If you love cozy flavors and crave a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat all in one bite, this Fall Snack Mix Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It’s a delightful combination of mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, candy corn, and that warm hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that makes everything feel like autumn in a bowl. This snack mix is perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or just to have on hand when you want a little taste of fall magic anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of texture and flavor in this Fall Snack Mix Recipe. Each element plays an essential role—crunch from the pretzels, sweetness from the candy corn and raisins, and a hint of spice from the cinnamon and nutmeg that gives this mix its cozy character.
- 2 cups of mini pretzels: Adds a salty crunch that’s the backbone of the mix.
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts: Provides a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying bite.
- 1 cup of candy corn: Classic fall candy that brings sweetness and festive color.
- 1 cup of honey-roasted cereal squares: Adds a touch of honey sweetness and a crispy texture.
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries: Tart and chewy, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup of yogurt-covered raisins: Creamy sweetness that complements the other dried fruits.
- 1/2 cup of bite-sized cheddar cheese crackers: A savory surprise that adds a sharp contrast.
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds (pepitas): Brings earthy flavor and a little extra crunch.
- 1 tablespoon of butter, melted: Helps infuse the spices evenly and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon: The star spice that evokes autumn warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg: Adds depth and a subtle nutty sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar: A mellow sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
How to Make Fall Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This moderate temperature lets the flavors meld together gently without burning any of the ingredients.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, honey-roasted cereal squares, and pumpkin seeds. These elements form the crunchy base that will soak up the warm buttery spices.
Step 3: Make the Spiced Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, cooking just until everything is fully dissolved and fragrant. This aromatic mixture will coat the base ingredients perfectly.
Step 4: Mix it Up
Drizzle the warm spiced butter over the pretzel mixture. Toss everything thoroughly so every piece gets a lovely coating—this is where the magic happens, bringing out such cozy fall flavors.
Step 5: Spread and Bake
Spread the coated mixture evenly on a large baking sheet to ensure an even bake. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway to avoid any scorching and to evenly toast all those delicious flavors.
Step 6: Cool and Add the Sweet Finishes
Once baked, remove your mix from the oven and let it cool completely. When it’s cool, fold in the candy corn, dried cranberries, yogurt-covered raisins, and cheddar cheese crackers. These add bursts of sweetness, tartness, and savory surprise, creating a balance that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Give the mix one final stir to combine everything evenly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Your Fall Snack Mix Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed or saved for a later treat!
How to Serve Fall Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a few extra dried cranberries or pumpkin seeds on top. You might even add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory contrast just before serving. Small seasonal touches make the snack even more inviting for guests.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a pumpkin latte. Together, they create a full-on fall experience that’s perfect for chilly afternoon breaks or cozy evenings by the fire.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Fall Snack Mix Recipe in small mason jars tied with a festive ribbon for gifts or party favors. You can also fill decorative bowls for game nights or holiday gatherings, making it easy for everyone to grab a handful of fall flavor on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Fall Snack Mix Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain the crispness of the pretzels and keeps all the flavors fresh and delightful.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this snack mix later, freezing is an option. Place the mix in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While this mix is best enjoyed as is, if you prefer it a bit warm, gently heat it in the oven at 250°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on it so nothing burns and that lovely balance of textures and flavors stays intact.
FAQs
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Fall Snack Mix Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the peanuts for almonds or pecans, or replace candy corn with chocolate chips if you prefer. The key is balancing sweet, salty, and crunchy elements.
Is this snack mix gluten-free?
The base includes mini pretzels and cereal squares that typically contain gluten, so this version is not gluten-free. However, you can try gluten-free pretzels and cereal to make a similar mix that suits gluten-free needs.
How long does the Fall Snack Mix Recipe stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this snack mix stays fresh and crunchy for about one week at room temperature.
Can kids safely eat this snack mix?
Yes, this mix is kid-friendly, but keep in mind that some ingredients like nuts could be a concern for children with allergies. Always check with your family or guests before serving.
What occasions work best for this Fall Snack Mix Recipe?
It’s perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, Thanksgiving nibbles, or even as an everyday snack to bring a little autumn cheer to your day.
Final Thoughts
This Fall Snack Mix Recipe is one of those feel-good treats that bring warmth, crunch, and happiness all at once. Whether you make it for yourself, for friends, or for guests, it captures the very essence of the season in every bite. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite snack mix!
Print
Fall Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: Approximately 6 cups of snack mix
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fall Snack Mix is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy treats perfect for autumn snacking. Featuring mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, candy corn, honey-roasted cereal squares, dried cranberries, yogurt-covered raisins, cheddar cheese crackers, and pumpkin seeds, all coated in a warm cinnamon and nutmeg butter glaze and baked for a flavorful, irresistible mix.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups of mini pretzels
- 1 cup of roasted peanuts
- 1 cup of honey-roasted cereal squares
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Spices and Sweeteners
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of butter, melted
Additional Mix-ins (added after baking)
- 1 cup of candy corn
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of yogurt-covered raisins
- 1/2 cup of bite-sized cheddar cheese crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for baking the snack mix.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mini pretzels, roasted peanuts, honey-roasted cereal squares, and pumpkin seeds, tossing them together evenly.
- Melt Butter and Mix Spices: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until fully dissolved and smooth.
- Add Butter-Spice Mixture: Drizzle the melted butter-spice mixture over the pretzel mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet to allow for uniform baking.
- Bake the Mix: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remember to stir halfway through the baking time to prevent any pieces from burning.
- Cool the Mix: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely to set the flavors.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: After the mixture has cooled, add the candy corn, dried cranberries, yogurt-covered raisins, and cheddar cheese crackers.
- Final Mix and Store: Stir all ingredients well to combine thoroughly, then transfer the finished snack mix into an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- This mix is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoyed within one to two weeks.
- You can substitute the roasted peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews based on preference or allergies.
- For a less sweet version, reduce or omit the brown sugar and candy corn.
- Make sure to cool the baked mixture completely before adding the delicate ingredients like candy corn and cheese crackers to prevent melting or sogginess.
- This snack mix makes a great gift when packaged in decorative bags or jars.
