Welcome the enchanting autumn season with this irresistibly delightful Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix! A harmonious blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy textures, perfectly infused with the beloved flavors of fall, making it the ultimate seasonal treat.
The Ultimate Fall Snack Mix: Perfect for Halloween Parties and Beyond!
Prepare to fall head over heels for this incredible Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix from the very first handful. It’s a masterful creation that combines a delightful crunch with satisfying chewiness, a sweet indulgence with a savory balance, and just the right amount of warm, comforting pumpkin spice. This isn’t just a snack; it’s a pumpkin spice lover’s dream come true, encapsulating the essence of autumn in every blissful bite.
Beyond its incredible taste, one of the greatest appeals of this particular mix is its remarkable ease of preparation. You can whip up a large batch in minutes, making it an ideal choice for quickly satisfying a crowd or preparing a thoughtful gift. Whether you’re planning for a bustling fall festival, hosting a spooky Halloween party, looking for a charming homemade gift, or simply craving a sweet and salty treat to enjoy at home, this versatile snack mix is guaranteed to be a hit and bring smiles to everyone who tries it.
If you’re familiar with my recipes, you know my passion for creating festive snack mixes for every conceivable occasion. From holiday celebrations to simple weeknight gatherings, I believe there’s always a perfect snack mix to complement the mood and bring joy to the table. I adore the process of crafting them—from selecting the perfect combination of ingredients to the final delightful taste test. These mixes are not only perfect for parties, but they’re also wonderful to keep on hand in a decorative jar on your kitchen counter, ready for a quick snack break throughout the season.
My candy-coated snack mixes have always been incredibly popular, and it was high time I brought a beloved pumpkin spice twist to this cherished recipe. This particular rendition elevates the classic mix by infusing it with layers of pumpkin spice goodness, ensuring that every element contributes to the autumnal theme.
Imagine the airy crunch of pumpkin spice Cheerios mingling with the delightful chocolatey sweetness of pumpkin pie M&M’s. Add to that the subtle, nutty texture and intense flavor of pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds, and you’ve got a taste sensation that bursts with seasonal charm. The pretzels introduce a crucial salty counterpoint, perfectly balancing the sweetness, while the charming pumpkin-shaped candy pieces add a lovely, soft chew that completes this textural masterpiece. The beauty of this mix lies in its simplicity: a quick melt of candy coating, a thorough toss with Rice Chex cereal, and then an artful scattering of all the other delectable goodies. That’s truly all it takes to create this fall-inspired masterpiece!
Explore More Irresistible Holiday Snack Mixes
For every holiday, special occasion, or even just those everyday snack cravings, my collection of Scrumptious Snack Mix Recipes offers a variety of deliciously addictive options that are impossible to resist. These mixes are celebrated for their perfect blend of sweet and salty elements, along with crunchy and chewy textures, making them consistent crowd-pleasers. Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted to capture the spirit of its respective occasion, ensuring that your snack table is always vibrant and full of flavor. From festive themed mixes for specific holidays to versatile options for any gathering, these recipes are designed to add a special touch to your entertaining and everyday snacking. Dive into the full collection and discover your next favorite treat!
Essential Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
Crafting this delightful Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is incredibly straightforward, especially when you have all the right ingredients at hand. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this sweet and salty sensation, with notes on why each component is vital for that perfect fall flavor and texture profile:
- Rice Chex Cereal: About 6 cups, or one 12-ounce box. This cereal forms the crunchy base of our snack mix. Its light, airy texture and neutral flavor make it the perfect canvas for absorbing the sweet candy coating and mingling with the pumpkin spice elements.
- Vanilla Candy Coating: One 16-ounce package. This is the magical ingredient that binds everything together and provides that essential layer of sweetness. When melted, it creates a smooth, delicious glaze that coats the cereal and helps other ingredients adhere. Look for high-quality vanilla candy melts or almond bark for the best results.
- Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds: 1 cup. These add a wonderful nutty crunch and an extra punch of pumpkin spice flavor. I often find fantastic pumpkin spice-flavored seeds at stores like Trader Joe’s, but you can also easily make your own by tossing plain roasted pumpkin seeds with a little melted butter, pumpkin pie spice, and a dash of sugar before roasting.
- Pumpkin Pie M&M’s: One 8-ounce package. These seasonal M&M’s are a game-changer! They provide a burst of chocolatey sweetness with a distinct pumpkin pie flavor and vibrant fall colors that make the mix visually appealing and extra festive.
- Pumpkin Spice Cheerios: 1 cup. Adding another layer of spiced cereal enhances the overall pumpkin spice theme. These O’s contribute a delightful light crunch and a wholesome, yet perfectly spiced, flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Utz Pumpkin Shaped Pretzels: 2 cups. The savory, salty crunch of pretzels is crucial for balancing the sweetness in this mix. Finding fun pumpkin-shaped pretzels, often available in mini trick-or-treat bags mixed with other shapes, adds a charming visual element perfect for Halloween and fall themes. If pumpkin shapes aren’t available, mini pretzel twists work just as well.
