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Sweet & Salty Fall Harvest Chex Mix with Candy Corn

Fall harvest Chex mix - featured image
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This quick and easy stovetop snack mix combines crunchy Rice Chex, salty pretzels, and candy corn with a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon coating. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect fall treat for parties, game days, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex)
  • 2 cups pretzel twists (mini or regular broken in half)
  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts (cashews or pecans work too)
  • 1 cup candy corn (classic Brach’s brand recommended)
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds, optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (salted butter works, reduce added salt)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (real maple syrup is a great substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (skip if using salted butter)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and set aside.
  2. In a large microwave-safe bowl (at least 4-quart), combine 9 cups Rice Chex cereal, 2 cups pretzel twists, 1 cup roasted salted peanuts, 1 cup candy corn, and 1/2 cup pepitas (if using). Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Add 1/2 cup packed brown sugar and 3 tablespoons honey. Whisk continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture bubbles gently, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (if using).
  5. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly and lighten in color. Work quickly.
  6. Pour the hot coating over the cereal mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold and toss until every piece is evenly coated, about 1 minute.
  7. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir well. Repeat two more times for a total of 3 minutes of microwaving.
  8. Immediately pour the hot mix onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Let cool completely without stirring, at least 20-30 minutes.
  9. Once completely cool, break into clusters or individual pieces. Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container.

Notes

Add candy corn AFTER the mix has cooled completely to prevent melting. For extra crunch, toast nuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding. The mix stays crunchy in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Freezes well for up to 3 months. For oven method: bake at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall harvest chex mix, candy corn chex mix, sweet and salty snack mix, fall snack mix, easy chex mix recipe, stovetop snack mix, Halloween snack mix, Thanksgiving appetizer

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/sweet-and-salty-fall-harvest-chex-mix-with-candy-corn/