Leprechaun Chow
This crunchy, colorful Leprechaun Chow Recipe is a no-bake, kid-approved St. Patrick’s Day snack mix packed with Chex cereal, pretzels, white chocolate, powdered sugar, and plenty of green candy magic.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal Corn Chex or a mix of both works too
- 2 cups mini pretzels twists or sticks; use gluten-free if needed
- 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows or rainbow marshmallows optional but adds a fun magical look
- 1 cup vanilla or birthday cake flavor popcorn optional; use dry, coated store‑bought popcorn
- 2 cups white chocolate chips about 12 oz; or use white candy melts
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps the white chocolate melt smooth
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sift if lumpy
- 1 cup green M&M’s or seasonal St. Patrick’s Day M&M mix
- 1 cup green chocolate candies, Sixlets, or chocolate-coated peanuts
- 1/2 cup green candy-coated sunflower seeds optional but very pretty
- 1/4 cup green and gold sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside for spreading and cooling the mix later.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, marshmallows, and popcorn (if using). Gently toss once or twice to distribute everything evenly.6 cups Rice Chex cereal, 2 cups mini pretzels, 2 cups Lucky Charms marshmallows or rainbow marshmallows, 1 cup vanilla or birthday cake flavor popcorn
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil or shortening. Microwave on 50% power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue microwaving in 20–30 second bursts at 50% power, stirring after each interval, until mostly melted. Add the vanilla extract and fine sea salt, then stir until completely smooth.2 cups white chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Pour the warm white chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzel mixture. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold to coat, scooping from the bottom and turning over the top until everything is lightly and evenly covered.
- Sprinkle about half of the powdered sugar over the still-warm mix and toss gently. Add the remaining powdered sugar and toss again until everything is well coated. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a large 2‑gallon zip-top bag, add the powdered sugar, seal, and shake until coated.1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in an even layer, breaking up large clumps so it cools quickly and doesn’t stick together. Let cool completely at room temperature, about 15–20 minutes, until the coating is set.
- Once the mix is completely cool, sprinkle the green M&M’s, green chocolate candies or Sixlets, candy-coated sunflower seeds, and green and gold sprinkles over the top. Gently toss on the baking sheet or return everything to the large bowl and toss to distribute the candies evenly.1 cup green M&M’s or seasonal St. Patrick’s Day M&M mix, 1 cup green chocolate candies, Sixlets, or chocolate-coated peanuts, 1/2 cup green candy-coated sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup green and gold sprinkles or sanding sugar
- Transfer the Leprechaun Chow to a large serving bowl or divide into treat bags or small cups for parties. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled Leprechaun Chow in an airtight container or large zip-top bags at room temperature for 4–5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1–2 weeks or freeze up to 1 month; let come to room temperature before serving. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Chex, gluten-free pretzels, and verify that candies and sprinkles are gluten-free. Add nuts like peanuts or cashews for extra salty-sweet crunch, or reduce powdered sugar for a less sweet mix. Always add candies after the coated mix has cooled to prevent colors from bleeding.
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