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White Trash Snack Mix

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

White Trash Snack Mix blends crunchy Corn Chex, Cheerios, mini pretzels, and peanuts, highlighted by bursts of colorful M&M’s. Each bite is coated in a creamy layer of melted vanilla almond bark, creating an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. The process is simple—just toss the dry ingredients, pour over smooth melted bark, and combine before setting everything on a baking sheet. After a brief rest, break the mixture into clusters perfect for sharing. This sweet and salty snack is ideal for parties, gifting, or satisfying cravings, with plenty of room for personalized variation using favorite cereals or candy colors.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:58:51 GMT
A bowl of white trash cereal. Save
A bowl of white trash cereal. | lilicooks.com

White trash is the ultimate sweet and salty no bake snack mix that always brings a little bit of color and crunch to any party table It is one of those treats you can pull together in minutes then watch everyone gather around for handful after handful making it a favorite for game days potlucks or even just as a cheeky weeknight treat at home

I tossed this together once for a family movie night years ago and ever since my kids insist on having a big bowl for every holiday Now the aroma of almond bark mixing with crunchy cereals always feels nostalgic to me

Ingredients

  • Corn CHEX cereal: adds a crispy foundation that soaks up plenty of sweet coating Choose boxes that are firm and not crushed
  • Cheerios cereal: small wholesome rounds that balance sweet and salty Go for the original variety for classic flavor
  • Mini pretzel twists: bring a salty crunch Choose small uniform shapes for even mixing
  • Dry roasted salted peanuts: give a nutty depth and extra saltiness Use fresh peanuts and avoid those that have an oily residue
  • M and Ms candies: add bursts of color and chocolate Opt for fresh candies to keep the coating from cracking
  • Vanilla almond bark: creates the sweet creamy shell that holds everything together Use good quality bark that melts smoothly without burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Baking Sheet:
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In an extra large mixing bowl combine the Corn CHEX cereal Cheerios mini pretzels peanuts and two cups of M and Ms Stir to mix evenly so every scoop gets a nice balance
Melt the Almond Bark:
Place the vanilla almond bark in a microwave safe bowl Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring in between until completely smooth and pourable This step is key for a silky coating
Coat the Mixture:
Pour the melted almond bark over your bowl of cereal and mix ins Quickly but gently fold everything together with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated Work steadily so the mixture does not set up before you finish
Spread and Garnish:
Transfer the coated mixture onto your prepared baking sheet Spread into a single even layer For that pop of festivity sprinkle extra M and Ms across the top pressing lightly so they stick
Let It Set:
Leave your tray at room temperature for at least one hour until the coating is completely hardened Do not refrigerate or the candies may sweat
Break Into Clusters:
Once set use your hands to break the bark into bite sized clusters Serve in a big bowl or wrap in cute bags for gifting
A bowl of cereal with marshmallows and pretzels. Save
A bowl of cereal with marshmallows and pretzels. | lilicooks.com

My favorite part has always been picking out the little pockets where the almond bark pools around a cluster of pretzel and M and Ms That bite always reminds me of winter afternoons when my prep help came from little hands sneaking candies whenever they thought I was not paying attention

Storage Tips

Keep your snack mix in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain crunch Avoid the fridge as condensation can soften the cereal and dull the candy shell If wrapping as gifts use cellophane or sturdy plastic bags to prevent breakage

Ingredient Substitutions

Rice CHEX works perfectly in place of corn for a slightly milder flavor Honey nut Cheerios give a sweeter note and can switch things up Swap vanilla almond bark for white chocolate melting wafers but remember to melt slowly and gently to avoid scorching

Serving Suggestions

Pour this snack into a big bowl for movie nights or parties It also makes a playful addition to cookie platters or as a topping for ice cream For a seasonal twist use holiday themed M and Ms or add festive sprinkles before the bark sets

A bowl of cereal with M&M's and pretzels. Save
A bowl of cereal with M&M's and pretzels. | lilicooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

White trash is an American party classic that has been passed around Midwest potlucks and holiday tables for decades It is a quintessential no bake childhood treat that welcomes improvisation and cheer wherever it travels Each household has its own version but the magic comes from the combination of crunch color and foolproof assembly

Recipe FAQs

→ What cereals work best for this snack mix?

Corn Chex and Cheerios provide a sturdy base. You can also use Rice Chex or Honey Nut Cheerios for a subtle flavor twist.

→ Can I substitute the vanilla almond bark?

Yes, white chocolate melting wafers work well. Be sure to melt them gently and evenly for best coating results.

→ How should I store the finished mix?

Keep the cooled clusters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

→ Is this snack mix good for gifting?

Absolutely! Package bite-sized pieces in cellophane bags or boxes for a colorful and crowd-pleasing edible gift.

→ Can I use holiday-themed M&Ms?

Definitely. Swapping in festive-colored candies adds a seasonal touch for parties or special occasions.

→ What’s the best way to break the mix into pieces?

Once set, simply use your hands to break the hardened layer into even, bite-sized clusters.

White Trash Snack Mix

Crunchy cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and M&M’s come together in a sweet, salty no-bake party snack.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
5 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 10 Serves

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Snack Mix Components

01 2 cups Corn CHEX cereal
02 2 cups Cheerios cereal
03 2 cups mini pretzel twists
04 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts
05 2 to 2 ½ cups regular M&M’s candies, divided
06 24 ounces vanilla almond bark candy coating

Steps

Step 01

Line a large rimmed baking sheet (18x13 inches) with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 02

In a 6-quart mixing bowl, combine Corn CHEX cereal, Cheerios cereal, mini pretzels, peanuts, and 2 cups of M&M’s candies.

Step 03

Melt the vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl according to package directions, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth.

Step 04

Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and gently fold to evenly coat all ingredients. Work quickly, as the almond bark hardens rapidly.

Step 05

Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Optionally, sprinkle up to ½ cup of additional M&M’s candies on top for color.

Step 06

Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour until the almond bark has completely hardened.

Step 07

Once hardened, break the mixture into bite-sized clusters with your hands. Transfer clusters to a serving bowl or package in cellophane bags for gifting.

Tips

  1. Rice CHEX cereal can replace Corn CHEX if preferred.
  2. Holiday-colored M&M’s can be used for festive occasions.
  3. Honey Nut Cheerios can substitute the original variety for added flavor.
  4. High-quality white chocolate wafers can replace vanilla almond bark; melt according to package instructions.
  5. Two 10-ounce bags of M&M’s candies yield the required 2 cups with some leftover for garnish.

Required Tools

  • Large rimmed baking sheet (18x13 inches)
  • 6-quart mixing bowl
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains dairy (almond bark)
  • Contains gluten (cereals and pretzels)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 805
  • Fats: 39 g
  • Carbohydrates: 102 g
  • Proteins: 8 g