If you’re craving a cozy snack that perfectly captures the spirit of fall, you’re going to love this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe. It blends crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, and toasted pecans with the rich warmth of pumpkin puree and fragrant pumpkin pie spice, creating a blend that’s simultaneously sweet, spicy, and irresistibly snackable. Whether you need a festive treat to enjoy during crisp autumn afternoons or a thoughtful gift packaged up for friends, this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe is the ultimate fall snack hack you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the heart of nailing this recipe. Each component is simple but essential: from the crunchy cereals that form the base to the pumpkin-spice-infused buttery glaze that makes every bite sing with flavor and warmth.
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal: This adds a light, crispy texture that soaks up the pumpkin spice coating beautifully.
- 4 cups Wheat Chex cereal: Provides a hearty crunch and a slightly nutty undertone to balance the sweetness.
- 2 cups pretzel sticks: Their salty snap offers a perfect contrast to the sweet pumpkin glaze.
- 1 cup pecans: Toasted pecans add buttery richness and a lovely earthy note.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Little bursts of tartness and a touch of chewy texture brighten the mix.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: The base for the glaze, creating a smooth, luscious coating for the mix.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree: This ingredient gives classic autumn flavor and a lovely moist texture to the coating.
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: The star of the spice mix, infusing warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). While it’s warming up, combine the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, pecans, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Stir gently so everything is evenly distributed without breaking the cereal pieces. This mix of textures will make your Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe stand out.
Step 2: Craft the Pumpkin Spice Glaze
Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in the brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar dissolves completely. This warm, fragrant glaze is what will transform the dry ingredients into a truly memorable fall snack.
Step 3: Combine and Coat the Mix
Pour the pumpkin spice glaze over the dry cereal and nut mix. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is coated evenly with that beautiful pumpkin-spice goodness. It’s important to be gentle here to keep those crunchy textures intact, which make every bite so fun.
Step 4: Bake and Stir
Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, but don’t forget to stir every 15 minutes! This helps the mix toast evenly and keeps the coating luscious rather than burnt. The slow bakes allow flavors to deepen and the mix to crisp up just right.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once baked, remove the Chex Mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It’s during this cooling time that the mix crisps up to perfection. When cool, transfer it to an airtight container for freshness, and you’ll have an addictive snack ready anytime.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a few additional dried cranberries or chopped pecans on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a snowy, holiday feel that makes this snack even more inviting on chilly days.
Side Dishes
This mix pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like mulled cider, chai tea, or a creamy latte. It also complements soft cheeses and fruit platters beautifully if you’re setting out a snack board for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe in cute mason jars or festive bowls lined with seasonal napkins for parties. It also makes a wonderful homemade gift when packaged in cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbons, adding a personal and thoughtful touch to any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it sealed tight to maintain that perfect crunch and prevent the spices from fading.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Chex Mix in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature—there’s no need to heat it up, which preserves the crunch perfectly.
Reheating
If you prefer your mix warm, spread it on a baking sheet and reheat in a 250°F (120°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the crunch and gently warms the spices, making it taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can be used depending on your preference. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work wonderfully in this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe.
Is pumpkin puree different from pumpkin pie filling?
Yes, pumpkin puree is just cooked, mashed pumpkin without added sugar or spices, while pumpkin pie filling contains sweeteners and spices. For this recipe, you want pure pumpkin puree for better control over sweetness and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just be sure to use gluten-free certified Rice and Wheat Chex cereals and pretzels. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe without worry.
How long does the mix stay crunchy?
If stored properly in an airtight container, the mix stays crisp and fresh for about two weeks. Avoid humid environments, as moisture will soften the crunch.
Can I add chocolate chips to the mix?
Yes, adding chocolate chips after the mix has cooled is a tasty twist. The residual warmth could melt the chips, so wait until it’s completely cool before mixing them in.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe is truly a fall favorite you’ll want to pull out again and again. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with cozy autumn flavors, and perfect for snacking anytime. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—this is the kind of recipe that brings warmth and smiles with every crunchy bite.
Print
Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 0m
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is a flavorful fall-inspired snack mix combining crunchy cereals, pretzels, pecans, and dried cranberries coated in a sweet and spicy pumpkin glaze. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy snacking, or gifting during the autumn season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to prepare for baking the snack mix.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together the Rice Chex, Wheat Chex, pretzel sticks, pecans, and dried cranberries to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Pumpkin Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Coat Mix: Pour the warm pumpkin glaze over the dry cereal and nut mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated mixture evenly across a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling process will help the mixture crisp up perfectly.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix to an airtight container for storage to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Stirring every 15 minutes during baking is crucial to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
- Make sure the mix cools completely before storing to preserve crispness.
- You can customize the nuts or dried fruits according to preference.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- This mix makes a great homemade gift during the holiday season.
