Pastry Crunch

Prep: 10 min Cook: 2 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Pastry Crunch is a delightful sweet and salty treat that combines the richness of vanilla candy coating with the crunch of cereals, pretzels, and peanuts. Perfect for parties or as a snack, it's a fun and easy-to-make indulgence that appeals to both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (24 oz.) vanilla flavored candy coating
  • 3 c. corn and rice cereal
  • 2 c. chow mein noodles
  • 2 c. small pretzel twists
  • 1 c. salted peanuts

Instructions

  1. Place candy coating in microwave.
  2. Melt according to directions.
  3. Stir melted coating into remaining ingredients.
  4. Spread on wax paper to cool.
  5. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure the candy coating is completely melted and smooth before mixing in the dry ingredients. If you want a chocolate version, substitute vanilla candy coating with chocolate candy coating. You can also experiment with different nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture. For a more colorful treat, consider adding sprinkles after mixing in the ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This Pastry Crunch makes for an excellent snack or dessert at parties and gatherings. Serve it in small bowls or bags for easy sharing. It pairs beautifully with Friendship Tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for a fun twist.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid area, refrigeration might be preferable, but allow the crunch to come to room temperature before serving to maintain its crispness. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pastry Crunch contains roughly 746 calories, with 13g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 53g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

746 kcal 37% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13g 26% DV
Total Fat 48.1g 62% DV
Carbs 95.6g 35% DV
Fiber 52.5g 100% DV
Sugar 2.9g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 158.2mg 7% DV
Potassium 311mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.7mg 1% DV
Calcium 86.8mg 7% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten Peanut

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 use different types of cereal in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute corn and rice cereal with your favorite cereals, such as Cheerios or crispy rice. Just ensure that the texture remains crunchy to achieve the desired result in the final treat.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Pastry Crunch gluten-free, ensure that all ingredients, including the candy coating and pretzels, are labeled gluten-free. Use gluten-free pretzel twists and check the cereal for gluten-free options to keep this snack safe for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I add other mix-ins to the Pastry Crunch?

Yes! You can personalize your Pastry Crunch by adding mix-ins like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or dried fruits. Just be mindful of the proportions to maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your final treat.

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).

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