Gold and Black Midnight Snack

A festive, sweet-and-savory snack mix featuring gold and black ingredients—perfect for ringing in the New Year with style and crunch.

This mix has become a staple for our New Year celebrations, loved for its crunchy texture and festive look.

Ingredients

• Crunchy Base: 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar), 2 cups mini pretzel twists, 1 cup caramel popcorn
• Gold & Black Accents: 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults), 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms), 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter
• Sweet & Savory Coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.

Step 3:

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.

Step 4:

Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.

Step 5:

Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and just beginning to crisp.

Step 6:

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 7:

Once cooled, transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add chocolate chips, chocolate-covered espresso beans, gold candy-coated chocolates, and gold star sprinkles. Toss gently to combine.

Step 8:

Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.

Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Keep kitchen knives sharp for safer slicing, chopping, and precise prep during everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Pin it

Watching family enjoy this snack together has made our New Year even more special.

Notes

For a nutty variation, add 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews or almonds. Make it gluten-free by choosing gluten-free pretzels and popcorn. Pair with sparkling wine or a festive mocktail for a perfect NYE treat.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, small saucepan, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories: 235 per serving. Total Fat: 9 g. Carbohydrates: 36 g. Protein: 3 g.

Pin it

Serve homemade meals comfortably with sturdy utensils and steak knives for everyday dining and special dinners.

Check price on Amazon

This snack mix brings festive crunch and flavor to every celebration.

Recipe Q&A

→ What gives the mix its crunchy texture?

The combination of black cocoa cereal, mini pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn provides a satisfying crunch in every bite.

→ Can I omit the chocolate-covered espresso beans?

Yes, omitting espresso beans makes the mix friendly for all ages without losing flavor complexity.

→ How do I make this mix gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pretzels and popcorn varieties to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

→ What is the purpose of the honey-butter coating?

The honey-butter and sea salt coating adds a sweet-savory glaze that binds the mix and enhances flavor before baking.

→ Can I add nuts to this mix?

Yes, adding roasted salted cashews or almonds introduces a nutty crunch and richer texture to the blend.