
Vampire Bite Trail Mix is my go-to snack for Halloween parties or any time I need something festive and fun This sweet and tart mix overflows with crimson candies dark chocolate and dried fruit and it always disappears fast from the snack table
Ingredients
- Dried cranberries: give a chewy tart bite and their deep red color adds to the spooky theme Choose plump cranberries for the best texture
- Dark chocolate chips: bring richness and balance the tart fruit Look for ones with at least sixty percent cocoa for that bold flavor
- Cherry flavored candies: offer a burst of fruity sweetness and keep the mix playful Go for candies with a real cherry tang whenever possible
- Dark chocolate covered almonds: add crunch and nutty depth plus more chocolate Make sure almonds are fresh and the coating is glossy
- Red candy coated chocolates: give pops of color and creamy chocolate Pick ones with a vibrant red shell for maximum Halloween effect
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Gather the Ingredients:
- Lay out all the components on your workspace Check for freshness and quality by sampling a piece or two of each ingredient
- Mix Everything Together:
- Use a large bowl to hold everything Pour in the dried cranberries dark chocolate chips cherry candies chocolate covered almonds and candy coated chocolates Mix the contents by hand or with a spatula making sure the colors and textures are evenly distributed
- Present Your Mix:
- Pour the finished trail mix into a large serving dish for parties or scoop into small bags for individual snacks If storing for later seal in an airtight container for peak freshness

My favorite part is watching little hands pick out their favorite red candies My nephew loves the dark chocolate almonds and always asks for extras to sneak home with him After making this with the family I can never look at store bought trail mix the same way
Storage Tips
Trail mix will keep fresh in a sealed container for up to ten days Store it in a cool dry spot to prevent the chocolate from melting During hot weather chill in the fridge especially before packing into treat bags
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need a nut free version use chocolate covered sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of almonds Swap dried cherries or raisins in place of cranberries Mix in yogurt covered pretzels for a different crunch
Serving Suggestions
Spoon into festive Halloween cupcake liners for parties Pair with popcorn and apple cider for movie night Sprinkle on top of ice cream or use as a topping for a kids yogurt bar

Halloween Inspiration
This snack celebrates all things Halloween with its bold red and black colors Inspired by classic vampire lore and autumn fruits it brings extra fun to your holiday spread Every year we make this as a family tradition before trick or treating
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What gives this snack its signature red color?
The combination of dried cranberries, cherry-flavored candies, and red candy-coated chocolates delivers vibrant red pops throughout the mix.
- → Is this snack suitable for Halloween parties?
Absolutely! The bold colors and fun flavor blend make it perfect for festive gatherings or themed snack tables.
- → Can I swap out ingredients for allergies?
Yes, feel free to replace nuts or chocolate with your preferred alternatives to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- → What is the best way to serve this treat?
Serve it in a large bowl for sharing, or portion into treat bags for an easy grab-and-go snack option.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crispness.