Gold and Black Midnight Snack (Printable Version)

A sweet-savory snack mix with black cocoa cereal, pretzels, caramel popcorn, and chocolate-coated gold accents.

# Ingredient List:

→ Crunchy Base

01 - 3 cups black cocoa cereal (e.g., Oreo Os or similar)
02 - 2 cups mini pretzel twists
03 - 1 cup caramel popcorn

→ Gold & Black Accents

04 - 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
05 - 1/2 cup chocolate-covered espresso beans (optional for adults)
06 - 1/2 cup gold candy-coated chocolates (e.g., gold M&Ms)
07 - 1/2 cup gold star sprinkles or edible glitter

→ Sweet & Savory Coating

08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
09 - 2 tablespoons honey
10 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine black cocoa cereal, mini pretzel twists, and caramel popcorn.
03 - Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in honey and sea salt until smooth.
04 - Drizzle the butter mixture evenly over the combined ingredients and toss gently to coat thoroughly.
05 - Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once halfway, until fragrant and beginning to crisp.
06 - Remove from oven and allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet.
07 - Transfer cooled mix to a large bowl and gently fold in dark chocolate chips, espresso beans if using, gold candy-coated chocolates, and gold star sprinkles.
08 - Serve in bowls or package in festive bags for guests.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like a celebration in a bowl with those shimmering gold candies against the dark chocolate
  • Sweet and salty flavors keep your hand coming back for just one more handful
  • Ready in twenty minutes but feels like you spent hours planning
02 -
  • Let the mix cool completely before adding the candies or they'll melt into a sticky mess, learned that one the hard way
  • The honey coating crisps up as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a little soft right out of the oven
  • Make this a few hours ahead so flavors can mingle, it actually gets better as it sits
03 -
  • Toss the mix gently when adding candies so the gold coating on the M&Ms doesn't crack off
  • If you're packing this as party favors, do it the morning of so everything stays crisp
  • A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving makes people think you're a genius

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