Choc Popcorn Crunch Snack Mix
For a crunchy, moreish snack with an Aussie twist, this easy treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Freshly popped popcorn, gooey marshmallows, and bits of Nature Valley™ Crunchy Oats & Honey or Canadian Maple Syrup bars create the perfect sweet-salty combo.
Ingredient List
- 75 g freshly-popped popcorn
- 2 Nature Valley™ Crunchy Oats & Honey or Crunchy Canadian Maple Syrup Snack Bars, broken into pieces
- 60 g white mini marshmallows
- 150 g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
Preparation
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Prep the Tray
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with baking paper for easy cleanup and even spreading. -
Pop the Corn
Pop 75g of corn kernels using an air-popper or stovetop. Spread the fluffy popcorn evenly across your tray. -
Add Granola Crunch
Break 2 Nature Valley™ Crunchy Oats & Honey (or Maple) Bars into small chunks and scatter over the popcorn. -
Marshmallow Time
Sprinkle 60g of mini marshmallows evenly over the mix for sweet, chewy pops in every bite. -
Melt the Chocolate
Gently melt 150g of dark chocolate over simmering water, stirring until glossy and smooth. -
Drizzle & Decorate
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the mix in ribbons. Use a spoon or piping bag for neater lines. -
Chill to Set
Refrigerate the tray for 20 minutes until the chocolate sets completely. -
Break & Serve
Break into chunks and serve in bowls. It’s ideal for movie nights, parties, or snacking on the go. -
Optional Add-Ins
Try chopped apricots, pecans, or your favourite nuts for extra flavour and texture!
Made With
Why you'll love this recipe
Turn everyday snack time into something deliciously irresistible with this easy-to-prepare crunchy treat! Featuring Nature Valley™ Crunchy snack bars combined with fluffy marshmallows, popcorn and indulgent chocolate drizzle, it's an innovative twist on classic snack favourites.
How to customise the recipe for your taste
For a fruit twist, try adding dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or sultanas for a delightful burst of natural sweetness and chewy texture that complements the crunch perfectly. – White chocolate lovers can swap out the dark chocolate for a generous drizzle of melted white chocolate, lending a new creamy and indulgent element.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- To add extra crunch and variety, toss through a handful of macadamias or lightly salted cashews before drizzling with chocolate—perfect for Aussie taste buds.
- Make sure your popcorn is fresh and crisp for the best texture; stale popcorn can soften quickly when paired with melted chocolate.
- For hassle-free popping, use a bag of microwave popcorn (plain or lightly salted), ensuring it is cooled completely before you combine it with other ingredients.
- Try mixing different varieties of Nature Valley Crunchy Bars to create your own customised flavour combo—Oats & Dark Chocolate also pairs deliciously with marshmallows.
- Melted chocolate sets faster if the prepared tray is placed in a single, even layer and chilled promptly; a quick visit to the fridge helps achieve the necessary texture in warmer climates.
- If you don’t have a piping bag handy, no worries—simply pour the chocolate into a sandwich-sized ziplock bag, sealing tightly and snipping off a small corner for easy controlled drizzling.
- Avoid overheating the chocolate; gentle heat and regular stirring will help ensure it melts smoothly and keeps its glossy sheen.
- Store leftovers (if you have any!) in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crispiness. Avoid refrigeration after setting, as condensation may occur.
- Feel free to experiment by swapping dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate to suit personal preferences and to cater for different tastes among friends or family.
- Hosting family movie night or afternoon hangouts? Present the snack mix in paper cones or brightly coloured serving cups to create an appealing and fun shareable snack experience.
Troubleshooting Guide
Having a bit of trouble with your snack mix? Don’t worry—here are quick, easy solutions so you can get it spot-on every time. First up: chocolate failing to melt smoothly? This often happens when water sneaks into your bowl or your chocolate overheats. Be sure the bowl sits above, not touching, the simmering water underneath.
