Sparkling Cider Snack Mix

Featured in: Sweet Spots

This festive mix combines crunchy rice cereal, pretzels, and nuts with dried apple chips and popcorn. A warm sparkling cider glaze infused with cinnamon and vanilla coats the mixture before baking to golden crisp perfection. The result is a sweet, spiced snack ideal for holiday parties or casual get-togethers. It cools into crunchy clusters bursting with apple and cider flavors, offering a delightful balance of textures and warmth.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Golden, crunchy Party Mix with a glistening cider glaze, ready to be enjoyed at your next gathering. Save
Golden, crunchy Party Mix with a glistening cider glaze, ready to be enjoyed at your next gathering. | tastychuck.com

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

I enjoy making this party mix because it brings friends and family together with its unique sweet and crunchy flavor.

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 Ingredients:
In a large bowl combine rice cereal pretzels peanuts apple chips and popcorn Gently toss to mix.
Make Cider 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 23 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 Mix:
Spread the mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 2530 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.
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| tastychuck.com

This recipe always brings warmth and smiles during our family gatherings especially around the holidays.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl saucepan baking sheet parchment paper spatula

Allergen Information

Contains peanuts milk (butter) and gluten (pretzels possibly cereal) Check all product labels for allergens especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions

Nutritional Information

Calories 255 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 4 g per serving

A big bowl of homemade Party Mix, with pretzels, peanuts, and apple chips, perfect for snacking. Save
A big bowl of homemade Party Mix, with pretzels, peanuts, and apple chips, perfect for snacking. | tastychuck.com

This Party Mix is a delightful snack that’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests every time.

Recipe Guide

Can I substitute the sparkling cider?

You can replace sparkling cider with apple juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage for similar flavor and glaze consistency.

How do I store the mix to keep it fresh?

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

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

Yes, you can omit peanuts or replace them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free variation.

What enhances the flavor of the cider glaze?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon and a touch of vanilla extract enriches the glaze with warm, aromatic notes that complement the apple cider.

Can I use different dried fruits?

Absolutely, dried cranberries or cherries can add a tangy contrast while still harmonizing with the cider glaze.

Sparkling Cider Snack Mix

Crunchy mix with sparkling cider glaze, apple chips, nuts, and cinnamon for festive gatherings.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
30 min
Full duration
40 min
Created by Chuck Harrison

Style Sweet Spots

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition Labels 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 non-alcoholic apple cider
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

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

Phase 04

Coat Snack Mix: Pour the cider glaze immediately over the dry mix. Gently toss with a spatula to ensure even coating.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The snack will crisp as it cools. Break into clusters as desired and serve or store in an airtight container.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure
  • Contains peanuts, milk (butter), and gluten (pretzels, possibly rice cereal). Verify labels if serving to guests with allergies.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

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