Description
This Fall Chex Mix recipe is a delightful sweet and salty snack perfect for autumn gatherings. It features crunchy Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and salted nuts coated in a warm caramel glaze, baked until perfectly crisp. Finished with colorful fall-themed candies like M&M’s and candy corn, it offers a festive treat ideal for parties or cozy snacking.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (72 grams) Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
Caramel Coating
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Candy Mix-Ins
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (peanut recommended)
- 1/2 cup candy corn or candy pumpkins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups Rice Chex cereal, 2 cups mini pretzels, and 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Make Caramel Coating: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a rich flavor.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the cereal and nut mixture. Stir gently to coat all pieces thoroughly with the caramel glaze.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated Chex mix onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking and prevent burning.
- Add Candy Mix-Ins: As soon as you remove the Chex mix from the oven, immediately add 1/2 cup M&M’s and 1/2 cup candy corn or candy pumpkins. Stir gently to distribute the candies throughout the mix without melting them.
- Cool and Serve: Let the Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing. This keeps the caramel crisp and candies intact.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Stir halfway through baking to ensure even caramel coating and prevent burning.
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanuts/cashews with extra pretzels or cereal.
- Add candy mix-ins immediately after baking while the mix is still warm but not hot enough to melt the candy.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
