Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix: Your Ultimate Autumn Party Recipe

Get ready to discover your new favorite autumn treat! This Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix is an incredibly addictive combination that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Featuring a delightful blend of crunchy cereals, savory crackers, and an array of sweet surprises, it’s designed to be easily customizable, allowing you to create a unique snack that everyone will adore. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween gathering, a Thanksgiving potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy fall evening, this mix comes together effortlessly and promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

The magic of a truly great snack mix lies in its versatility and the delightful interplay of flavors and textures. The classic pairing of sweet and salty is elevated in this recipe, making every handful a satisfying experience. While we’ve given it a distinctly fall theme with warm, inviting colors and seasonal candies like candy corn, the fundamental recipe is so adaptable that you can effortlessly tweak it for any holiday or occasion throughout the year. Imagine vibrant mixes for summer picnics or festive versions for winter celebrations – the possibilities are endless!

looking down on a bowl of fall snack mix

In our family, traditions often revolve around delicious food. A classic Party Mix is an absolute must during Christmas, bringing festive cheer to every gathering. And when summer rolls around, our Patriotic Party Mix adds a fun, thematic touch to barbecues and celebrations. This recipe continues that tradition of versatile snack-making. If you prefer to lean into a purely sweet concoction, you might enjoy these Easter Muddy Buddies – simply swap out the Easter-themed candies for fall favorites like candy corn or Reese’s Pieces to instantly transform them into an autumnal delight!

Why This Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix is a Must-Try

Once you try this incredible snack mix, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a staple in your fall entertaining arsenal. It brings together ease, versatility, and irresistible flavor in one convenient package.

Endlessly Customizable: This recipe isn’t just a set of instructions; it’s a foundation for culinary creativity. The basic method for coating and baking ensures a perfectly crisp base, but the real fun comes from experimenting with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer extra salty components, a burst of chocolate, or a medley of nuts, you have complete freedom to make it uniquely yours. It’s perfect for catering to diverse tastes or dietary needs by simply swapping out certain elements.
Remarkably Easy to Make: Don’t let the delicious results fool you – this snack mix is incredibly simple to prepare. While it does involve a short stint in the oven to achieve that desirable crisp, non-soggy coating, the actual hands-on time is minimal. It’s essentially a mix, melt, pour, and bake process, making it an ideal recipe for busy schedules or when you need a fantastic snack without fuss.
Perfect for Making Ahead: One of the greatest advantages of this fall snack mix is its excellent shelf life. Once prepared and cooled, it maintains its delightful crunch and flavor for an extended period. You can confidently store it in your pantry for up to two weeks, or for even longer enjoyment, tuck it away in the freezer for a couple of months. This make-ahead capability makes it a lifesaver for holiday prep or ensuring you always have a delicious snack on hand.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix

Before you begin, make sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.

Crafting the perfect sweet and salty balance requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component plays a crucial role:

Chex Cereal: The backbone of any good snack mix! I’ve found a mix of Corn Chex and Maple Brown Sugar Chex provides a fantastic base with varied textures and a subtle sweetness. However, feel free to use any variety you love – Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, or a combination all work wonderfully, offering different levels of crunch and flavor absorption.
Pretzels: These twisted, salty delights are non-negotiable for their satisfying crunch and savory counterpoint to the sweet coating. Whether you opt for mini pretzels, pretzel sticks, or traditional twists, they add that essential salty kick.
Cheese Crackers: Brands like Cheez-Its or Goldfish crackers bring a distinct savory, cheesy flavor that adds another layer of complexity to the mix. Their crisp texture holds up beautifully after baking, providing a delightful contrast to the cereal. Any similar savory cracker will do!
Honey Nut Cheerios: Adding a touch more sweetness and a unique oat-y texture, Honey Nut Cheerios integrate seamlessly, especially with the maple-cinnamon coating. They contribute a lighter, airy crunch.
Butter: The foundation of our luscious sweet coating, butter helps bind all the ingredients together and provides richness. Melted butter ensures an even distribution.
Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness that is characteristic of fall flavors. Light brown sugar is recommended for its balance, but dark brown sugar could add an even richer, molasses note.
Maple Syrup: Nothing says fall quite like maple! The maple syrup infuses the entire mix with an authentic autumnal sweetness, deepening the flavor profile of the coating.
Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the maple and brown sugar. Cinnamon is key to evoking that cozy fall feeling in every bite.
Candy Corn: An iconic fall and Halloween candy! Candy corn adds vibrant yellow and orange colors, a unique chewy texture, and a burst of classic sugary sweetness. Be sure to add these after baking to prevent melting.
Peanuts: For an extra layer of crunch and a dose of healthy fats and protein, peanuts are an excellent addition. Their inherent saltiness further enhances the sweet and salty dynamic.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (Mini): These mini chocolate and peanut butter delights are pure indulgence. Their creamy texture and rich flavor provide a welcome contrast to the crispy base. Add them after cooling to avoid melting.
Mini Marshmallows: Light, fluffy, and sweet, mini marshmallows add a playful element and a soft texture to the mix. Like the candy corn and peanut butter cups, these are best stirred in after the mix has cooled completely to prevent them from melting and creating a sticky mess.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make This Irresistible Fall Snack Mix

