Sparkling Cider Snack Mix

Featured in: Quick Snack Fix

This festive snack features a crunchy blend of rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Coated in a warm, sweet glaze made from sparkling cider, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla, the mix is baked to golden crispness, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Let cool then serve in clusters for easy snacking at any celebration or cozy gathering.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Golden-brown Party Mix glistens from a sweet apple cider glaze, perfect for a holiday snack. Save
Golden-brown Party Mix glistens from a sweet apple cider glaze, perfect for a holiday snack. | dashnosh.com

A festive, crunchy snack mix with a sweet apple-cider glaze, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.

This mix quickly became my go-to snack for festive occasions; it never lasts long!

Ingredients

  • Dry Mix: 3 cups rice cereal squares (such as Rice Chex), 2 cups mini pretzels, 1 cup honey roasted peanuts, 1 cup dried apple chips broken into bite-sized pieces, 1 cup popcorn (plain air-popped)
  • Cider Glaze: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine dry mix:
In a large bowl, combine rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn. Gently toss to mix.
Make glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, sparkling cider, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Coat mix:
Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix. Toss gently with a spatula until evenly coated.
Spread on sheet:
Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 25–30 minutes stirring once halfway through until the mix is golden and crisp.
Cool:
Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools.
Serve or store:
Once cooled break into clusters if needed and serve or store in an airtight container.
A close-up of a festive Party Mix with a cinnamon-spiced cider coating, ready to enjoy. Save
A close-up of a festive Party Mix with a cinnamon-spiced cider coating, ready to enjoy. | dashnosh.com

This snack often brings everyone together during the holidays it's a family favorite.

Notes

For extra flavor add a pinch of nutmeg or swap honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans.

Substitutions

Substitute apple chips with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.

Pairings

This mix pairs well with sparkling cider or festive mocktails.

Crispy bites of Party Mix offering a sweet and salty taste, ideal for sharing with guests. Save
Crispy bites of Party Mix offering a sweet and salty taste, ideal for sharing with guests. | dashnosh.com

This Party Mix is perfect for gifting or snacking enjoy every bite.

Kitchen Q&A

Can I substitute the peanuts in this mix?

Yes, you can swap honey roasted peanuts with candied pecans or other nuts to suit your taste or dietary needs.

How do I store the snack mix to keep it fresh?

Store cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunchiness for up to a week.

Is sparkling apple cider necessary for the glaze?

Sparking apple cider adds a light fruity sweetness and bubbly texture, but you can use regular apple cider if needed.

What’s the best way to make the mix evenly coated?

Pour the warm cider glaze immediately over the dry mix and gently toss with a spatula to coat all pieces evenly before baking.

Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?

Yes, adding a pinch of nutmeg or extra cinnamon to the glaze provides additional warmth and depth to the snack.

Sparkling Cider Snack Mix

Crunchy snack coated in sweet sparkling cider glaze infused with cinnamon and vanilla.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
30 min
Complete Duration
40 min
Created by Tyler Morgan

Recipe Type Quick Snack Fix

Skill Level Easy

Cultural Heritage American

Output 8 Portion Size

Nutritional Categories Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Dry Mix

01 3 cups rice cereal squares (e.g., Rice Chex)
02 2 cups mini pretzels
03 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
04 1 cup dried apple chips, broken into bite-sized pieces
05 1 cup plain air-popped popcorn

Cider Glaze

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
03 1/4 cup sparkling apple cider (non-alcoholic)
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix rice cereal, pretzels, peanuts, apple chips, and popcorn until evenly distributed.

Step 03

Prepare Cider Glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, sparkling cider, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Coat Snack Mix: Immediately pour the cider glaze over the dry mix and gently fold with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 05

Bake the Mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Cool Completely: Remove from oven and allow the mix to cool fully on the baking sheet; it will crisp as it cools.

Step 07

Serve or Store: Break into clusters if desired. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains peanuts, dairy (butter), and gluten (pretzels, potentially cereal). Verify labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (serving size)

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 255
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 4 g