A Festive Treat with Cozy Autumn Flavors

Pumpkin spice is more than just a latte flavor—it’s the essence of fall. This Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix (a fun twist on Chex Mix) combines crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, caramel Bugles, and sweet candy for a perfectly balanced seasonal snack. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Snack mixes like this one are popular in the U.S., especially during fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving celebrations, because they are quick to prepare and share.

Why Pumpkin Spice Works in a Snack Mix

Pumpkin pie spice is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, and it enhances both sweet and savory elements. In this recipe, it coats Chex cereal, pretzels, and Bugles with a sweet, spiced butter glaze. When baked, the mix develops a crunchy, caramelized texture that pairs beautifully with the candy add-ins like M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, and candy corn. This blend of flavors makes every handful a mix of salty, sweet, crunchy, and festive.

The Perfect Fall Party Recipe

This Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is versatile—you can serve it in bowls for gatherings, package it in little treat bags for gifts, or store it in jars for snacking at home. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and totally customizable. Swap in your favorite candies, add nuts for more crunch, or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra treat. Whether you’re baking for Halloween or preparing snacks for a cozy movie night, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing result.

Ingredients

4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
2 cups pretzels
1 bag caramel Bugles
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 bag Boo-terscotch M&M’s (or regular)
1 cup harvest candy mix
½ cup Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Mix

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and caramel Bugles.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this over the cereal mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat. Spread the coated mixture into an even layer. Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and makes the mix extra crunchy.

Step 4: Cool and Add Candy

Transfer the baked mix onto wax paper to cool completely. Once cooled, toss in the Boo-terscotch M&M’s, harvest candy mix, and Reese’s Pieces.

Step 5: Store and Serve

Keep the mix in an airtight container. Enjoy by the handful, or package in little bags for gifts.

Recipe Timing & Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: About 12

Estimated Nutrition (per serving):

Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix

1. Can I make this Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix ahead of time?

Yes! This mix keeps well in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’re making it for a party, prepare it 1–2 days ahead for the freshest flavor.

2. Can I use homemade pumpkin spice instead of store-bought?

Absolutely. Mix 3 tbsp cinnamon, 2 tsp nutmeg, 2 tsp ginger, 1 ½ tsp allspice, and 1 ½ tsp cloves. Store it in a jar and use 1 tbsp for this recipe.

3. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes—pecans, almonds, or cashews work great. You can also add dried cranberries, mini marshmallows, or drizzle melted white chocolate for variety.

4. How do I prevent the mix from getting soggy?

Be sure to bake the mix fully at a low temperature and cool it completely before adding candy. Storing it in a sealed container also helps keep it crisp.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love helping mix, stir, and especially taste-test. Just supervise during the baking process since the mixture gets hot.

5-Step Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix