Festive Circus Animal Snack Mix
Indulge in the whimsical flavors of the circus with this delightful Festive Circus Animal Snack Mix! Combining the sweet creamy goodness of white and pink chocolate with the playful texture of Chex cereal, funfetti cake mix, and frosted circus animal cookies, this treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a fun dessert to wow your guests. With vibrant colors and a sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils, it's as fun to make as it is to eat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
White chocolate (Wilton's white candy melts)
4 ounces (Melted)
Funfetti cake mix
1 cup, divided (Measured)
Chex cereal
6 cups, divided (Measured)
Powdered sugar
2/3 cup, divided (Measured)
Rainbow nonpareils
2/3 cup, divided (Measured)
Pink candy melts
4 ounces (Melted)
Frosted circus animal cookies
1 1/2 cups (Lightly crushed)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
3
Stir in 1/2 cup of the funfetti cake mix until well blended.
4
Add 3 cups of the Chex cereal into the mixture, folding gently to evenly coat each piece.
5
Sprinkle in 1/3 cup of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of rainbow nonpareils, mixing gently until the cereal is completely covered.
6
Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto one of the prepared baking sheets.
7
In another bowl, melt the pink candy melts in the same manner as the white chocolate, stirring until completely smooth.
8
Combine 1/2 cup of the remaining funfetti cake mix and 3 cups of Chex cereal into the melted pink chocolate, stirring gently until fully coated.
9
Add the last 1/3 cup of powdered sugar and 1/3 cup of nonpareils, mixing until the cereal is well covered.
10
Carefully drizzle or pour the pink chocolate cereal mixture over the white chocolate mixture on the baking sheet, then use a spatula to spread it evenly.
11
Finish by topping the mixture with lightly crushed frosted circus animal cookies for that perfect finishing touch.
12
Allow the snack mix to set completely before breaking it into pieces and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Circus Animal Snack Mix?
It is a whimsical treat made with Chex cereal, white and pink chocolate, cake mix, and animal cookies.
Which cereal is best for this recipe?
Chex cereal is recommended for its texture and ability to hold the chocolate coating.
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, you can use Crispix or another rice-based cereal if you prefer.
What are white candy melts?
They are a vanilla-flavored confectionery coating that melts smoothly for dipping and coating.
How do I melt the candy melts safely?
Microwave them in a bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
Can white chocolate chips be substituted?
Yes, but candy melts usually provide a smoother finish and set more firmly.
What is the role of the Funfetti cake mix?
It provides a sweet, cake-like flavor and adds extra sprinkles to the mix.
Should I heat treat the cake mix?
If you are concerned about raw flour, you can microwave the dry mix until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is powdered sugar used in this snack mix?
It helps coat the cereal and prevents the pieces from sticking together in a large clump.
What are rainbow nonpareils?
They are tiny, colorful ball-shaped sprinkles used for decoration and crunch.
Can I use different colors for the chocolate?
Absolutely, you can use any colors of candy melts to match your specific party theme.
How do I keep the cereal from crushing?
Use a rubber spatula and fold the mixture very gently when combining ingredients.
Is parchment paper necessary?
Yes, it ensures the snack mix doesn't stick to your baking sheets while it sets.
How long does the mix take to harden?
It typically sets completely in about 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it can be made a few days before your event if stored properly.
What is the best way to store this snack mix?
Store it in an airtight container or a large zip-top bag in a cool, dry place.
How long will the snack mix stay fresh?
It remains fresh and crunchy for up to one week when stored correctly.
Can I put this snack mix in the freezer?
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the cereal and cookies.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, children love the bright colors and the sweet circus-themed flavors.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
You can add peanuts, cashews, or almonds for an extra salty and crunchy element.
What are frosted circus animal cookies?
They are small animal-shaped shortbread cookies covered in pink or white icing and sprinkles.
Do I leave the cookies whole?
The recipe suggests lightly crushing them to distribute the flavor throughout the mix.
Can I use food coloring?
If using white chocolate, ensure you use oil-based food coloring to prevent the chocolate from seizing.
When should I serve this snack mix?
It is perfect for birthday parties, circus-themed events, movie nights, or as a dessert gift.
Is the Festive Circus Animal Snack Mix gluten-free?
It is not gluten-free unless you use certified gluten-free cereal and cake mix.
How much snack mix does this recipe produce?
It makes approximately 8 to 10 cups of snack mix.
Can I double this recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use additional baking sheets for spreading.
Why is the cereal mixture divided?
It is divided to create two distinct colors, white and pink, for a festive appearance.
What if the melted chocolate is too thick?
You can add a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to thin it out.
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
Yes, feel free to use seasonal sprinkles or different shapes to customize the look.