Oh, you’re going to love this White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe! It’s that perfect little treat I grab when I want something sweet, salty, and crunchy all in one bite. The best part? It’s so easy to whip up, which makes it my go-to when friends stop by or for movie nights at home.

This snack mix isn’t just any mix—it’s a crowd-pleaser. The creamy vanilla almond bark coating ties together the cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and colorful M&M’s in a way that feels a little indulgent but never overwhelming. Trust me, once you try this White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients blend beautifully to create a mix of textures and flavors that keep you reaching for more. Plus, they’re all easy to find at your local grocery store, so no hunting required!

Corn CHEX cereal: The perfect crispy base that holds up well when coated with white chocolate.
Cheerios cereal: Adds a little extra nutty flavor and rounds out the crunch.
Mini pretzel twists: Bring that irresistible salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
Dry roasted salted peanuts: Adds protein and a little salty pop to every handful.
Regular M&M’s candies: These colorful little guys add fun, color, and a chocolate surprise. Use most in the mix and save some for garnish!
Vanilla almond bark candy coating: This is the magic ingredient that binds everything together with sweet, creamy vanilla goodness.

Variations

I love how versatile this White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe can be. You can easily tweak the mix-ins to suit your taste buds or any dietary needs, so don’t be afraid to get creative!

Variation: Swap out M&M’s for peanut butter or caramel candies for a different sweetness. I once tried dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor—delicious but messier!
Nut-Free: Just leave out the peanuts and try roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds instead for crunch and protein. Perfect for school snacks or allergy-friendly gatherings.
Seasonal Twist: Add festive sprinkles during holidays or mix in red and green M&M’s for Christmas. I love surprising my guests with themed mixes.

How to Make White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Vanilla Almond Bark

Start by breaking the vanilla almond bark candy coating into smaller pieces for even melting. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring well in between. Be patient—it can seize if overheated, so take your time until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Combine the Mix-In Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss together the Corn CHEX, Cheerios, mini pretzels, and dry roasted peanuts. Make sure everything is roughly the same size for an even coating. It’s best to use a big enough bowl so you’re not making a mess when the coating goes on.

Step 3: Coat the Mix with White Chocolate

Pour the melted vanilla almond bark over the cereal and nut mix. Now comes the fun part—use a spatula to fold and gently toss everything together so each piece gets coated. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; some mix-ins will have thicker coverage, and that’s part of the charm.

Step 4: Add M&M’s and Let It Set

Stir in 2 cups of the regular M&M’s so they get slightly coated but stay colorful and bright. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. This usually takes about an hour at room temperature. Pro tip: Don’t rush it in the fridge, or the coating might crack.

How to Serve White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe

A white bowl filled with a mixture that includes round brown pretzels covered in a shiny white coating, colorful candy-coated chocolates in red, green, yellow, blue, and brown, light brown square cereal pieces, and small round beige cereals. The mix looks crunchy and is piled high inside the bowl. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface, there are scattered pretzels, peanuts, candies, and cereal pieces. In the background, two more white bowls hold similar mixtures, and a clear bowl contains bright multicolored candy-coated chocolates. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a handful of the reserved M&M’s on top right before serving—they add a pop of color and extra crunch. Sometimes I sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty balance even more.

Side Dishes

This White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a cold glass of milk. It’s also great alongside a cheese board or as a playful nibble during game nights.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve found serving the mix in festive bowls or mason jars makes it feel extra special. You can also portion it into cute cellophane bags tied with ribbon – perfect for gifting! Once, I layered it with whipped cream and strawberries in a clear trifle dish for a fun dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crunchy and fresh for up to a week, which means you can enjoy it slowly without rushing.

Freezing

If you want to store it longer, freezing works well. Just place the mix in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it keeps for about 2 months. When you’re ready, let it thaw at room temperature—don’t microwave, or the chocolate coating may melt.

Reheating

Since this is a snack mix, reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if you find the coating a bit firm from the fridge or freezer, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to soften naturally before serving. This keeps all the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate chips instead of vanilla almond bark?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips can be substituted, but I recommend adding a bit of vegetable oil or shortening when melting them to create that smooth, coating effect almond bark naturally has. This helps it adhere better to the mix.
How long does this White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix last?

Stored in an airtight container, this snack mix stays fresh for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option for up to two months.
Can I make this snack mix nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the peanuts and replace them with your favorite nut-free crunchy options such as roasted pumpkin seeds or chickpeas. It still tastes fantastic without nuts!
Is it okay to refrigerate the snack mix?

You can refrigerate it, but I usually leave it at room temperature because refrigeration can make the coating brittle and sometimes cause condensation when brought back to room temp. If you do refrigerate, let it come back to room temp before eating.
Can I use a different type of cereal?

Of course! Swap in your favorite cereals like Rice Chex or Wheat Chex to suit your taste, just make sure they hold up well when coated. Avoid cereals that dissolve quickly or get soggy easily.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe holds a special spot in my snack stash because it’s easy, forgiving, and absolutely addictive. I love how you can customize it, yet it always feels festive and fun. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy having this little bag of happiness on hand whenever a sweet and salty craving hits.

White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

This White Chocolate Trash Snack Mix is a sweet and salty treat perfect for snacking or sharing. Combining crispy cereals, crunchy pretzels, roasted peanuts, and classic M&M’s, all coated in creamy white chocolate, this mix delivers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Ideal for parties, holidays, or simply satisfying your snack cravings.

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 10 cups of snack mix 1x
Category: Snack
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cereal and Snacks

2 cups Corn CHEX cereal
2 cups Cheerios cereal
2 cups mini pretzel twists
1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts

Candies and Coating

2 to 2½ cups regular M&M’s candies, divided (2 cups for the mixture, up to ½ cup for garnish)
24 ounces vanilla almond bark candy coating

Instructions

Prepare the Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups Corn CHEX, 2 cups Cheerios, 2 cups mini pretzel twists, and 1 cup dry roasted salted peanuts. Stir gently to evenly mix all components.
Melt the Almond Bark: Follow the package instructions to melt 24 ounces of vanilla almond bark candy coating until smooth and creamy. This can typically be done in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, or using a double boiler on the stovetop.
Combine and Coat: Pour the melted almond bark over the mixed cereals, pretzels, and peanuts. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the white chocolate.
Add M&M’s: Fold in 2 cups of regular M&M’s candies into the coated snack mix carefully to avoid smashing the candies.
Set and Garnish: Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wax paper. Sprinkle the remaining up to ½ cup of M&M’s on top for color and garnish. Allow the mixture to cool and set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the coating hardens and the snack mix pieces are separated.
Serve or Store: Once set, break into clusters if needed. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

You can substitute vanilla almond bark with white chocolate chips melted with a tablespoon of vegetable oil for a smoother coating.
To avoid broken M&M’s, gently fold them in after coating instead of mixing vigorously.
Store in an airtight container to keep the mix crunchy and fresh.
This mix is great for holiday gifting; package it in decorative bags or tins.

Keywords: White Chocolate Snack Mix, Trail Mix, Sweet and Salty Snack, Party Snack, Holiday Treat