Creating this delicious fall snack mix is a straightforward process, ensuring a perfectly coated and crispy result every time. Follow these simple steps for success:

Prepare Your Base: In a large, spacious mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal (your chosen varieties), pretzels, cheese crackers, and Honey Nut Cheerios. Ensure they are well mixed so that the coating can evenly distribute over all components. This is the foundation of your snack mix, so a good initial blend is key.
Craft the Sweet Coating: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Stir vigorously until the ingredients are very well combined and the brown sugar granules are mostly dissolved into the liquid mixture. This creates the rich, aromatic glaze that will transform your snack base.
Coat and Combine: Pour the prepared sweet coating evenly over the cereal mixture in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently yet thoroughly mix everything together. Continue mixing until every piece of cereal, every pretzel, and every cracker is glistening with the sweet, buttery coating. Ensure no dry spots remain for maximum flavor.
Bake to Crispy Perfection: Divide the coated snack mix evenly onto two large baking sheets. Spread the mixture into a single layer on each sheet to allow for even baking and crisping. Bake in a preheated oven at 250º F (120º C) for 1 hour, making sure to stir the mixture every 15 minutes. This regular stirring prevents sticking and ensures all sides get golden and crunchy.
Cool and Toss with Mix-Ins: Once the hour of baking is complete, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the snack mix cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step is crucial for the mix to achieve its ultimate crispness. Once it’s fully cooled and firm, transfer it back into your large bowl. Now, add all your delightful mix-ins: the colorful candy corn, savory peanuts, rich mini peanut butter cups, and soft mini marshmallows. Toss gently until all the elements are beautifully combined and distributed. Your sweet and salty fall snack mix is now ready to serve and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Perfect Fall Snack Mix

Achieving snack mix perfection is easy with a few insider tips:

Easily Adjust the Quantity: This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for parties or larger families. However, if you’re looking for a smaller quantity, you can effortlessly cut the recipe in half. Alternatively, embrace the larger batch, as it freezes beautifully! Storing extra in the freezer ensures you always have a delicious snack ready for unexpected guests or cravings, keeping for a couple of months without losing its charm.
Unleash Your Creativity: This is truly where the fun begins! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite sweet and salty elements. Think about textures and flavors you enjoy – different types of nuts, chocolate pieces, dried fruits, or even unique spice blends for the coating. The base recipe is robust enough to handle many variations, making it a fantastic canvas for your culinary imagination.
Prioritize Proper Cooling: This tip is crucial, especially when incorporating heat-sensitive ingredients like marshmallows and peanut butter cups. It is absolutely essential that the baked cereal mixture returns to room temperature before you add these final mix-ins. If the mix is still warm, the marshmallows will melt and become a sticky mess, and the peanut butter cups will soften and lose their shape, compromising the overall texture and presentation of your snack. Patience during the cooling phase pays off with a perfectly delightful mix.

orange bowl on its side with fall snack mix coming out of it

Creative Variations & Endless Mix-In Ideas

The customizable nature of this sweet & salty fall snack mix is one of its best features. Here’s where you can truly make it your own, using whatever sweet and salty additions you have on hand or simply enjoy!

