Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix You’ll Love to Share!

Fall Snack Mix messes up my countertop every year, if I’m totally honest. I mean, who hasn’t reached for a snack and found the options kinda boring? Chips again? Same old crackers? Yawn. 

Fall’s got all these warm, cozy flavors but I used to never taste ’em unless I was having pie… or maybe a fancy latte. 

So when a friend brought over a Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix at Halloween a couple years ago, I was like, “WHY aren’t we making this all season?” It’s crunchy, colorful, smells unreal—plus it’s easy enough you could literally do it while wrangling wild kids or chatting on the phone.

 Ever since, I can’t show up to a fall party without people hounding me for this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, so you know when you crave a little sweet, then suddenly want a salty something after that? This mix is basically an answer to that problem. Makes snack time way more interesting. One handful is never enough, promise. You get crispy, chewy, a teensy bit gooey if you toss in chocolate chips; honestly, it’s got it all. And you can riff on it a million ways because there’s no strict rulebook, just good vibes. I swap stuff every time. Sometimes, I throw in those little maple cookies if I’m feeling fancy, or a mix of pretzels shapes when I’ve got those weird leftover bags. My neighbor Sam says, “This is like snack crack.” Is that a good thing? I’ll leave it to you.

“This is the only snack mix my picky kids will eat without bribery. They even help make it if I let them toss the ingredients.” – Jessie H.

Ingredients for Chex Mix for Fall

You don’t need a PhD for shopping here, thank goodness. Check the pantry before you make a special store run, too.

• 3 cups Rice Chex cereal (corn Chex works, too)
• 2 cups mini pretzels (I love the twists for texture)
• 1 cup roasted salted peanuts (or mixed nuts if you’re a wild card)
• 1 cup candy corn (live a little, it’s crucial for the fall effect)
• 1 cup M&M’s (fall colors if you can find ’em)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (adds a tart pop)
• 1/2 cup caramel bits (I sometimes cheat and chop soft caramels)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional but yum)

Got allergies to peanuts? Just swap for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds and no one will notice (or they’ll actually think you did it on purpose).

How to Make Fall Snack Mix

Not gonna lie, this is the cooking equivalent of “dump and stir.” Get your biggest bowl (seriously, you want a huge one). Pour in the Chex, pretzels, and nuts. If you’re going to add the melted butter, do that now and give it a real good toss. Honestly, use your hands. Then sprinkle in the cranberries, caramel bits, candy corn, and M&M’s. Mix gently so everything doesn’t shatter. Now you just have to taste test for… quality control (I always do, it’s mandatory).

 If you’re not eating it all right away—which I don’t recommend, unless you’re Superhuman—stash in an airtight container. Keeps a few days, unless you have snack thieves.

Expert Tips and Variations

Here’s where you can mess around and make this recipe scream “you.” Try swapping in honey-roasted nuts for a sweeter crunch. Hate candy corn? Sub marshmallows or yogurt-covered raisins. Want vegan? Use vegan candy and skip the butter, it still tastes killer. Got a sweet tooth today but a salty mood tomorrow? Add mini cheese crackers or sesame sticks. Heck, you could shake a little pumpkin spice on it if that’s your jam (sometimes I do this, nobody complains).

 If you’re gifting, pop the mix in little mason jars with a string or even in clear bags for a cute treat. My cousin sends them in her kid’s lunch and says “they don’t trade it, they just eat it.” That’s high praise in kid world.

Tools You’ll Need

Honestly, no fancy equipment needed.

• Big mixing bowl (emphasis on BIG)
• Wooden spoon (your hand works fine, too)
• Airtight storage container or zip-top bags (keeps things crispy)

Optional? A cheerful autumn apron for max fall vibes. Or don’t. I make mine in pajamas sometimes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pack it into snack-size bags for a fall road trip.
• Toss it in a bowl at your next movie night—equals instant crowd pleaser.
• Sprinkle over ice cream (I know, wild, but trust me).
• Bring to work in a jar… once and everyone will expect it weekly.

Common Questions

How long does the Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix stay fresh?

 If you hide it from snack-hungry roommates (or yourself), up to 5 days sealed tight! Otherwise… maybe 2 days tops.

Can I make this gluten-free?

 Totally. Just use gluten-free pretzels and Chex. A couple tweaks and you’re golden.

Are there nut-free options?

 Yep. Use seeds instead, or just boost the cereal to feel extra “snacky.”

Does it work with other cereals?

 Absolutely. I’ve done it with oat squares, even some puffed rice once when the shelves were pretty bare. Be adventurous.

Is it OK to add more candy?

 Friend, if you need to ask, you already know the answer. More candy, more joy (in moderation… I think).

Go Share Some Snack Joy!

Don’t overthink it. Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix is one of those treats people remember. It’s crunchy, colorful, cozy as your favorite sweater—and honestly, it never disappoints. Make a batch, share it (or hide it, no judgment), and feel free to show off your crafting skills. You might even find yourself on snack duty for every fall party.