Harvest Hash Recipe

Introduction

Harvest Hash is a delightful sweet and salty snack mix that combines crunchy cereals with peanuts and colorful Reese’s Pieces. This treat is perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you want a satisfying, homemade snack.

Ingredients

• 1 box of Crispix
• 1 bag of Bugles
• 1 bag of Reese’s Pieces (230g)
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or prepare a large roasting pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl or directly in the roasting pan, combine the Crispix, Bugles, and peanuts. Mix well to combine.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (approximately 235-240 degrees F).
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Pour the hot butter and sugar mixture over the cereal and peanut mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the coated mixture evenly to the two prepared sheet pans lined with parchment paper. If using a roasting pan for mixing, it can go straight into the oven.
7. Step 7: Bake in the oven for 1 hour, stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even baking.
8. Step 8: Remove the mixture from the oven and let it cool. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent it from hardening into a solid block.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces over the mixture and gently fold them in.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the butter and sugar mixture before boiling.
• You can substitute peanuts with other nuts such as almonds or cashews based on preference or allergies.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 1 1/2 cups.

Storage

Store the Harvest Hash in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a low oven if you want to soften the crunch before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Crispix?

Yes, you can substitute Crispix with another similar crunchy cereal like rice squares or corn flakes, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Why is it important to stir the mix while cooling?

Stirring every 15 minutes prevents the mixture from hardening into a solid block, making it easier to enjoy as a loose snack.

Harvest Hash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

Harvest Hash is a sweet and crunchy treat combining Crispix cereal, Bugles, roasted peanuts, and Reese’s Pieces, all coated in a rich butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup mixture. Baked to perfection at a low temperature, this snack is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic, sweet, and salty crunch.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 box of Crispix cereal
• 1 bag of Bugles
• 1 cup roasted and salted peanuts
• 1 bag (230g) of Reese’s Pieces

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, or prepare a large roasting pan if you prefer to mix and bake in one vessel.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl or directly in the roasting pan, combine the Crispix, Bugles, and roasted salted peanuts. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Make Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (about 235-245°F).
4. Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the syrup with flavor.
5. Mix Syrup with Cereal: Pour the hot butter and sugar mixture over the Crispix mixture. Thoroughly stir to coat all cereal and peanuts evenly with the syrup.
6. Transfer to Baking Sheet: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared parchment-lined cookie sheets. If mixed in a roasting pan, you can bake directly in it.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheets or roasting pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and coating.
8. Cool and Stir: Remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent the clumps from hardening together as the mixture sets.
9. Add Reese’s Pieces: Once the Harvest Hash has fully cooled, sprinkle the Reese’s Pieces throughout and gently mix to combine. The candy pieces will retain their shape and add a burst of color and sweetness.

Notes

• Be sure to use a candy thermometer to achieve the soft-ball stage for the best texture.
• Stirring during baking and cooling prevents the mixture from clumping into one large mass.
• For added variety, consider adding other nuts or dried fruit according to preference.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Keywords: Crunchy snack, sweet and salty treat, holiday snack, cereal snack mix, Reese’s Pieces recipe, homemade snack