Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This sweet, salty Fall Snack Mix has crunchy cereal squares, pretzels, candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, and chocolate chips, all baked in a buttery brown sugar glaze that ties it all together!
The Perfect Fall Snack Mix for Every Occasion
If you love that sweet-and-salty combo (and who doesn’t?), this fall snack mix is about to be your new favorite treat. It’s the perfect combination of cozy fall flavors and delicious textures: crunchy, chewy, and a little melty from the chocolate chips. You can serve it in big bowls for a Halloween movie night, pack it into little snack bags for school functions, or set it out at your next fall party.
What makes this snack mix so special is the balance. You get warm notes of cinnamon and brown sugar baked onto the cereal and pretzels, giving everything that caramel-like crunch, then toss it with candy and marshmallows once it cools.
Just like our Big, Chewy Crumbl-style Halloween Candy Cookies, Old-Fashioned M&M Cookies, and White Chocolate Candy Corn Cookies, every bite has a little bit of everything. I also love that this treat comes together in just 30 minutes with some pantry staples and a little melted butter!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a mix)
- Mini pretzels
- Roasted peanuts
- Candy corn
- Reese’s Pieces
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Butter, melted
- Brown sugar, packed
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Tips for the Best Fall Snack Mix
- Let it cool completely. If you add the candy too early, it’ll melt into a gooey mess.
- Use parchment paper. It keeps the coating from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Try different mix-ins. Swap the candy corn for candy pumpkins or toss in some apple chips for a fruity fall twist.
- Make it ahead. This snack mix stays crunchy for days, so it’s perfect to prep before a party or road trip.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Base
In a big bowl, combine the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and peanuts. These are the sturdy ingredients that can handle being baked.
3. Make the Butter Mixture
In a small microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth. It should smell like fall in a bowl: buttery, warm, and just a little sweet!
4. Coat & Bake
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mix, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Spread it all out on your parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through so it toasts evenly.
5. Cool & Mix
Once golden and fragrant, let the mix cool completely at room temperature. Then stir in the candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Cooling first is key; otherwise, the chocolate will melt right into the mix (not that that would be the worst thing!).
6. Serve or Store
Transfer your delicious fall snack mix to a big serving bowl for sharing or small bowls for portioning. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, though it rarely lasts that long.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store your fall snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week. If you’re planning ahead for Halloween or a school event, you can also portion it into small snack bags a few days in advance.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just skip the peanuts and add more cereal or pretzels instead. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds also make great substitutes.
Absolutely. Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, or even candy pumpkins all work. Go with whatever your family loves most.
You can! Just microwave the coated cereal mixture in 1-minute intervals, stirring after each, until everything’s evenly coated and fragrant.
Definitely! Use two large baking sheets so it bakes evenly. This recipe disappears fast, so doubling it for a party or fall gathering is always a good idea.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex cereal rice, corn, or a mix
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- ½ cup candy corn
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Toss gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
- Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, stir in candy corn, Reese’s Pieces, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
- Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
