color.
6. Spread on Baking Sheet:
Carefully empty the red-coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Repeat this whole process with the second bag of Rice Chex, using the remaining white chocolate and blue powdered sugar.
7. Set the Coating:
Let the coated cereals dry and set for about 20 minutes on the counter. If you want to hurry the process a bit, you can bake them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Make sure to allow them to cool completely after.
8. Combine Everything:
Once the coated cereals are cool, place the red- and blue-coated cereals in a large serving bowl. Now, it’s time to add your candies and pretzels!
9. Add the Sweeteners:
Add in the white, red, and blue candy-coated chocolates and the yogurt-covered pretzels. Mix everything together gently to combine all those wonderful flavors!
10. Serve or Store:
Dig in right away, or store your delightful snack mix in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, perfect for grabbing a handful whenever the craving hits!
Enjoy your festive Easy Red White and Blue Snack Mix. It’s a delightful treat for any occasion—celebratory or casual! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cereals in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex gives a great crunch, you can substitute it with any other similar square cereal like Corn Chex or even Crispix. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly!
What Can I Substitute for White Chocolate?
If you’re not a fan of white chocolate or need a dairy-free option, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips or almond bark. Both will still provide that sweet coating effect your snack mix needs!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Just give them a gentle shake before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients!
Can I Make This Snack Mix Ahead of Time?
Yes, this snack mix can be made a day or two in advance! Just store it in an airtight container, and it will be ready to enjoy whenever you need a festive treat!
