Leprechaun Bait
St Paddy's Day Leprechaun Bait is a sweet-and-salty no-bake snack mix with plenty of color and texture to please kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped kettle corn popcorn from about ½ cup unpopped kernels
- 12 ounces mint M&M’s
- 1 1/2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups mini pretzels each piece broken in half
- 12 ounces vanilla candy coating Almond Bark or CandiQuik, melted
- 1/2 cup dark green candy melts
- 1/2 cup light green candy melts
- 1/2 cup festive green and gold sprinkles
Instructions
- PREP PAN: Line a large rimmed baking sheet (13 x 18 inches) with parchment paper and set aside.
- MIX BASE: Add 8 cups popped kettle corn to a very large mixing bowl. Add 12 ounces mint M&M’s, 1 ½ cups Lucky Charms marshmallows, and 1 ½ cups broken mini pretzels. Gently toss to combine.
- MELT COATING: Place 12 ounces vanilla candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl or 2-cup measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- COAT MIX: Pour the melted vanilla candy coating over the popcorn mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- SPREAD: Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
- DRIZZLE: Melt the dark green and light green candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls using the same 30-second interval method. Drizzle each color over the popcorn mixture.
- DECORATE: Immediately sprinkle the candy-coated popcorn with ½ cup festive green and gold sprinkles while the drizzle is still wet.
- SET AND BREAK: Let the mixture dry completely, about 1 hour, until firm. Once set, gently break into snack-sized pieces.
Video
Notes
Make-Ahead: Leprechaun Bait can be made up to 2 days in advance for parties or classroom treats.
Storage: Store in an airtight container or sealed bags at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended. Candy coating can discolor and bloom once thawed.
Ingredient Note: You can use plain, buttered, or kettle corn. Kettle corn adds the best sweet-and-salty balance.
Shopping Tip: Almond Bark and CandiQuik are found in the baking aisle. Candy melts are typically in the cake decorating section at Walmart, Michaels, or JoAnn.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 167cal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 142mg | Sugar: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg