Why Is It Called Trash Snack Mix?

The name refers to the fun combination of different snack ingredients tossed together into one delicious mixture. It isn't made with actual trash! The combination of cereal, pretzels, nuts, candy, and sweet coating creates an irresistible sweet-and-salty snack.

Can I Make Trash Snack Mix Without Almond Bark?

Yes! White chocolate melting wafers or candy melts are good alternatives. Choose a coating that melts smoothly and can harden at room temperature. Follow the manufacturer's melting instructions to avoid overheating.

How Do I Keep My Snack Mix From Getting Soggy?

Allow the coating to harden completely before storing the mixture. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and avoid refrigeration because condensation can soften the cereal.

Easy Trash Snack Mix (Sweet & Salty No-Bake Treat)

Name: Trash Snack Mix
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups Corn Chex cereal; 2 cups Cheerios cereal; 2 cups mini pretzel twists; 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts; 2 to 2½ cups regular M&M’s candies, divided; 24 ounces vanilla almond bark candy coating

Description

Trash Snack Mix is an easy no-bake sweet and salty treat made with crunchy Corn Chex, Cheerios, mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, colorful M&M’s, and creamy vanilla almond bark. Perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, homemade gifts, and family gatherings, this delicious snack comes together with simple ingredients and requires no baking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups Cheerios cereal
2 cups mini pretzel twists
1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
2 to 2½ cups regular M&M’s candies, divided
24 ounces vanilla almond bark candy coating

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Instructions

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper.
Combine the Corn Chex cereal, Cheerios, mini pretzel twists, dry roasted peanuts, and 2 cups of M&M’s in a large mixing bowl.
Break the vanilla almond bark into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
Melt the almond bark in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth.
Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and gently fold until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining M&M’s over the top while the coating is still soft.
Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for approximately 1 hour or until completely firm.
Break into bite-sized clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Use a large mixing bowl to make combining the ingredients easier.
Melt the almond bark slowly to prevent overheating and maintain a smooth consistency.
Work quickly after melting the coating because it begins to harden as it cools.
Fold the ingredients gently to avoid crushing the cereal and pretzels.
Reserve some M&M’s for decorating the top of the snack mix.
Allow the mixture to harden completely before breaking it into clusters.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid refrigeration and freezing to maintain the best crunchy texture.
Use seasonal M&M’s colors to customize the recipe for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or other celebrations.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: Approximately 455 kcal
Sugar: Approximately 48 g
Sodium: Approximately 400 mg
Fat: Approximately 25 g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 57 g
Fiber: Approximately 3 g
Protein: Approximately 6 g
Cholesterol: Approximately 5 mg