This Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is a crunchy, sweet, and cozy treat that brings together everything I love about fall in one handful. With the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, crunchy cereal, pretzels, and sweet add-ins, it’s the perfect snack for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or gifting in little treat bags.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and customizable this recipe is. I can toss everything together in minutes, and it always makes my kitchen smell incredible while it bakes. The balance of salty and sweet keeps me coming back for more, and I can easily switch up the add-ins depending on what I have on hand. This mix also stores well, making it perfect to make ahead for parties or snacking all week long.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Rice Chex cereal
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Corn Chex cereal
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Small pretzels
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Pecans or walnuts
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Pumpkin pie spice
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Brown sugar
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Unsalted butter
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Vanilla extract
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Candy corn or pumpkin candies
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White chocolate chips or melting wafers
Directions
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I start by preheating the oven to 275°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, I mix together the cereal, pretzels, and nuts.
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In a saucepan, I melt butter with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice, stirring until smooth. I remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla.
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I pour the mixture over the cereal blend, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
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I spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
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After removing from the oven, I let the mix cool completely. Once cooled, I add the candy corn and white chocolate chips.
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I store the mix in an airtight container once it’s fully cooled.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 servings. I usually need around 15 minutes to prepare everything, 45 minutes for baking, and another 15 minutes for cooling. In about 1 hour and 15 minutes, I have a big batch ready to enjoy or share.
Variations
I like to change things up depending on the occasion. Sometimes I swap the white chocolate chips for caramel bits or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra indulgence. Dried cranberries or raisins add a nice chewy bite, while sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds give it even more crunch. For a spicier kick, I sprinkle a little cayenne with the pumpkin spice.
storage/reheating
I keep this snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If I make a big batch, I sometimes freeze portions in sealed bags for up to 2 months. There’s no need to reheat—it’s ready to enjoy straight from storage.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free ingredients for this snack mix?
Yes, I can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels and ensuring the cereals are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?
I make sure to bake it long enough for the coating to dry out, and I always let it cool completely before storing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I often double it for parties. I just make sure to use two baking sheets so the mix bakes evenly.
Can I make it without nuts?
Absolutely. I sometimes leave out the nuts and add extra pretzels or cereal instead.
What’s the best way to package this for gifts?
I like to portion the mix into clear treat bags or mason jars, tie them with ribbon, and they make a perfect seasonal gift.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is one of my favorite fall treats because it’s simple, versatile, and always a hit with family and friends. I love that it makes a large batch, so I can enjoy some at home and share the rest. With its cozy flavors and crunchy texture, it’s the kind of recipe I come back to every autumn.
