Trash Candy

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A crunchy, salty-sweet candy mix featuring nuts, pretzels, and Cheerios coated in vanilla and paraffin, perfect for snacking or party treats, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 small can salted peanuts
  • 1 small can cashews
  • 1 small can pecans
  • 1 small can pretzels
  • 2 cups Cheerios
  • 1 bar vanilla candy quick
  • 1/4 bar paraffin

Instructions

  1. Pour the mixture over the ingredients mixed in a large bowl.
  2. Stir with a wooden spoon to combine thoroughly.
  3. Drop portions of the mixture onto waxed paper to cool and set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a different flavor, consider substituting some of the nuts with your favorites, such as walnuts or almonds. If you want a sweeter touch, add mini chocolate chips or M&Ms to the mix. Be sure to melt the vanilla candy quickly to avoid clumping. Stirring in some Cheerios can also give a delightful crunch, reminiscent of Cheerio Snacks.

Serving Suggestions

Trash Candy makes for a fun snack at parties or game nights. Pair it with a bowl of popcorn for a crunchy combo, or serve it alongside Cocktail Smoky Links Or Meatballs for a savory-sweet spread. This treat is also a great addition to holiday gift baskets for friends and family.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Trash Candy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, avoid exposing them to moisture. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can briefly microwave individual portions for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Trash Candy contains roughly 939 calories, with 24g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (211% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (132% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 700mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).

939 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.9g 48% DV
Total Fat 39.7g 51% DV
Carbs 121.3g 44% DV
Fiber 16.2g 58% DV
Sugar 11g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 700.3mg 30% DV
Potassium 1073.6mg 23% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1188.8mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 4.3mcg 22% DV
Calcium 469.1mg 36% DV
Iron 37.9mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Peanut Tree nuts

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 recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Trash Candy can be made ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain its texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make Trash Candy gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free pretzels and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this treat without worrying about gluten sensitivities.

What can I substitute for the paraffin?

If you prefer not to use paraffin, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a similar food-safe wax alternative. Just melt and mix it in the same way as you would with the paraffin to maintain the desired 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).

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