Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that perfectly balances sweet and savory and screams fall vibes, you’re going to adore this Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe. I first made this for a cozy game night, and my family seriously went crazy for it! It’s that perfect combo of crunchy, gooey, buttery, and just a hint of spice — truly a snack you don’t want to miss out on.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love is how these ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture: crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, and that touch of cinnamon-spiced sweetness that gives the mix its cozy fall personality.

• Peanut butter corn cereal squares: I use Peanut Butter Chex because that nutty flavor adds richness.
• Wheat cereal squares: Wheat Chex adds a lighter crunch and balances the stronger flavors.
• Mini pretzels: Their salty crunch is essential for the salty side of the mix.
• Cheddar cheese crackers: Like Cheez-its, these give a savory, cheesy bite that everyone loves.
• Honey nut o’s cereal: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and variety in texture.
• Unsalted butter (melted): The base for the sweet coating — melted butter helps everything stick together gorgeously.
• Light brown sugar (packed): Adds that deep caramel flavor you want in fall snacks.
• Maple syrup: I discovered this trick adds a lovely natural sweetness and subtle maple aroma.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly without being overwhelming.
• Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and fall-inspired spice.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt slightly and add gooey sweetness.
• Candy corn: Classic fall candy that gives fun bursts of sweetness and color.
• Peanut butter candy pieces: Like Reese’s Pieces – they add a pop of peanut buttery goodness.

Variations

While I stick pretty close to this combo because it has that perfect balance, feel free to make it your own! I love customizing it depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter cereal and candies for nut-free options; sunflower seed butter cereal works great.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the butter mixture for a little heat – my friends were surprised by how much they loved this twist!
• Seasonal Fruit: Toss in dried cranberries or chopped apples for an extra fall flair.
• Chocolate Lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cooled mix for a melty surprise.

How to Make Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). This moderate temperature will let the flavors meld perfectly without burning the mix. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — trust me, this step makes cleanup way easier and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Toss Together the Dry Mix

Grab that big mixing bowl and toss in the peanut butter corn cereal squares, wheat cereal squares, bite-size pretzels, cheddar cheese crackers, and honey nut o’s cereal. Make sure they’re evenly mixed so each bite will have that delightful variety.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Salty Coating

In a separate small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, packed brown sugar, maple syrup, kosher salt, and cinnamon. The warm melted butter makes it easy to dissolve the sugar and blend those fall flavors beautifully. Pour this mixture over the cereal blend, stirring gently but thoroughly so everything’s coated — this is what makes each bite so irresistibly tasty.

Step 4: Bake and Stir for Perfect Crunch

Spread the coated mixture evenly across the two prepared baking sheets. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. This helps the mix bake evenly and brown slowly into those gorgeous golden hues. Keep an eye on it around the 20-minute mark to avoid burning, especially the cereal edges.

Step 5: Cool and Finish It Off

Once baked to that luscious golden perfection, take the trays out and let the mix cool completely. Cooling is crucial because if you add the marshmallows or candies too soon, they’ll melt into a sticky mess. After cooling, gently fold in the mini marshmallows, candy corn, and peanut butter candy pieces. These final touches really bring that sweet fall spirit to the mix.

How to Serve Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top just before serving to enhance that warm spice aroma. Sometimes I toss in a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds for a little more crunch and an earthy touch. It keeps the snack visually inviting and adds that seasonal twist.

Side Dishes

This snack mix pairs wonderfully with warm apple cider or a spiced latte. I’ve also served it alongside a cheese board for gatherings — it’s a fantastic crunchy counterpoint to soft cheeses and fresh fruits.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve the mix in mini mason jars tied with raffia or a seasonal ribbon — it looks so charming and makes a lovely gift! Another idea is layering it in clear treat bags with a handwritten note for neighbors or coworkers, which always gets rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—in jars like Ball® Storage Latch Jars work beautifully. This keeps the mix fresh and crunchy for up to a week, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t usually necessary because this mix is best fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight bag for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving; marshmallows may slightly change texture but still taste great.

Reheating

If you’d like to warm the mix for a freshly toasted feel, pop it in the oven at 250°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once. Be careful not to heat too long or the marshmallows and candy can melt too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix Recipe has become a staple in my house when the leaves start turning and the air gets crisp. It brings everyone together—whether we’re curled up on the couch or hosting friends—and it’s so easy to adjust for any occasion. You’ll love how it effortlessly captures the flavors of fall and makes snack time feel special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be your go-to for celebrating the season, too.

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