Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that totally nails the balance between sweet and savory, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe is one of those recipes I reach for every autumn because it’s not only easy to make but also insanely addictive. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll have a hard time putting the bowl down. It’s classic comfort food vibes wrapped up in a crunchy, gooey, buttery snack mix that’s perfect for movie nights, road trips, or just an afternoon pick-me-up.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe lies in the mix of textures and flavors from the cereals, crackers, and sweet add-ins. When shopping, look for cereals that hold up well to baking and can soak up that buttery maple glaze without getting soggy.

• Peanut Butter Corn Cereal Squares: I use Peanut Butter Chex because it brings that nutty depth and crunch.
• Wheat Cereal Squares: Wheat Chex adds a hearty, wholesome crunch that keeps things interesting.
• Bite-Size Pretzels: Their saltiness is key to balancing the sweetness.
• Cheddar Cheese Crackers: I choose Cheez-its for a bold, cheesy pop.
• Honey Nut O’s Cereal: Honey Nut Cheerios add just a touch of floral sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Melting it lets all the mix flavors stick together without being too greasy.
• Light Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and that caramel note.
• Maple Syrup: This is where the fall vibes really kick in – caramelized sweetness with deep maple flavor.
• Kosher Salt: A little salt elevates the entire mix by cutting sweetness.
• Cinnamon: It warms things up and ties the flavors together.
• Mini Marshmallows: These add chewy bursts of sweetness after baking.
• Candy Corn: Classic fall candy for a festive touch.
• Peanut Butter Candy Pieces: Reese’s Pieces bring chewy, chocolatey bursts that my kids adore.

Variations

I love how flexible this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe is. Whether you’re avoiding nuts, want to sneak in some extra crunch, or just want to experiment with different flavors, this recipe welcomes it all.

• No-Nut Version: Swap peanut butter cereal and peanut butter candies for cinnamon-flavored cereal and dried cranberries; my friend with allergies swears by this change!
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika to the butter glaze for a surprising heat; I discovered this trick at a potluck and it was a wow.
• Seasonal Switch: Use peppermint candies or crushed candy canes instead of candy corn for a winter holiday twist.
• Healthier Swap: Try whole grain cereals and reduce the brown sugar by half for a lighter snack that still tastes indulgent.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While it warms up, line two large baking sheets with parchment paper — this keeps the mix from sticking and makes cleanup way easier. I usually use the bigger baking sheets I have to make sure the mix spreads out in a thin, even layer.

Step 2: Combine Your Crunchy Ingredients

Grab a big mixing bowl and toss together the peanut butter corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, pretzels, cheddar cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal. Mixing them dry gives you a great baseline texture and flavor balance before adding the sweet stuff.

Step 3: Mix Up the Sweet & Salty Glaze

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, packed light brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon. This rich, buttery syrup will coat and caramelize your snack mix while baking, making it irresistibly tasty. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it could start melting your cereal.

Step 4: Coat and Bake

Pour the buttery glaze over your cereal mixture and gently stir everything to coat evenly. Spread the coated mix onto your prepared baking sheets in an even layer. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to toast everything evenly. You want the mix to turn a lovely golden brown without burning, so keep a close eye toward the end.

Step 5: Cool and Add the Sweet Finishing Touches

Once baked, remove the trays and let the snack mix cool completely. This is key — if you add the marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candies too soon, they’ll melt and get sticky. After cooling, fold these in gently for bursts of chewy and colorful sweetness that really make this mix special.

How to Serve Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, I like to sprinkle a dash of cinnamon right before serving or add some crushed toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can turn this into a seasonal dessert snack!

Side Dishes

This snack mix is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or even a simple warm cup of tea. When hosting, I set it out alongside a cheese board for a nice contrast between rich and nutty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

I love to package this mix in small glass jars tied with a rustic ribbon as host gifts during fall parties. For kids’ events, colorful snack bags with this mix tucked inside are a cute, easy way to share. And for a cozy movie night, a large bowl with mini wooden spoons works perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature — usually, it lasts about a week with the crunch intact. Make sure the mix is fully cool before sealing to avoid steam making it soggy. I like to use Ball® Storage Latch Jars because they seal tightly and look cute on the counter.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this snack mix before, and while it freezes well, I recommend freezing only the dry mix before adding marshmallows and candies. After thawing, fresh marshmallows can be folded in to keep everything tasting fresh and chewy.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t usually necessary, but if your mix feels a bit stale, a quick 5 minutes in a low 250°F oven can bring back some crispness. Just watch it carefully to avoid drying it out or melting the candies.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe has become such a staple for me during the cozy season. It’s just one of those feel-good recipes that’s easy and fun to make but delivers big on flavor and texture. I love sharing it with friends and family because it’s something everyone can enjoy, and I bet once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your fall traditions too. So go ahead, grab those cereals and candies, and make your kitchen smell like autumn bliss!

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