If you’re looking for a sweet-and-salty treat that perks up snack time, the Toffee Coffee Snack Mix is your new go-to. This mix is the decadent marriage of crisp cereal, salty pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, and a buttery coffee syrup, all crowned with melty pools of chocolate and crunchy toffee bits. Whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a crowd-pleasing party nibble, this snack mix brings bold coffee flavor and satisfying crunch to every handful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Toffee Coffee Snack Mix relies on pantry staples that each bring something special to the party—from irresistible crunch to pops of chocolate and caramelized sweetness. You’ll appreciate how every bite balances texture and flavor to keep you coming back for more!
- Rice or corn cereal squares (3 cups): The sturdy base for your snack mix, offering light crunch and structure in every bite.
- Mini pretzels (2 cups): Add salty crunch that perfectly contrasts the sweetness from the toffee and chocolate.
- Honey-roasted peanuts (1 1/2 cups): These provide a nutty, sweet element and extra protein power.
- Toffee bits (1 cup): Sprinkled on at the end for a classic buttery caramel bite that highlights the toffee theme.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Melt into the mix while it’s warm, giving you little fudgy surprises in every handful.
- Brewed strong coffee or espresso (1/2 cup, cooled): Infuses deep coffee flavor throughout, making this mix irresistible for coffee lovers.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Binds the syrup together and adds rich flavor.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Keeps things sweet, sticky, and adds a hint of molasses.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and coffee notes.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a touch of spice, rounding out the flavors.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Accentuates the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Toffee Coffee Snack Mix
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup easy and prevents the sticky syrup from gluing your mix to the pan. While the oven is heating, measure out all your ingredients so they’re ready for action when you need them.
Step 2: Combine the Crunchy Ingredients
In a spacious mixing bowl, pour in your cereal squares, mini pretzels, and honey-roasted peanuts. Give them a gentle toss. You want an even distribution so every scoop of Toffee Coffee Snack Mix is balanced with sweet, salty, and nutty goodness.
Step 3: Make the Coffee Syrup
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the cooled strong coffee (or espresso), melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. This aromatic syrup will soak each ingredient in cozy coffee flavor, bringing the whole snack mix together.
Step 4: Coat and Toss
Pour your coffee syrup evenly over the cereal mixture. Using a sturdy spatula or big spoon, toss until everything is glistening with the sweet coffee mixture. Make sure every little pretzel and peanut is coated—this is what gives the mix its addictive flavor and crunch!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the syrup-coated mix onto your prepared baking sheet in a single, even layer. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Give it a good stir every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure all pieces crisp up and get evenly toasted, but watch that it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Finish
Right after you pull the tray from the oven, while your mix is still warm, sprinkle on the toffee bits and mini chocolate chips. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolate and help the toffee stick, creating that signature Toffee Coffee Snack Mix magic. Let it cool completely on the pan; as it sets, the chunks form those delightful clusters you crave.
How to Serve Toffee Coffee Snack Mix
Garnishes
A little extra goes a long way: try shaking on a dusting of cocoa powder, a pinch of flaky sea salt, or even a few extra chocolate chips right before serving for a festive look and even bigger bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
This snack mix is perfect on its own, but pairs beautifully with fresh fruit (think apple slices or clusters of grapes) or even small cubes of sharp cheddar cheese for a surprising contrast that will keep everyone snacking.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it party-ready! Spoon your Toffee Coffee Snack Mix into mini treat bags or mason jars for edible gifts, pile it into a large sharing bowl for game night, or fill muffin liners for individual servings at parties or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your mix has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay crunchy and fresh at room temperature for up to a week, making it a handy snack to have ready for sudden cravings.
Freezing
This mix actually freezes beautifully! Place cooled clusters in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. This means you can always have a batch on standby for parties or quick treats.
Reheating
If you’d like to revive any lost crunch, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 275°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Let it cool before serving; this trick brings back that irresistible texture and perks up the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use decaf coffee for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer to keep things caffeine-free, decaffeinated coffee or espresso works just as well and delivers delicious flavor.
How can I make the Toffee Coffee Snack Mix nut-free?
Substitute the honey-roasted peanuts with sunflower seeds, pepitas, or an extra cup of cereal or pretzels. Double-check your toffee bits for allergens as well!
What’s the best way to prevent clumping?
Make sure you stir the mix a few times during baking. After baking, let it cool fully on the tray before breaking apart—this ensures the coffee syrup sets into clusters without making everything stick together in one big block.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Definitely! Roasted almonds, cashews, dried cherries, or even a handful of butterscotch chips make fun twists. Just watch for ingredients that might melt or burn at baking temperatures.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes! Just bake in two batches or use two large baking sheets to avoid overcrowding. Doubling is perfect for parties or gifting during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a snack that delivers a jolt of excitement with every bite, the Toffee Coffee Snack Mix deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or secretly keeping it for yourself, this sweet-meets-savory treat is impossible to resist. Whip up a batch and see how quickly it disappears!
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Toffee Coffee Snack Mix Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Toffee Coffee Snack Mix is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors in a crunchy snack mix. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties, movie nights, or as a tasty gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
Coffee Snack Mix:
- 3 cups rice or corn cereal squares (like Chex)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 1/2 cups honey-roasted peanuts
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup brewed strong coffee or espresso, cooled
Coffee Mixture:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts.
- Prepare coffee mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cooled coffee, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well blended.
- Combine and bake: Pour the coffee mixture over the dry ingredients and toss to coat evenly. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35–40 minutes, stirring every 10–15 minutes.
- Add toppings: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with toffee bits and mini chocolate chips. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add roasted almonds or cashews.
- Swap mini pretzels for chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweeter twist.
- This mix makes a great edible gift packaged in jars or treat bags.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
