Apple pie snack mix is a perfect sweet and salty snack mix that’s great for tailgating or your next party!
For the past couple of years my parents have been hosting a football/tailgating party to watch the Iowa/Iowa State game. For those of you who are unaware, this is a huge rivalry.
My husband is an Iowa fan, while I am an Iowa State {and alum} fan. House divided. Although I’m not an avid fan, the Iowa/Iowa State game is still so fun.
It’s probably because of all of the good food, friends, family and a little bit of smack talk.
Everyone who attends is requested to bring a snack to share. You know I basically always bring a dessert, but wanted to switch up my typical cookies for something that was still sweet, but a little bit salty.
Enter the apple pie snack mix. It’s easy to grab a handful as you’re grazing the table{s}…yes, we have tables of food at this party. Doesn’t that make the best party? But I love that it’s the perfect mix of sweet and salty. Just like the teams: Iowa State {sweet} and Iowa {salty}. 😂😂
Essential components of apple pie snack mix
A really good snack mix has the perfect mixture of textures. Crunchy, creamy and chewy. ✔✔✔
Pretzels are always a must for the crunchy. But I also wanted a really good cereal that would play up that crunchy aspect. Enter this Kashi Cinnamon French Toast cereal. It’s low in sugar, has an awesome cinnamon flavor that compliments the apple pie spice.
And then there’s the popcorn. White cheddar cheese popcorn is the perfect addition to this apple pie snack mix because it lends that savory/salty flavor. Our sweet and salty combination is born!
A few fun extras in apple pie snack mix
While pretzels, sweet cereal and popcorn are musts in a great snack mix, we’re not done just yet. There needs to be a few fun friends that like to hang out at this apple pie spice party.
Dried apples {I found these at Target, and they’re incredibly addicting, and perfect for this snack mix} add a little soft texture that you’re likely not expecting in a snack mix. Plus they one up the apple flavor of this party. Next up? Walnuts. I mean we want to get a little healthy here in our apple pie snack mix, so they’re bringing it!
Last, but not least, in our snack mix is the white chocolate chip. Creamy, sweet and delicious, and brings everyone together.
My favorite part is tossing the white chocolate chips into the slightly warm snack mix {a couple minutes after it’s come out of the oven}. They melt slightly and create these delicious chunky pieces of apple pie snack mix that you will probably go digging for.
Time to party!
Now you’re ready to head to your next potluck, tailgating party or you know, just grabbing a handful as you pass through the kitchen.
Who says you have to officially have a party to make apple pie snack mix anyway? Not me!
Looking for other party perfect snacks? Check these out!
Healthy Gluten Free Monster Cookies
- 5 cups white cheddar popcorn
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 ½ cups walnut pieces {or unsalted roasted peanuts}
- 3 cups Kashi Cinnamon French Toast cereal
- 1 ½ Tbsp. apple pie spice
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. salt
- 4 Tbsp. melted coconut oil
- 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 cup dried apples
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips
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Preheat oven to 300°F and spray a large baking sheet with baking or cooking spray.
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In a large bowl, toss together the popcorn, pretzels, walnuts {or peanuts} and cereal.
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In a small bowl, stir together the apple pie spice, cinnamon, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla.
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Pour half of the wet ingredients over the dry and toss to coat. Repeat with the remaining wet ingredients.
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Spread the mixture in an even layer on the prepared sheet and bake for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
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Meanwhile, dice the dried apples.
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When the mixture comes out of the oven and is still slightly warm, mix in the white chocolate chips and diced dried apples.*
*Note: when the mixture is still warm, the white chocolate chips will melt slightly and create tasty clumps of snack mix.
