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Festive Patriotic Trail Mix Recipe for Fourth of July Snacks

Sweet and crunchy Patriotic Trail Mix combines candy-coated cereal with mini marshmallows, licorice and M&Ms for a festive snack.

Patriotic Trail Mix is an ideal treat for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, or any patriotic occasion. It’s quick to make, colorful, and perfect for sharing while watching fireworks or enjoying a picnic.

candy coated cereal mixed with mini marshmallows, licorice and M&Ms in a red bowl

A Festive & Easy Treat!

Hi, I’m Lily! I love sharing simple, delicious snacks and the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. We celebrated in Arizona with family, and this Patriotic Trail Mix was the perfect, easy treat to enjoy outdoors.

This mix features corn Chex lightly coated in white candy coating, red, white and blue M&Ms, chopped licorice (Twizzlers or your favorite licorice), and mini marshmallows. The idea came from Sprinkle Some Fun and it’s delightful — sweet, crunchy, and colorful.

It’s a great snack for kids and adults alike. Make a big batch for gatherings and watch it disappear fast!

candy coated chex on wax paper

Making Patriotic Trail Mix

COAT THE CEREAL. Place 3 cups corn Chex in a large bowl. Melt the white candy coating over low heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly until completely smooth. Pour the melted coating over the Chex and gently toss until the cereal is evenly coated. Spread the coated cereal on wax paper and allow it to set.

ADD THE MIX-INS. Once the coated cereal has set, combine it with 1 cup red, white and blue M&Ms, 1 cup mini marshmallows, and about 15 pieces of licorice cut into quarters (or to taste). Toss everything together until evenly mixed. Serve and enjoy!

cut licorice on wax paper

Tips, Variations + Storing Info

White chocolate/Candy coating: One cube of candy coating equals about 2 oz. If you prefer white chocolate chips, use approximately 1 1/3 to 1 1/2 cups. You will need either 8 oz of candy coating cubes or 1 1/3–1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips to coat 3 cups of cereal.

Variations:

  • Swap in peanut M&Ms for extra flavor and texture.
  • Use Golden Grahams instead of Chex for a different base.
  • While the coating is still warm, sprinkle patriotic sprinkles onto the cereal for extra color.
  • Substitute popcorn for the Chex to make a sweet-and-salty version.

Storage: Store the trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 weeks.

candy coated cereal mixed with mini marshmallows, licorice and M&Ms in a red bowl

For more Patriotic treats, check out:

  • Fourth of July Rice Krispies Treats
  • Patriotic Poke Cake
  • Red, White and Blue Cake
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Patriotic Trail Mix Recipe

By: Kristyn Merkley
Sweet and crunchy Patriotic Trail Mix is filled with candy-coated cereal mixed with mini marshmallows, licorice and M&Ms.
Servings: 6 people
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 cup corn chex
  • 15 licorice cut in quarters
  • 1 cup M&Ms red, white and blue
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 4 cubes vanilla candy coating

Instructions 

  • Place corn Chex in a large bowl.
  • Melt candy coating over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour over Chex and mix until coated. Spread on wax paper and let set.
  • When the coated cereal is set, add M&Ms, mini marshmallows, and chopped licorice. Toss to combine and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 6g, Calories: 270kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Sodium: 149mg, Potassium: 31mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 30g, Vitamin A: 578IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 91mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Recipe adapted from Sprinkle Some Fun.