Cheerios Snack Mix
A crunchy, sweet snack mix with cheerios, nuts and dried fruit, perfect for parties or a quick treat, combining caramel, salt and wholesome flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the Cheerios, peanuts and raisins in a large brown paper bag.
- Bring the brown sugar, margarine, syrup and salt to a boil in a microwave dish; boil for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the baking soda. Pour this mixture into the bag; shake and microwave for 1-1/2 minutes.
- Shake again and microwave another 1-1/2 minutes.
- Spread on a greased cookie sheet and stir as it cools.
- Add M&M's when cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider toasting the Cheerios and peanuts in the oven before mixing. If you don't have white syrup, you can substitute with corn syrup or honey, but be aware of the flavor change. To reduce sweetness, adjust the brown sugar to your taste. This mix is versatile; feel free to add other nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheerios Snack Mix as a fun snack at parties or as a treat for movie night. It pairs beautifully with Jello Shooters for a festive gathering. You can also pack it in lunchboxes for a quick energy boost or serve it at kids' birthday parties alongside other snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cheerios Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you need to re-crunch the mix, you can spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Avoid refrigerating as it may become stale.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheerios Snack Mix contains roughly 17 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 567mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Cheerios Snack Mix a few days in advance. Just ensure it's stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. The flavors may meld together nicely over time, enhancing the overall taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of brown sugar and syrup to cut down on sweetness. Alternatively, consider using natural sweeteners like agave syrup. Adding more nuts and seeds can also boost the nutritional value, making it a healthier snack option.
What can I substitute for peanuts if there are allergies?
If you're dealing with nut allergies, you can easily replace peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also omit them entirely and increase the amount of raisins or add other seeds to maintain texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).