Easy Peanut Butter Chocolate Popcorn Snack Mix
A sweet and salty snack mix combining crispy popcorn, rice cereal, melted chocolate, and colorful M&M's. Perfect for movie nights, kids' parties, or casual entertaining when you want something indulgent that feeds a crowd. The combination of textures from crunchy cereal and fluffy popcorn with smooth chocolate coating creates an irresistible treat that's ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine popcorn and cereal in a large bowl
- 2
Combine peanut butter and chocolate chips with shortening in a small bowl
- 3
Melt mixture in microwave for 30-90 seconds, stirring after each 30-second interval
- 4
Pour melted chocolate over dry mix
- 5
Add about half the M&M's and stir to mix throughout
- 6
Sprinkle remaining M&M's as chocolate cools to prevent sinking
- 7
Store at room temperature loosely covered
Tips
Stir chocolate mixture every 30 seconds when microwaving to prevent burning and ensure smooth melting
Add M&M's in two stages so they don't all sink to the bottom as the chocolate sets
Store loosely covered to maintain crunch and prevent moisture buildup
Good to Know
room temperature loosely covered
can make 2-3 days ahead
room temperature in bowls or bags
Common Mistakes
don't overheat chocolate to avoid seizing
add M&M's gradually to prevent all sinking to bottom
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
maintains crunch
adds crunchy saltiness
Nut-Free Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use different types of cereal?
Yes, any crunchy cereal like Corn Chex, Cheerios, or even granola works well. Keep the quantity the same for best texture balance.
How long does this snack mix keep?
Store at room temperature loosely covered for up to one week. The cereal and popcorn will stay crispy if kept dry.
Can I freeze this mix?
Freezing isn't recommended as it will make the popcorn and cereal lose their crunch when thawed.