This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is a fun and tasty treat for fall! It’s a crunchy mix of Chex cereal, nuts, and pumpkin spice goodness that makes every bite feel cozy.
You can whip this up in no time, which is perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on a lazy afternoon. Plus, who can resist a Halloween snack that smells like pumpkin pie? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex cereal: The base for this mix, Rice Chex adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, stick with Rice Chex. Alternatively, Corn Chex will also work, but keep in mind that it has a different flavor.
Pretzels: Mini or regular pretzels provide a salty contrast to the sweetness. If you want to cut salt or gluten, try using popcorn instead or gluten-free pretzels for a different shape and texture.
Nuts: Pecan halves and cashews give a rich flavor, but feel free to swap with almonds, walnuts, or even peanuts. If nut allergies are a concern, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can replace nuts perfectly.
Dried cranberries: These add a lovely tartness. You might substitute with raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist if you prefer.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for balancing flavors, but you can easily swap it with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Ensure Even Coating with the Spiced Butter?
Getting a good coating on the mix is essential for uniform flavor. After you’ve mixed the dry ingredients, slowly drizzle the spiced butter mixture over them instead of dumping it all at once. This helps everything get coated without crushing the cereal.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the mixture, ensuring every piece gets some of that delicious spiced goodness.
- Avoid using your hands unless necessary, as this can crush the Chex and alter the texture.
- Make sure the mixture is spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet; this prevents clumping while baking and allows for even crispiness.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mix:
- 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels (mini or regular size)
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts or additional nuts of choice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
For the Coating:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cloves for extra spice warmth
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 45 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of about 55 minutes, plus some extra time for cooling. After baking, let it cool completely before storing, and it will be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). While the oven warms up, take a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the mix from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal, pretzels, pecans, cashews, mixed nuts, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Use a big spoon to gently mix it all together. This mix is already looking delicious!
3. Make the Spiced Coating:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and optional nutmeg or cloves. Mix until everything is smooth and well blended.
4. Combine and Coat:
Now, pour the spiced butter mixture evenly over the cereal-nut mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully toss everything together. Make sure all the pieces get coated without smashing the cereal!
5. Spread and Bake:
Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps it bake evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes to keep it from burning and to ensure even roasting.
6. Cool and Store:
Once baking is complete, remove the pan from the oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. It will get nice and crunchy as it cools down. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage.
7. Enjoy!
Your Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is ready to be enjoyed! This delightful snack is perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a thoughtful gift during the holiday season. Enjoy the crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pecans and cashews with any nuts you prefer or have on hand, such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts. Just ensure they’re roughly chopped for even distribution throughout the mix.
How Should I Store Leftover Chex Mix?
Store any leftover Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, although it’s so tasty, it may not last that long!
Can I Make This Chex Mix Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free Rice Chex and gluten-free pretzels. Be sure to check other ingredients like spices to ensure they’re gluten-free if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare this Chex Mix a few days in advance. Just note to store it in a sealed container after it cools to maintain its crunchiness. It makes a great snack for gatherings or as part of a gift!