- Brach’s Mellowcreme Pumpkin Shaped Candy: 1 cup. These classic, chewy pumpkin candies introduce a soft texture and an extra dose of sweet, nostalgic fall flavor. Their bright colors and festive shapes are perfect for adding visual pop and a different mouthfeel to the crunchy mix.
Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix: Step-by-Step Guide
Making this incredible Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is quick and easy, requiring minimal effort for maximum fall flavor payoff. Follow these simple steps to create a batch that everyone will adore:
- Prepare Your Base: Begin by pouring the Rice Chex cereal into a large, sturdy mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to comfortably toss all the ingredients without spillage.
- Melt the Candy Coating Carefully: Place the vanilla candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt it according to the package directions, typically in increments of 30 seconds for a total of about 2 minutes. Stir thoroughly after each interval. The goal is a smooth, pourable consistency. Be attentive during this step to prevent burning or thickening.
Hot Tip for Melting Candy Coating!
Achieving the perfect consistency for your candy coating is key to a successful snack mix. It’s crucial not to over-melt the coating, as this can cause it to burn, become grainy, or thicken excessively, making it impossible to stir smoothly and coat your mix evenly. Always proceed slowly and methodically, stirring every 30 seconds. As soon as it’s mostly melted and can be stirred smooth, remove it from the microwave. A slightly under-melted coating that you can stir until smooth is always better than an over-melted, burnt one!
- Coat the Cereal Evenly: Once your candy coating is perfectly melted and smooth, pour it immediately over the Rice Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently yet thoroughly toss the cereal until every piece is evenly coated. Take your time to ensure full coverage, as this is what gives the mix its delightful sweetness and crunch.
- Spread and Sprinkle: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This non-stick surface is essential for easy removal and prevents the mix from sticking. Spread the coated cereal out in a single, even layer on the parchment paper. While the coating is still wet and sticky, immediately sprinkle the pumpkin spice pumpkin seeds over the cereal, followed by the pumpkin pie M&M’s, pumpkin spice Cheerios, pumpkin-shaped pretzels, and Brach’s Mellowcreme pumpkin candies. Gently press some of the ingredients into the coating if needed to help them adhere.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the entire mixture to cool completely and harden. This might take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your room temperature. Once fully cooled and firm, gently break the snack mix into bite-sized clusters. Transfer to a festive bowl or individual serving bags. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or a large zip-top baggie at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch.
Complement Your Spread with More Spectacularly Spooky Halloween Treats
Elevate your Halloween party from memorable to truly unforgettable by pairing this fantastic Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix with an array of other creative and delicious treats. From ghoulishly delightful desserts to eerie appetizers, these Spectacularly Spooky Halloween Boards and Treats are designed to thrill both kids and the young-at-heart. Each recipe is not only frightfully fun to prepare but also incredibly enjoyable to devour, ensuring your Halloween gathering is filled with delicious surprises. Explore a world of themed snacks, decadent desserts, and savory bites that will transform your party into a hauntingly good celebration. Imagine themed charcuterie boards overflowing with seasonal delights or individually crafted treats that perfectly capture the spooky spirit of the holiday. Get ready to impress your guests with a spread that’s as visually exciting as it is delicious!
Happy snacking, everyone! If you whip up this delightful Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix, I’d absolutely love to see your creations. Be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can admire your work! 😍 It truly fills me with joy to see how inspired and creative you all become with the ideas and recipes I share. Enjoy every crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty bite!
xoxo,
Print Recipe
Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe
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Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Category: Dessert, Snack, Fall, Halloween
Description
Get ready for fall with this amazing Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix! It’s a perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and chewy, all spiced just right. This easy-to-make treat is ideal for Halloween parties, fall festivals, gifting, or simply enjoying at home. A true pumpkin spice delight that will quickly become your seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 (12 ounce) box Rice Chex cereal (approximately 6 cups)
- 1 (16 ounce) package vanilla candy coating (such as almond bark or candy melts)
- 1 cup pumpkin spice pumpkin seeds
- 1 (8 ounce) package pumpkin pie M&M’s
- 1 cup Pumpkin Spice Cheerios
- 2 cups Utz pumpkin-shaped pretzels (or mini pretzel twists)
- 1 cup Brach’s Mellowcreme pumpkin-shaped candy
Instructions
- Prepare Cereal: In a very large mixing bowl, add the Rice Chex cereal. Ensure the bowl is spacious enough for easy tossing.
- Melt Candy Coating: Place the vanilla candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave according to package directions, typically in 30-second intervals for a total of 1.5 to 2 minutes, stirring well after each interval until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the coating to seize or burn.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the melted candy coating over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, toss gently but thoroughly until the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the candy mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: Spread the coated cereal in an even, thin layer on a large sheet of parchment paper. While the coating is still warm and sticky, immediately sprinkle the pumpkin spice pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie M&M’s, Pumpkin Spice Cheerios, pumpkin-shaped pretzels, and Brach’s Mellowcreme pumpkin candies over the coated cereal.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the entire snack mix to cool completely and harden at room temperature. Once cooled, break the mixture into desired serving-sized pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container or zip-top bag to maintain freshness for several days.