This addicting Dried Cherry Snack Mix is loaded with cereal, nuts, dried tart cherries, yogurt-covered pretzels, and finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating.
The Best Snack Mix
When the weather warms up, my family loves walks, picnics, and hikes — and a good snack is always essential.
This Dried Cherry Snack Mix is a staple for our summer outings. The cinnamon-sugar coated cereal and nuts give a satisfying crunch, yogurt-covered pretzels add a creamy-salty contrast, and dried tart cherries bring sweet-tart bursts in every bite.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex and Corn Chex: A crispy, crunchy base. Spread the cereal evenly on the baking sheet for even coating.
- Mixed nuts: Adds flavor and extra crunch. Use your favorites to change the profile.
- Unsalted butter: Cut into pieces so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Brown sugar and light corn syrup: Make a caramel-like syrup that binds and sweetens the mix. Stir to prevent burning and achieve a smooth texture.
- Baking soda and salt: Add after boiling to help the syrup set and to balance flavor.
- Granulated sugar and ground cinnamon: Make the sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Mix thoroughly so the cinnamon is evenly distributed.
- Dried tart cherries: Provide a chewy, tangy contrast. Add them after baking so they stay soft.
- Yogurt-covered pretzels: Offer a creamy, salty note. Break them into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing.
How To Make This Snack Mix
- Toss the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and mixed nuts together on a lined sheet pan.
- Make the syrup by melting butter with packed brown sugar and light corn syrup in a medium heavy pot. Stir constantly, bring to a full rolling boil, and boil exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and salt. Pour the syrup over the cereal and nuts and work quickly to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon and granulated sugar mixture over the coated cereal and nuts, stirring gently to distribute it.
- Bake at 350°F: 5 minutes, remove and toss with a metal spatula, then bake 3 more minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Add the dried tart cherries and broken yogurt-covered pretzels once the mix is cool so the yogurt won’t melt. Toss to combine and break up any large clusters as needed.
Recipe tips
- Use an extra-large sheet pan (15 x 21 inches) or two large pans so the mixture spreads in a single layer for even baking.
- Line the pan with foil, parchment, or a Silpat liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup faster.
- Let the mix cool completely before adding the tart cherries and yogurt pretzels to keep them intact.
- Boil the sugar-syrup mixture for 1 minute — start timing when it reaches a full rolling boil, not just a simmer.
Quick Tip
Tart cherries differ from sweet cherries: they’re tarter when fresh and concentrate into a sweet-tart flavor when dried, similar to dried cranberries. They’re also rich in antioxidants and nutrients often highlighted for heart and inflammation benefits.
More snack mix recipes:
- Trail mix — a classic option for hikes and snacks.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Snack Mix — for chocolate lovers.
- Puppy Chow — a sweet, crunchy favorite.
- Holiday Snack Mix — festive and fun for gatherings.
- Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies — a creamy, chocolatey treat.
Snack Mix
By Chelsea Lords
An irresistible snack mix of cereal, nuts, tart cherries, and yogurt pretzels coated in cinnamon sugar — perfect for munching.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 10 servings, as a snack
Equipment
- Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″)
- Aluminum foil or parchment
- Medium pot
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 cup), cut into pieces
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup dried tart cherries
- 1 cup yogurt-covered pretzels, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15×21-inch sheet pan (or two smaller pans) with foil and grease with cooking spray.
- Add Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and mixed nuts to the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer.
- In a medium heavy pot, combine butter, packed brown sugar, and corn syrup. Over medium to medium-high heat, stir until the butter melts and the mixture reaches a rapid boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and salt. Pour the syrup over the cereal and nuts and quickly stir to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this over the coated cereal and nuts and stir to combine.
- Bake for 5 minutes, remove and toss with a metal spatula, then return to the oven for 3 more minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.
- When cool, add dried tart cherries and broken yogurt pretzels. Toss to combine and break up any large clusters.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 671 kcal
Calories: 671 kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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