This Fall Snack Mix is a cozy blend of crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruits, and a sprinkle of tasty spices. It’s a perfect nibble for those crisp autumn days!
Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! I love grabbing a handful while watching movies, and let’s face it, the mix disappears way too fast! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Popcorn: Use freshly popped popcorn for the best crunch. You can microwave plain popcorn or pop it on the stovetop. If you’re out of popcorn, rice cakes can be an alternative, giving a similar texture.
Cereal: Square wheat cereal is great for a sturdy base. If you don’t have it, honey nut cereal or even granola would add a nice sweetness!
Pretzels: Mini pretzels add a delightful crunch. If you prefer something gluten-free, look for gluten-free pretzels, or swap them for cheese crackers.
Candy Corn: This seasonal favorite adds sweetness. Feel free to replace it with M&M’s or seasonal chocolates if you’re not a candy corn fan.
Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries offer tartness, but raisins or even chopped dried apricots can work well too. Personal favorite: tart cherries for a unique twist!
How Do I Get the Perfect Coating on My Snack Mix?
Getting that perfect coating helps all the flavors stick together! Here’s how to do it:
- Melt the butter on low heat to avoid burning. A small saucepan works best for this.
- Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. This mixture enhances sweetness and adds flavor.
- Drizzle it evenly over the snack mix in the bowl. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Baking helps set the mixture together. Remember to stir halfway through to ensure even baking!
Let it cool completely after baking to achieve a crunchy texture. Enjoy your perfect snack mix!
How to Make Fall Snack Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 3 cups popped popcorn (lightly salted or plain)
- 2 cups square wheat cereal (like Chex)
- 1 cup pretzels (small or mini pretzels)
- 1 cup caramel-coated popcorn or kettle corn
- 1 cup candy corn
- 1 cup chocolate chunks or chocolate-covered raisins
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or cherries
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (e.g., peanuts, cashews, or your favorite)
For the Coating:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fall Snack Mix will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to bake. So, you can enjoy this tasty treat in just under 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the popped popcorn, wheat cereal, pretzels, caramel popcorn, candy corn, chocolate chunks, dried cranberries, and mixed nuts. Gently mix everything together and set it aside. This colorful mix is going to be so tasty!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these ingredients until they are fully dissolved and smooth. This will give your snack mix a lovely sweet flavor!
3. Coat the Snack Mix:
Carefully drizzle the butter mixture over your snack mix. Gently toss everything together until all the pieces are coated evenly. You want each delicious bite to be full of flavor!
4. Bake the Snack Mix:
Spread the snack mix evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 15 minutes. Make sure to stir the mix halfway through to prevent any burning; we want it nice and golden!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s nicely baked, take it out and let the snack mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, transfer it to a large bowl or an airtight container. This Fall Snack Mix is perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings or enjoying during your cozy evenings at home!
Can I Use Different Nuts or Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the mix with your favorite nuts like almonds or pecans, and swap dried cranberries for raisins or apricots if you prefer. This snack mix is versatile!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crunch!
Can I Make This Snack Mix Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just choose gluten-free pretzels and ensure the cereal you select is labeled gluten-free. Most brands will specify if they’re gluten-free, so read the label carefully!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of pumpkin spice or nutmeg to the butter mixture. This will give your Fall Snack Mix an even cozier autumn vibe!
