Spooktacular Halloween Crunch Mix
Elevate your Halloween festivities with this delightful Spooktacular Crunch Mix! A whimsical blend of sweet and salty treats, this recipe combines crunchy pretzels, peanut butter-filled crackers, and roasted peanuts, all enveloped in a deliciously sweet syrup. Perfect for parties, this mix is not only festive but also quick to prepare and can be made in large batches. Toss in colorful M&M's and classic candy corn for that signature Halloween flair, making it an irresistible snack for kids and adults alike. Enjoy a delightful crunch in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pretzels
1 package (11 ounces) (Break into small pieces if desired.)
Miniature peanut butter filled crackers
1 package (10 1/2 ounces) (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Dry roasted peanuts
1 cup (Use whole; no preparation needed.)
Sugar
1 cup (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Cut into small pieces or cubes for easy melting.)
Light corn syrup
1/2 cup (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed; use as is.)
M&M's
1 package (10 ounces) (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Candy corn
1 package (18 1/2 ounces) (No preparation needed; use as is.)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzels, miniature peanut butter crackers, and dry roasted peanuts. Gently mix to combine.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat while stirring until the mixture comes to a boil.
3
Allow the mixture to boil for approximately 5 minutes without stirring. Be cautious, as it will get very hot.
4
Once boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be prepared for the mixture to foam up.
5
Immediately pour the warm syrup over the pretzel mixture in the bowl, stirring thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated.
6
Transfer the coated mix to a greased 15x10 inch baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
7
Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) and bake for 45 minutes, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes to ensure even baking.
8
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly before breaking the mix into pieces.
9
Allow the mix to cool completely at room temperature.
10
Once cooled, toss in the M&M's and candy corn until evenly distributed.
11
Store your Spooktacular Halloween Crunch Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spooktacular Halloween Crunch Mix?
It is a whimsical blend of sweet and salty treats, combining pretzels, peanut butter crackers, and peanuts coated in a sweet syrup, finished with M&M's and candy corn.
What are the main ingredients in this Halloween mix?
The main ingredients include pretzels, miniature peanut butter-filled crackers, dry roasted peanuts, sugar, butter, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, M&M's, and candy corn.
How long do I need to bake the crunch mix?
The mix needs to be baked for 45 minutes at 250°F (120°C).
How often should I stir the mix while it is in the oven?
You should stir the mixture every 10 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
When should I add the M&M's and candy corn?
Add the M&M's and candy corn only after the baked mix has cooled completely to prevent them from melting.
What type of peanut butter crackers are recommended?
The recipe calls for one 10 1/2 ounce package of miniature peanut butter-filled crackers.
How long should I boil the syrup mixture?
Once the sugar, butter, and corn syrup mixture reaches a boil, let it boil for approximately 5 minutes without stirring.
Why is baking soda added to the syrup?
Baking soda is added to the syrup after boiling to create a foaming reaction, which helps the syrup coat the snacks more evenly and creates a lighter texture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of butter or margarine.
What is the best way to store the Spooktacular Halloween Crunch Mix?
Store the mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Should I break the pretzels before mixing?
You can break the pretzels into small pieces if desired, or leave them whole depending on your preference.
What size baking pan is needed?
A 15x10 inch greased baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a fun and colorful snack that is a hit with both kids and adults, though adult supervision is needed when handling the hot syrup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 specific ingredients required for this crunch mix.
Can I use any type of corn syrup?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of light corn syrup.
What should I do if the syrup foams up?
The foaming is expected when you add the baking soda; simply stir it and immediately pour it over your dry ingredients.
Can I make this recipe in large batches?
Yes, this recipe is designed so it can easily be scaled up for parties or large gatherings.
Do I need to prepare the dry roasted peanuts?
No preparation is needed; use the whole dry roasted peanuts as they are.
What kind of flavor profile does this snack have?
It features a sweet and salty flavor profile with a delightful crunch in every bite.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, added after the syrup is removed from the heat.
What is the weight of the candy corn package needed?
The recipe suggests using one 18 1/2 ounce package of candy corn.
Is the mix sticky after baking?
Once it is cooled completely, the syrup sets and you can break it into non-sticky pieces.
Can I add the candy while the mix is warm?
It is recommended to wait until the mix is cooled to room temperature so the M&M's and candy corn don't melt.
How much sugar is in the syrup?
The syrup is made using 1 cup of sugar.
What makes this mix festive for Halloween?
The addition of classic Halloween treats like candy corn and colorful M&M's gives it a signature seasonal look.
Can I use different types of nuts?
While the recipe specifies dry roasted peanuts, you could substitute other nuts if preferred, keeping in mind the sweet and salty balance.
Do I stir the syrup while it boils?
No, you should allow the mixture to boil for 5 minutes without stirring once it reaches a boil.
What preparation is needed for the butter?
It is helpful to cut the butter into small pieces or cubes for easier melting in the saucepan.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to combine the pretzels, peanut butter crackers, and peanuts in a large mixing bowl.