Are you ready to embark on a flavor adventure that’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season? Look no further than our Trick or Treat Trail Mix! This delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. With a combination of crunchy pretzels, salty peanuts, mini peanut butter Ritz Bits, and colorful candies, this trail mix is the ultimate snack for Halloween gatherings, movie nights, or simply satisfying your craving for something deliciously addictive. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 1 bag medium pretzels
- 1 can dry roasted peanuts
- 1 box mini peanut butter Ritz Bits
- 1 stick real unsalted butter
- 1 cup light Karo syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 package autumn colors M&M’s
- 1 package candy corn
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Pretzels and Peanuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pretzels and dry roasted peanuts. Set aside.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a saucepan, melt the stick of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the Karo syrup and sugar, stirring until well combined.
- Boil Butter Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
- Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
- Coat Pretzels and Peanuts: Pour the hot butter mixture over the pretzels and peanuts, stirring quickly to coat them evenly.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated pretzels and peanuts onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake: Bake the mixture in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the trail mix cool completely.
- Add Candy: Once cooled, mix in the mini peanut butter Ritz Bits, autumn colors M&M’s, and candy corn.
- Serve or Store: Serve the Trick or Treat Trail Mix immediately or store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the dry roasted peanuts and increase the amount of pretzels and Ritz Bits.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness of the trail mix by reducing the amount of sugar in the butter mixture or adding more candy for extra sweetness.
- Mix-ins: Get creative with additional mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even marshmallows to customize the trail mix to your liking.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Trick or Treat Trail Mix:
- Pretzel Substitute: Replace the pretzels with a combination of nuts such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts for a crunchy, low-carb option.
- Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar in the butter mixture.
- Candy Options: Look for sugar-free or keto-friendly candies such as sugar-free chocolate chips or keto gummy bears to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other types of nuts in this trail mix? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts such as cashews, almonds, or hazelnuts to add variety to the trail mix.
Q: Can I make this trail mix in advance? A: Yes, you can prepare the trail mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Q: Can I customize the candies in this trail mix? A: Of course! You can mix and match different types of candies such as chocolate chips, gummy bears, or licorice to suit your taste preferences.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.
Q: Can I add spices for extra flavor? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or even chili powder for a unique flavor twist.
In conclusion, Trick or Treat Trail Mix is the ultimate snack for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings while adding a festive touch to any gathering. With its irresistible combination of crunchy pretzels, salty peanuts, and sweet candies, this trail mix is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether enjoyed during Halloween festivities, movie nights, or as an on-the-go snack, it’s a treat that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this delicious trail mix today for a snack that’s spooky good!
