Description
A sweet and salty autumn snack mix that brings together crunchy cereals, pretzels, Bugles, candy corn, mellow creme pumpkins, Reese’s Pieces, and a buttery brown sugar glaze kissed with pumpkin pie spice. Baked or microwaved, this mix cools to a crisp before candies are folded in, giving you a giftable party treat that tastes like fall in every handful.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl (for glaze, if microwaving)
- Rimmed baking sheet (if oven method)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 3 cups Bugles
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shelled pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups candy corn
- 1 cup mellowcreme pumpkins
- 1 1/2 cups Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the base.
Place Chex cereals, Bugles, pretzels, pecans, and pepitas into a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.
Step 2 – Make the glaze.
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3 – Coat the mix.
Pour the glaze over the dry mixture. Stir well so every piece gets a light, sticky coating.
Step 4 – Choose your cooking method.
-
Microwave method: Microwave the bowl on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring every minute.
-
Oven method: Spread the mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 275°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Step 5 – Cool and finish.
Spread the coated mix on a clean sheet of parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Once cool, fold in candy corn, pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces.
Step 6 – Store.
Transfer to an airtight container. Keeps well for up to 7 days at room temperature.
Notes
The maple-glazed pepitas are the unique addition. They add a subtle roasted note and gentle maple sweetness that rounds out the candy-heavy mix. It gives the recipe a grown-up balance without losing the nostalgic fall vibe.
Always add candy after cooling, or the colors will melt and bleed.
You can substitute different Chex varieties (Wheat, Corn, Rice) to match taste or pantry.
For extra crunch, bake rather than microwave, though the microwave is the fastest method.
This mix packs well into jars or bags and makes a thoughtful seasonal gift.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: ~220
