Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances cozy fall flavors with that irresistible sweet-and-salty combo, look no further! This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe is exactly what you need to keep your day energized and your taste buds dancing. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be reaching for it over and over — whether it’s for an afternoon pick-me-up or a festive gathering.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe plays a key role in bringing you that perfect fall vibe and flavor twist. When shopping, look for fresh, crunchy cereals and quality mix-ins so the texture stays spot-on after baking.

• Peanut butter corn cereal squares: I love using Peanut Butter Chex because it adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweeter elements.
• Wheat cereal squares: Wheat Chex provide a hearty crunch and a nice earthy contrast to the sweet components.
• Bite-size pretzels: They add that classic salty snap — be sure to get pretzels in small sizes for even mixing.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: Cheez-its bring a sharp, cheesy punch that surprises guests and balances sweetness well.
• Honey nut o’s cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios infuse a delicate honeyed sweetness and light texture to the mix.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, this helps everything stick together and adds richness without overpowering flavors.
• Light brown sugar: Packed, it melts beautifully into the mixture, giving a caramel-like depth.
• Maple syrup: This is my secret ingredient for that authentic fall sweetness — nothing beats the aroma it imparts.
• Kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors and balance the sweetness and spice.
• Cinnamon: A subtle warming spice that instantly screams fall.
• Mini marshmallows: I toss these in right before serving so they stay soft and gooey without melting completely.
• Candy corn: Adds festive color and a candy sweetness that’s nostalgic and fun.
• Peanut butter candy pieces: Reeses Pieces are my go-to to punch up the peanut butter goodness — irresistible bite-sized bursts.

Variations

I’m a big fan of tweaking this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe to match what I have on hand or switch things up seasonally. You’ll find it’s super forgiving, which makes experimenting fun and stress-free.

• Nut-free Variation: I’ve swapped peanut butter cereal and candies for almond or sunflower seed options when friends with allergies come over, and it still turns out amazing.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder kicks the flavor up a notch — a little unexpected but so good especially for adults!
• Fruit twist: Dried cranberries or apple chips mixed in after baking give a fresh tartness that complements the sweet and salty perfectly.
• Vegan Swap: Coconut oil instead of butter and maple candy pieces can make this treat vegan-friendly without losing the deliciousness.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by setting your oven to 275°F. I always line two baking sheets with parchment paper—it makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, which is crucial when working with that buttery, sugary coating.

Step 2: Toss Your Dry Mix

In a big bowl, combine the peanut butter corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, pretzels, cheddar cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal. This blend of textures and flavors is key to the magic. Take a moment to admire how colorful and inviting it looks before the next step!

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Salty Coating

Whisk together melted butter, packed brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. I like to taste a tiny bit of this mixture before pouring it over the dry ingredients — it’s like a little promise of the deliciousness to come! Pour evenly over the cereal mixture, then stir gently but thoroughly to coat everything well.

Step 4: Bake and Stir

Spread the coated mix on your prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning. Watch closely as the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen — this is the moment when you know you’re in snack heaven.

Step 5: Cool and Add the Sweet Finishes

Once out of the oven, let the snack mix cool completely on the sheets. This helps it crisp up nicely without getting soggy. When cooled, fold in the mini marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces. I add these last to keep their texture perfect — soft marshmallow pockets and that fun candy crunch.

How to Serve Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra candy corn pieces or a light dusting of cinnamon on top right before serving—it adds a festive look and a hint of spice that livens up the flavors. Fresh rosemary sprigs or a few toasted pecans make stunning, aromatic garnishes when you’re serving this at a party.

Side Dishes

This snack mix pairs beautifully with a warm cup of apple cider, pumpkin spice coffee, or even a cozy hot chocolate. I often serve it alongside a cheese board or warm soup for a perfect fall snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve used festive mason jars tied with rustic twine to give out as gifts or party favors. It also looks adorable in big wooden bowls surrounded by candles and autumn leaves, creating an inviting centerpiece that guests love diving into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the mix has cooled, I store it in airtight containers like Ball® Storage Latch Jars to keep it fresh and crunchy. It generally stays perfectly good for up to a week, making it a great recipe to prep ahead for parties or weekday snacking.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this snack mix because the marshmallows and candy corn don’t thaw well, but if you want to freeze portions without those, pack tightly in freezer bags and use within a month. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before eating for best texture.

Reheating

If you want to refresh the baked parts of the mix, I gently warm it in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5-7 minutes before adding the marshmallows and candies back in. This revives the crunch without melting the mix-ins into a sticky mess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe turns out every time—it’s like a warm hug in snack form. When I first tried making it, I was worried the sweet coating might overpower the mix-ins, but the balance is just perfect! I promise once you try it, you’ll understand why my family goes crazy for this in the fall months. Give it a whirl—you honestly can’t go wrong and it makes for the coziest, most delicious treat to share on crisp afternoons or holiday celebrations.

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