Looking for a simple, delicious snack to celebrate fall? This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix is exactly that. It combines crunchy pretzels and cereal with sweet candy corn, marshmallows, and peanut butter candies for a perfectly balanced, crowd-pleasing treat. Make a batch to enjoy at home, share at a party, or package as a seasonal gift.
I’m a big fan of snack mixes. Over time I’ve made sweeter mixes like peanut butter pretzel puppy chow and savory blends like parmesan ranch snack mix. This recipe combines both worlds with a seasonal twist—think cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup—to bring out fall flavors.
I first made this mix when my mom visited, and it disappeared fast. The sweet-and-salty combo is addictive, so I sent half home with her to prevent me from snacking the jar empty. It’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This mix balances sweet and salty: candy corn and marshmallows meet crunchy pretzels and cereal for satisfying contrast in every bite.
- It’s quick and easy to make in just a few steps—perfect for last-minute gatherings or simple homemade gifts.
- A hint of cinnamon and maple syrup gives this classic combo a cozy, autumnal flavor that elevates the snack.
- Versatile and family-friendly, it works for parties, school snacks, or casual nibbling—kids and adults both enjoy it.
Ingredients
This snack mix is easy to customize. Below are the ingredients used in this version; swap or omit items to suit your tastes.
- Peanut Butter Corn Chex: crunchy with a subtle peanut butter flavor.
- Wheat Chex: hearty, nutty crunch to balance sweetness.
- Bite-Size Pretzels: provide salty contrast.
- Cheez-It Crackers: cheesy crunch that enhances the savory side.
- Honey Nut O’s Cereal: a touch of honeyed sweetness and crunch.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): helps the sweet coating adhere and adds richness.
- Light Brown Sugar: adds warmth and depth with a hint of molasses.
- Maple Syrup: seasonal flavor that brightens the mix.
- Kosher Salt: balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Cinnamon: warm spice that ties the mix together.
- Mini Marshmallows: chewy sweetness for texture contrast.
- Candy Corn: festive, colorful, and sweet.
- Peanut Butter Candy Pieces (Reese’s Pieces): peanut butter flavor and a fun crunch.
If you prefer different ingredients, feel free to substitute. For example, swap candy corn for extra peanut butter candies or replace pretzels with mini graham crackers to keep volume and texture balanced.
How to Make
Below are the steps to make this snack mix. The printable recipe card included later provides the full ingredient amounts and timings.
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, bite-size pretzels, cheddar cheese crackers, and honey nut cereal.
- Whisk melted butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour over the cereal mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated mixture across the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the mix turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, stir in mini marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to one week.
That’s all there is to it. This mix is simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in.
Packaging Ideas
If you plan to gift this mix for Halloween or fall parties, decorate jars or use treat bags. I used vintage-inspired Halloween bags in the past and they were lovely—any small paper treat bag, mason jar, or clear cellophane bag with ribbon will look festive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes. Store the cooled mix in an airtight container at room temperature and it will stay fresh up to one week.
Can I substitute or add other ingredients?
Absolutely. This recipe is flexible—swap cereals, candies, or crackers, or add nuts and dried fruit to suit your tastes.
How should I store this snack mix?
Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve crunch. Avoid refrigeration, which can make the mix lose its crispness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes. The recipe doubles or triples well—use additional baking sheets so the mix bakes evenly and stays crispy.
Is this snack mix kid-friendly?
Yes. Kids love the sweet-and-salty contrast and the colorful candies. Adjust mix-ins to accommodate allergies or preferences.
More Snack Mixes You’ll Love
- Ranch Pretzel Snack Mix
- White Chocolate Puff Corn
- Cinnamon Pecans and Walnuts
- White Truffle Popcorn
- Dill Pickle Snack Mix
I hope you try this addicting fall snack. It’s great for parties, gifting, or just snacking at home. If you make it and enjoy it, consider leaving a rating or comment on the original recipe page to share your experience.
Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups peanut butter corn cereal squares
- 2 cups wheat cereal squares
- 2 cups bite-size pretzels
- 2 cups cheddar cheese crackers
- 2 cups honey nut o’s cereal
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup peanut butter candy pieces
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
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Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Combine the cereals, pretzels, and cheese crackers in a large bowl.
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Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon; pour over the mixture and stir to coat.
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Spread onto baking sheets and bake about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until golden.
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Cool completely, then stir in marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candies.
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Serve right away or store in an airtight container for up to one week.