For Sweet Additions, Consider:

Seasonal Candies: Beyond candy corn, try M&M’s (especially fall-themed colors), Reese’s Pieces for more peanut butter flavor, candy eyes for a spooky Halloween mix, or even small caramel bits.
Chocolate Delights: Chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate), chocolate-covered pretzels, or small chunks of your favorite chocolate bars.
Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries, diced dried apples, or golden raisins can add a chewy texture and natural sweetness.
Sweetened Cereal Elements: Consider adding more types of sweetened cereals or even some homemade caramel corn for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.

For Salty Additions, Explore:

Different Cereals: While Chex is a classic, don’t hesitate to use Rice Chex, Crispix, Life cereal, or other plain, crunchy cereals as your base.
Savory Crackers: Explore different shapes or flavors of cheese crackers, or add rye chips or bagel chips for a more robust savory note.
Extra Crunch: Chow mein noodles offer a unique crisp texture, while various nuts like pecans, walnuts, cashews, or almonds can enhance the savory aspect and add more nutritional value.
Popcorn: Plain or lightly salted popcorn can be a fantastic, airy addition, best mixed in after baking.

By playing with these options, you can tailor your snack mix to any palate, theme, or occasion, ensuring it’s always a fresh and exciting treat!

Storing Your Delicious Fall Snack Mix

One of the many benefits of this sweet and salty fall snack mix is how well it stores, making it an ideal make-ahead option for any event or simply for enjoying over several days or weeks.

To keep your Fall Snack Mix fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This method will preserve its quality and delicious flavor for up to 3 weeks. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from softening the crisp ingredients.

For even longer enjoyment, this snack mix FREEZES exceptionally well! Simply transfer the cooled mix into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature to thaw. It will retain its wonderful texture and flavor, tasting just as good as the day you made it. This makes it perfect for preparing far in advance for holidays or large gatherings.

fall snack mix in an orange cup — This Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix is quickly going to become a favorite. Use your favorite mix-ins and it comes together in no time!

More Fun Fall and Halloween Recipes

If you’re looking to continue your culinary adventures into the autumn season, especially with Halloween around the corner, here are some other fantastic recipes to inspire your festive baking and snacking:

Halloween Party Mix: Another great themed snack mix!
Graveyard Pudding Cups: Spooky, delicious, and fun for kids.
Mummy Pretzel Rods: A simple, adorable treat for parties.
Halloween Muddy Buddies: A classic sweet snack with a spooky twist.
Ghost Cupcakes: Cute and delicious cupcakes for any Halloween celebration.
Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops: Creative and easy, these are always a hit!
Halloween Candy Bark: A quick way to use up leftover Halloween candy.

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Fall Snack Mix

By

Erin Sellin

This Sweet & Salty Fall Snack Mix is quickly going to become a favorite. Use your favorite mix-ins and it comes together in no time!

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

1 hour

Additional Time:

1 hour

Total:

2 hours

10 minutes

Servings:
24

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Ingredients

▢

5
cups
Chex Cereal
▢

2
cups
pretzels
▢

2
cups
cheese crackers
▢

2
cups
Honey Nut Cheerios
▢

2/3
cup

butter
,
melted
▢

2/3
cup

light brown sugar
▢

2
Tablespoons

maple syrup
▢

1/2
teaspoon

cinnamon
▢

1
cup
candy corn
▢

1
cups

peanuts
▢

1
cup
mini peanut butter cups
▢

2
cups
mini marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250º F.
In a large bowl combine chex cereal, pretzels, cheese crackers and honey nut cheerios.
In a small bowl stir together melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon until well blended and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Pour butter mixture over the cereal and stir until everything is well coated.
Divide mixture onto 2 large baking sheets and spread out into a single layer.
Bake for 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Once the mixture is cool toss with the candy corn, peanuts, peanut butter cups and marshmallows.

Notes

Use any variety and combination of Chex Cereal that you like.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

1 hour

Additional Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

2 hours

10 minutes

Course:
Snack Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
24

Calories:
275

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