Here’s a warm, cozy, and crunchy fall-inspired treat: Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix — a festive twist on classic Chex Mix, loaded with cinnamon, pumpkin spice, a touch of sweetness, and all the seasonal feels. Perfect for parties, gifting, or snacking by the handful!
🎃 Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix {Chex Mix}
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cool Time: 15 minutes
Servings: About 10 cups
📝 Ingredients:
🔸 Base Mix:
- 3 cups Rice Chex
- 3 cups Corn Chex
- 2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios (or plain)
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts (optional but delicious)
🔸 Coating:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🔸 Add-ins (after baking):
- 1 cup candy corn (optional)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or yogurt-covered raisins
👩🍳 Instructions:
🔹 1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat to 275°F (135°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
🔹 2. Mix the Base:
- In a large bowl, combine Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, and nuts.
🔹 3. Make the Pumpkin Spice Coating:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes until smooth and bubbly.
🔹 4. Coat & Bake:
- Pour the warm mixture over the cereal mix.
- Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Spread onto prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
🔹 5. Cool & Add Extras:
- Let the mix cool completely.
- Stir in dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and candy corn if using.
🎁 Perfect For:
- Fall movie nights 🍂
- Halloween parties 🎃
- Edible gifts in treat bags or mason jars 🎁
✅ Tips:
- Let it cool fully before storing to keep it crispy.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Want more spice? Add a dash of nutmeg or clove to the coating.