Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

I’m so excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe that’s become a go-to in my kitchen every autumn. It’s that perfect cozy combo of crunchy, sweet, salty, and a hint of spice that you just can’t stop munching on. Honestly, once you try this mix, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again, whether it’s for a casual afternoon snack or a festive gathering. So, stick around—I’m about to spill all my tips to help you nail this delicious, no-fail recipe!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe comes from the mix of textures and flavors—the buttery sweetness, the salty crunch, the chewy marshmallows, and the candy corn that adds a festive pop. When shopping, look for quality cereals and fresh pretzels; it really makes a difference here.

• Peanut butter corn cereal squares: I love using Peanut Butter Chex for that rich, nutty layer of flavor.
• Wheat cereal squares: Wheat Chex adds a light, crispy crunch that balances heavier pieces.
• Bite-size pretzels: These provide a salty snap and a delightful salty crunch.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: Cheez-its work great to sneak in a cheesy undertone.
• Honey nut o’s cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios add sweetness and a gentle oatiness.
• Unsalted butter (melted): This binds the sugar and syrup coating and gives that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Light brown sugar (packed): This adds deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Maple syrup: A lovely fall touch that adds natural sweetness and richness.
• Kosher salt: Just enough saltiness to balance the sweets, enhancing flavor complexity.
• Cinnamon: Adds that essential warm fall spice note.
• Mini marshmallows: These add a soft, gooey texture contrast without overwhelming the crunch.
• Candy corn: The iconic fall candy that gives a festive color and flavor kick.
• Peanut butter candy pieces: Reeses Pieces add extra nuttiness and bursts of chocolatey sweetness.

Variations

I enjoy customizing this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry, so I encourage you to make it your own! It’s so forgiving, and small swaps won’t disappoint.

• Nut-Free Version: I once made this for a kid’s party by swapping out peanut butter pieces and peanut butter Chex for sunflower butter cereal and allergy-friendly candy, and it turned out fantastic.
• Spicy Twist: Adding a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar mixture gave the mix a fun kick that surprisingly worked well with the sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Using gluten-free cereals makes this snack mix safe and still super tasty for friends with gluten sensitivities.
• Seasonal Sweets: Around Halloween, I swap candy corn for mini chocolate chips or Halloween-themed M&Ms for a different festive vibe.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. This lower temperature is key—it helps the mix bake evenly without burning the sugars. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; this saves you from scrubbing melted sugar off later and helps the mix spread and bake nicely.

Step 2: Toss Together the Base Mix

Grab a large bowl and toss together your peanut butter corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, bite-size pretzels, cheddar cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal. I like to do a gentle toss here so the pieces don’t break but blend evenly. This is where your snack’s texture party starts.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Salty Coating

In a smaller bowl, whisk melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon until combined. This liquid mixture will coat every bite with that cozy fall flavor. Pour it evenly over the snack mix and stir gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is well coated. This step really makes the difference in flavor—don’t rush it!

Step 4: Bake and Stir to Golden Perfection

Spread your coated snack mix evenly across the prepared baking sheets. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning and to avoid burning spots. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown color and that irresistible toasted aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Cool and Add the Final Touches

Once baked, remove the trays and let the mix cool completely—that’s important so the mix crisps up nicely. After cooling, stir in the mini marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces. This last step adds the chewy, sweet accents that make this mix downright addictive.

How to Serve Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few extra candy corn or peanut butter candies on top before serving for a colorful, festive look. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of chopped toasted pecans for an extra nutty crunch, which everyone raves about.

Side Dishes

This snack mix pairs wonderfully with a warm apple cider or your favorite hot tea. I also like serving it alongside pumpkin soup or chili during fall get-togethers—it’s such a nice crunchy contrast to warm, hearty dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I pack the mix into small mason jars tied with festive ribbons; they make fantastic take-home gifts! Another fun idea I tried was layering the mix in clear cups with whipped cream and drizzle as a fall party snack parfait—big hit with the kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover mix in airtight containers like Ball Storage Latch Jars; it helps keep the crunch fresh for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Personally, I haven’t found freezing this mix ideal because the marshmallows and candy corn can get sticky or change texture after thawing. Instead, I make just enough to enjoy within the week.

Reheating

To refresh the crunchiness of leftovers, I give the mix a quick 5-minute toast in a 275°F oven, stirring occasionally. Just be careful not to heat too long or the sugars may burn or the marshmallows melt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe feels like a warm hug in snack form—cozy, comforting, and perfect for sharing with the people you love. I genuinely love how easy it is to make and how it comes together in that magical oven-baked stage. Whether you’re grabbing a handful during a crisp afternoon walk or serving it up at your next fall party, I’m sure you’ll find this mix brings a bit of joy in every crunch. Give it a try and let me know how you customize it—I promise it’ll become your snack staple, too!

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