Save This Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is a crunchy, fragrant treat loaded with nuts, pretzels, cereal, and pops of sweet fruit and creamy chocolate. It is perfect for fall gatherings, gifting, or nibbling while you watch movies wrapped in blankets. The cozy flavors are a highlight of autumn but honestly, I find myself making this snack mix whenever I want something both festive and satisfying.
I first brought this to a football viewing party and it was gone before halftime. Now my friends expect it at every get-together the moment the leaves start to turn.
Ingredients
- Rice Chex cereal: provides crunch and soaks up the sweet spiced coating
- Mini pretzels: add a salty snap and hold their shape during baking
- Roasted pecans: deliver rich, buttery flavor and extra autumn aroma choose whole halves for best presentation
- Roasted cashews: give a creamy texture and mellow taste
- Pumpkin seeds pepitas: tie in the seasonal theme and add color look for bright green and plump seeds
- Unsalted butter: helps the coating cling and adds classic richness
- Light brown sugar: offers subtle caramel sweetness and helps with the mix’s glaze
- Pure maple syrup: deepens the fall flavor use real syrup not imitation
- Pumpkin pie spice: brings warmth and all the cozy notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves
- Sea salt: pops all the flavors use flaky or medium grains if you can
- Dried cranberries: brighten every bite with chewy tang
- White chocolate chips: melt into creamy pockets use quality chips that stay whole
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep:
- Set your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is easy and the snack mix will not stick.
- Mix the Base:
- Combine the Rice Chex cereal mini pretzels roasted pecan halves roasted cashews and pumpkin seeds in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently so each piece mixes evenly without breaking.
- Whisk the Coating:
- In a separate bowl thoroughly whisk together the melted butter light brown sugar pure maple syrup pumpkin pie spice and sea salt until the mixture is completely smooth and a bit glossy.
- Coat the Mix:
- Slowly pour the sweet spiced coating over all the dry ingredients. Use a big spatula to toss everything together making sure each bit of cereal pretzel and nut is gleaming with the buttery syrup.
- Spread and Bake:
- Turn the coated mix out onto your prepared pan and spread it in a dense even layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes stirring every 15 minutes so nothing burns and all sides crisp evenly.
- Cool:
- Once the mix is crisped and golden take it out of the oven. Leave it spread on the pan until cooled fully this helps it firm up into the perfect crunchy clusters.
- Finish with Add-Ins:
- Once cool sprinkle in the dried cranberries and white chocolate chips. Gently toss so each handful gets a good mix of chewy and creamy bits.
- Store and Serve:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crisp for up to a week. Perfect for snacking gifting or pouring into bowls for a crowd.
Save One of my favorite parts is the way the maple syrup caramelizes with the butter and brown sugar so you get these golden shards of sweetness on the nuts. The first time my niece made this with me she insisted on trying every nut and we giggled over sticky fingers and how good everything smelled coming out of the oven.
Storage Tips
Once your snack mix is fully cooled the texture stays best in an airtight container or a big glass jar with a tight lid. It will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature though good luck making it last that long. If you make a double batch set some aside immediately or it will disappear as soon as friends and family see it.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly adaptable. Swap out the pecans and cashews for almonds walnuts or hazelnuts if that is what you have. Use different cereals if Rice Chex is not available but stick to ones that hold their shape well. For vegan friends use plant-based butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
I love piling this mix into pretty glass bowls to set out at parties or scooping it into small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifts. It makes a wonderful road trip snack and disappears fast at potlucks or after-school gatherings.
Cultural and Historical Context
Pumpkin spice has roots in classic American baking where a warming mix of cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves has flavored autumn pies for generations. Snack mixes became popular in the twentieth century as easy crowd-pleasers and this recipe combines both traditions for a treat that says fall with every bite.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add roasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch in October Mix in dried apples or spiced pineapple for late autumn celebrations Toss a handful of pumpkin candy corn in for Halloween fun
Success Stories
I once made a huge batch for a harvest festival and people kept coming back for seconds and thirds. Kids love picking out their favorite bites while adults appreciate the nostalgic flavor and satisfying crunch. Friends have since texted me photos of their own versions using whatever nuts they found on sale.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze the fully baked and cooled mix for up to a month. Store in airtight bags or containers and let thaw for twenty minutes at room temperature before serving. The white chocolate chips may not stay as pretty after thawing but the crunch and flavor will still be amazing.
Save This snack mix makes fall gatherings a little sweeter and gives everyone that cozy feeling. Make a big batch and let friends grab their favorite handfuls while the aroma fills your kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pretzels and Rice Chex labeled gluten-free to ensure a safe snack for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → How can I make a vegan version?
Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free white chocolate chips. Check all ingredient labels for vegan certification.
- → What other mix-ins can I use?
Try adding pumpkin candy corn, chocolate-covered espresso beans, or dried fruits to customize flavor and texture.
- → How should I store the snack mix?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain crispness and freshness.
- → Is it suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Package in decorative bags or jars for seasonal presents or party favors that delight recipients.
- → Can I swap out nuts for allergies?
Yes. Use seeds or allergy-friendly substitutes, and always check ingredient labels for cross-contact warnings before serving.