There’s something undeniably comforting about gathering around a bowl of crunchy, sweet, and salty goodness as the days grow shorter and the leaves trade their greens for deep reds and golds. Fall Chex Mix captures that special magic of autumn in every handful: crisp Rice and Corn Chex pieces dancing alongside salty mini pretzels and mixed nuts, all cloaked in a buttery-spiced glaze that’s laced with brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon. Each bite is an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and share stories with loved ones as a cozy breeze drifts through an open window. The vibrant pops of candy corn and candy-coated chocolates tucked into the mix feel like festive confetti, turning this snack into a celebration of the season’s warmth and wonder.
You don’t have to be a master chef to whip up this irresistible Fall Chex Mix—this beginner-friendly recipe takes just minutes of prep and a bit of oven time to deliver an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving game day, layering it into cute treat bags for neighbors, or simply craving something to nibble on while curled up with a good book by the fire, this crunchy snack has you covered. It strikes a perfect balance of crunchy textures and rich flavors that’ll have everyone reaching back for “just one more” handful. So grab your favorite mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and get ready to infuse your home with cozy autumn vibes—all wrapped up in a glorious spiced-sweet coating.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FALL CHEX MIX
Before diving into the oven, let’s take a look at the star players that make this Fall Chex Mix so darn delightful. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the bowl—some offer crunch, others sweetness, and a few add that nostalgic fall flair we all crave.
- Rice Chex cereal: Light and airy with a whisper of corn sweetness, these pieces form the bulk of the mix and soak up the buttery-spiced coating beautifully.
- Corn Chex cereal: Slightly heartier than its rice counterpart, adding a fun textural contrast and a subtle corn flavor that stands up well to the glaze.
- Mini pretzels: Deliver a robust salty snap that balances the sweetness, plus a satisfying crunch that keeps you munching bite after bite.
- Mixed nuts: A blend of almonds, peanuts, and cashews (or your favorite combo) brings protein-packed crunch and a rich, toasty flavor.
- Candy-coated chocolate pieces: Little bursts of melty sweetness that add color and surprise to each handful—perfect for a festive fall twist.
- Candy corn: The quintessential autumn candy, these chewy kernels layer in a mellow honey flavor and bright orange hues.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of our spiced glaze. When melted, it carries the brown sugar and maple syrup into every nook and cranny of the mix.
- Brown sugar: Offers deep, caramel-like sweetness that toasts up beautifully in the oven, giving the mix an irresistible golden sheen.
- Maple syrup: Infuses warm, woody notes reminiscent of crisp morning walks beneath orange leaves, perfectly complementing the cinnamon.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with floral undertones, creating a more complex and homey flavor profile.
- Ground cinnamon: A hint of warming spice that evokes pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters, tying the sweet and salty components together.
- Salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the flavors, ensuring that every bite is perfectly balanced and never cloying.
HOW TO MAKE FALL CHEX MIX
Let’s walk through each step of this simple, approachable recipe that transforms ordinary pantry staples into an extraordinary autumn snack. With just a handful of ingredients and some gentle stirring, you’ll have a batch of Fall Chex Mix that’s bursting with flavor, crunch, and cozy fall vibes.
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This low temperature allows the mix to toast evenly without burning the sugary coating, creating a perfectly crisp texture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzels, and mixed nuts. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures each piece will be thoroughly coated in the buttery glaze.
3. In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s fully liquid, stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
4. Pour the warm, spiced butter mixture over the Chex mix. Use a gentle folding motion to coat every cereal square, pretzel twist, and nut. Take your time to ensure the glaze adheres evenly.
5. Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This preparation prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring thoroughly every 15 minutes. This intermittent turning helps the mix toast evenly and develop that irresistible golden-brown caramelized coating.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the mixture cool completely on the sheet. Cooling is crucial for the mix to crisp up fully.
8. Once cooled, gently stir in the candy-coated chocolate pieces and candy corn. The residual warmth is minimal, so these sweet treats won’t melt away—just add festive color and bursts of flavor.
9. Transfer your Fall Chex Mix to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week. This ensures each handful remains crisp, sweet, and perfectly spiced.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FALL CHEX MIX
Whether you’re planning a party spread or just treating yourself, there are countless ways to showcase this crunchy, colorful snack. Here are four easy and creative ideas to serve your Fall Chex Mix in style:
- Serve in mini mason jars lined with decorative tissue paper for an individual party favor. Guests will love peeling off the paper and popping the mix straight from the jar—or transferring it to their bowl.
- Layer the mix in a clear glass trifle dish alongside whipped cream–infused layers or apple cinnamon yogurt for a playful layered snack parfait that highlights every texture and color.
- Offer a DIY snack station at your next gathering. Provide scoops, small treat bags, and bowls of extra candy corn, nuts, or chocolate pieces so guests can customize their own bags of Fall Chex Mix.
- Pair a generous scoop of mix with warm hot cider or spiced latte by the fireplace for the ultimate cozy night in. Dunk a cinnamon stick into your drink, curl up under a blanket, and let the autumn flavors wash over you.
HOW TO STORE FALL CHEX MIX
Once your Fall Chex Mix has cooled and those candy pieces have settled in, proper storage is the key to maintaining its freshness and delightful crunch. Follow these straightforward tips to ensure your mix stays as crisp and flavorful as the day you baked it:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature. This is the simplest method—just make sure no air leaks in, and your mix will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Keep away from heat and humidity. A cool, dry pantry or cupboard is ideal; moisture can soften those crunchy bits and dilute the spices.
- For longer storage, seal in resealable bags with all the air pressed out. Squeeze gently from one end to the other, then seal. These flat bags stack easily and save space.
- If you need to prep in advance, place portions of mix in individual snack-size bags before sealing. These single-serve packets can be handed out or grabbed on the go without exposing the main batch to air each time.
CONCLUSION
This Fall Chex Mix is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of everything we love about autumn. From the warm notes of maple syrup and brown sugar to the subtle spice of cinnamon, every element comes together in a crunchy, munchable masterpiece. It’s beginner-friendly but feels like a gourmet treat, perfect for appetizers, snacks, or party favors. Whether you’re sharing it with family at a holiday gathering, tucking small baggies into lunchboxes, or sneaking bites while curled under your favorite blanket, this mix will become a fast fall favorite. Don’t forget to print and save this article for reference—you’ll want to come back each year when the air turns crisp. Below, you’ll find an FAQ section to help answer any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, storage tips, or creative add-ins.
We’d love to hear how your Fall Chex Mix turns out! If you have comments, questions, or feedback—maybe you experimented with adding pumpkin pie spice or swapped nuts for seeds—drop a note and let us know. Trying a recipe is an adventure, and sharing your twists or troubleshooting tips helps everyone in our cozy cooking community. Happy snacking, and here’s to many crunchy, sweet, and salty moments this season!
Fall Chex Mix
Description
This crunchy, sweet, and salty Fall Chex Mix is packed with the delightful taste of candy corn, nuts, and festive spices—ideal for sharing or snacking during the season!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzels, and mixed nuts.
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
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Pour the buttery mixture over the Chex mix, stirring gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even toasting.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
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Once cooled, mix in the candy-coated chocolate pieces and candy corn.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Note
- Feel free to swap out the Rice or Corn Chex for other Chex varieties for a different flavor.
- Add a dash of pumpkin pie spice for an extra autumnal kick.
- For a nut-free version, replace mixed nuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Allow the mix to cool completely before storing to maintain crispiness.
