Spiders Candy
A fun, crunchy treat resembling spiders, made with Cheerios, Chinese noodles, peanuts, and a sweet butterscotch marshmallow coating, perfect for parties or kids' snacks.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix Cheerios, broken Chinese noodles, and roasted peanuts. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butterscotch chips, marshmallows, and butter over low heat.
- Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Add cooking oil and beat until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
- Work quickly before the mixture hardens.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the melted mixture. If you don't have butterscotch chips, you can substitute with chocolate chips for a different twist. For a nut-free version, simply omit the peanuts or use sunflower seeds instead, which pair well with the cereal mix. Working quickly is key, as the mixture will begin to harden.
Serving Suggestions
These spider candies make a fun treat for gatherings or Halloween parties. Serve them on a decorative platter for a festive touch or package them in small bags as party favors. They also pair nicely with other sweet treats like Brandi'S Fabulous Cookies or Caramel Nut Acorns for a delightful dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating as it may cause the candy to become too hard. If you need to reheat, microwave in short intervals until slightly softened, being careful not to overheat, which can change the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiders Candy contains roughly 649 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (88% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% 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 use different types of cereal?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cereals to suit your taste. Rice Krispies or Cornflakes could work as great alternatives to Cheerios, offering a different texture while maintaining that crunch. Experiment with different combinations for a unique flavor profile.
How do I make these candies stick together better?
If you find the mixture isn't sticking together well, try adding a bit more melted butter or marshmallows to the mix. This extra moisture will help bind the ingredients together better, ensuring they hold their shape once cooled.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes, these spider candies can be made in advance! They store well, so you can prepare them up to a week ahead of your event. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming stale.
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).