Teddy Bear Snack Mix: A Kid-Friendly Delight
This Teddy Bear Snack Mix is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a favorite among children and adults alike. Easy to prepare and perfect for storing in individual portions, this mix is not only a hit at lunchtime but also makes a fantastic after-school snack. By portioning it into baggies and keeping them in the freezer, you ensure that every bite remains as fresh as the day it was made. This recipe, which I adapted from an OAMC (Once a Month Cooking) website, is a practical solution for busy parents looking to keep their little ones happy and nourished with minimal effort.
Overview
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 12 cups
- Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars from 7 reviews)
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120.7 |
| Total Fat | 5.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 6.8 mg |
| Sodium | 94.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 16.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 10.6 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Bear-shaped graham crackers |
| 5 cups | Ramen noodles (discard seasoning) |
| 3 cups | Mixed nuts (peanuts recommended) |
| 1 cup | Raisins |
| 1 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 cup | Butter (melted) |
| 1/3 cup | Honey |
| 1/3 cup | Orange juice |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the snack mix, ensuring that it will achieve that perfect crispness.
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Prepare the Ramen: Open your package of ramen noodles, discarding the seasoning packet that comes with it. This will allow the flavors of your mix to shine through without being overly salty.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ramen noodles, bear-shaped graham crackers, mixed nuts, and raisins. This delightful combination of textures and flavors is what makes this snack mix irresistible.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a 4-cup glass measuring cup, whisk together the ground cinnamon, honey, melted butter, and orange juice until well combined. This mixture will add a sweet, sticky coating to your snack mix.
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Melt the Mixture: Place the glass measuring cup in the microwave and heat the mixture until it is melted and thoroughly blended, about 30-60 seconds depending on your microwave’s power.
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Coat the Mix: Carefully pour the honey mixture over the cereal and noodle mixture in the bowl, ensuring that every piece gets a generous coating. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so that the graham crackers, nuts, and raisins are evenly coated.
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Bake the Snack Mix: Spread the mixture evenly onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to promote even browning.
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Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the snack mix from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time will help the mix firm up and become crunchy.
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Portion and Freeze: Once cooled, package the snack mix into individual baggies, using about 1/2 cup of the mix per bag. Place these baggies in a larger freezer-safe Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer. This way, your kids can easily grab a bag whenever they need a tasty snack, while you ensure that it stays fresh for a longer time.
Conclusion
This Teddy Bear Snack Mix not only provides a fun and tasty option for kids but also allows for easy meal prep and storage. Its blend of sweet and savory ingredients makes it a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on various occasions, from lunch boxes to family gatherings. By preparing this delightful mix ahead of time and freezing it, you’ll always have a convenient and delicious snack on hand, ready to satisfy those snack cravings anytime. Give this recipe a try, and watch as your kids eagerly reach for their favorite Teddy Bear Snack Mix!
