Save to Pinterest 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 quickly become my go-to party snack for New Year celebrations because it looks elegant and tastes delicious.
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
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
- Make Coating:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
- Coat Mix:
- Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the snack mix. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve in bowls or fill festive bags for guests to take home.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around this snack during New Year's Eve, making it a cherished tradition.
Notes
For a nutty variation, add 1/2 cup roasted salted cashews or almonds. 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
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (butter), gluten (pretzels, some cereals), and soy (chocolate). May contain nuts if added or present in chocolates. Double-check candy and cereal labels for allergens.
Save to Pinterest 
This delightful snack mix is sure to impress your guests and bring festive cheer to your celebrations.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the snack mix its unique gold and black colors?
The mix uses black cocoa cereal and caramel popcorn combined with gold candy-coated chocolates and edible glitter to create striking gold and black accents.
- → Can this snack mix be made gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free pretzels and popcorn, you can prepare a gluten-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → What is the purpose of the honey-butter coating?
The honey-butter mixture adds a sweet, savory glaze that helps the ingredients stick together and enhances the overall flavor and texture after baking.
- → Are espresso beans necessary for the mix?
Espresso beans add a sophisticated coffee flavor, but they can be omitted for a kid-friendly version without altering the overall crunch or sweetness.
- → How should the snack mix be stored after preparation?
Once cooled, store the mix in an airtight container or festive bags to keep it fresh and crunchy for several days.
- → Can nuts be added to this snack mix?
Yes, roasted salted cashews or almonds can be added for a nutty variation, enhancing texture and flavor complexity.