Description
This Halloween Chex Mix Snack is a fun, crunchy, and festive treat perfect for parties, trick-or-treat gatherings, or cozy nights. Blending sweet and salty flavors with colorful candies and a spiced buttery coating, it offers an easy, customizable snack that delivers delicious texture and vibrant seasonal flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex Cereal (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup pretzels (omit for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup peanuts or mixed nuts (optional, omit for nut-free)
Sweet Add-ins
- 1 cup mini marshmallows or candy corn
- 1 cup candy-coated chocolates
Flavor Coating
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted (use dairy-free alternative for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for spicy version
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Gather the chosen cereals, pretzels, nuts, and other dry mix-ins in a large bowl. Stir well to combine evenly.
- Create the Flavor Coating: Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and any optional spices until well blended and fragrant.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the warm butter-spice mixture over the dry ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful glaze.
- Add Festive Sweet Treats: Sprinkle in candy-coated chocolates, mini marshmallows or candy corn. Toss very gently to avoid melting or crushing these delicate candies.
- Let It Cool and Set: Spread the mix out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Allow it to cool completely to help the flavors meld and achieve a crunchy texture.
Notes
- Use fresh cereals and pretzels to ensure maximum crunch and flavor.
- Toss gently after adding candies to avoid crushing or melting them.
- Start with small amounts of spices, especially heat-inducing ones, then adjust to taste.
- Let the mixture cool completely on parchment paper for the best crispiness.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the snack fresh for up to one week.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to three months and thaw before serving.
- Reheat briefly at 250°F for 5-7 minutes if you want to refresh crunchiness, watching carefully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg