Halloween is almost here, and the kids are already picking out costumes. You need a fun, spooky snack that fits the mood perfectly. This Vampire Bite Trail Mix is exactly what your family needs right now.
It is a fast way to bring some magic to your kitchen. You will love how the deep red fruits pop against the dark chocolate. It is the ultimate no-bake treat for busy October days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mix is the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The crunchy almonds and pretzels satisfy every craving you have. It is ready in 10 minutes with zero actual cooking involved.
You can easily scale this up for a large school party. It looks impressive on a snack table but costs very little. This Vampire Bite Trail Mix is a winner for any fall gathering.
Simple Method
Making this snack is as easy as it gets for beginners. You just need one large bowl and a sturdy spatula. There is no need to turn on your oven today. Simply fold the ingredients together until they look perfectly festive and bright.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are easy to find at your local grocery store. Use fresh dried fruits for the best flavor and color.
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried tart cherries
- 1.5 cups roasted salted almonds
- 1 cup white chocolate covered mini pretzels
- 0.5 cup red candy-coated chocolate gems
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a large glass mixing bowl, combine the roasted salted almonds and white chocolate covered mini pretzels.
- Add the dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and dried tart cherries to the bowl.
- Introduce the red candy-coated chocolate gems to the mixture.
- Using a large silicone spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until the colors are uniform.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or divide into individual snack-sized portions.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate from melting.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this in a large glass bowl to show off the colors. You can also pack it into small clear bags for school. These make wonderful party favors for your Halloween guests. Pair it with a glass of cold milk or apple cider.
Keep It Fresh
Store your leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the container in a cool, dark pantry for best results. This prevents the chocolate from blooming or getting soft. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Tips for Best Results
- Use tart cherries for a brighter red “vampire” look.
- Don’t skip the salted almonds to balance the sweetness.
- Chill your chocolate chips first if your kitchen is very warm.
- Gently fold the mix to avoid breaking the pretzels.
- For Halloween, serve in a black or orange festive bowl.
- Double the batch for large neighborhood potlucks.
- Add a few drops of red food coloring to the pretzels if desired.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap almonds for pumpkin seeds to make it nut-free.
- Use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Add mini marshmallows for a ghostly white texture.
- In summer, swap cherries for dried strawberries.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this up to a week early. Just keep it sealed tight so the pretzels stay crunchy. It is a great make-ahead snack for busy weeks.
Will kids actually eat the dark chocolate?
Most kids love it when mixed with the sweet red candies. If they are picky, you can use half milk chocolate. It still looks spooky and fun either way.
I hope this spooky snack brings a smile to your family this season. It is such a joy to make these simple memories together. Happy Halloween and happy snacking!
— Lidia
Vampire Bite Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried tart cherries
- 1.5 cups roasted salted almonds
- 1 cup white chocolate covered mini pretzels
- 0.5 cup red candy-coated chocolate gems
Instructions
- In a large stainless steel or glass mixing bowl, combine the roasted salted almonds and white chocolate covered mini pretzels.
- Add the dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and dried tart cherries to the bowl.
- Introduce the red candy-coated chocolate gems to the mixture.
- Using a large silicone spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until the distribution of colors and textures is uniform.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or divide into individual snack-sized portions.
- Store in a cool, dry place at or below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) to prevent chocolate bloom or melting.
