Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (Sweet & Salty Fall Snack)

So excited to share my Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (Sweet & Salty Fall Snack) with you all today! it is the ultimate fall treat that my family can’t get enough of every year. As soon as the weather cools down, James starts asking for it, the kids come running the second they smell it in the oven, and I know I need to make a double batch because it always disappears fast. It’s crunchy, sweet, salty, and loaded with warm pumpkin spice flavor — the kind of easy snack that instantly tastes like fall in every bite. The kids grab handfuls straight off the baking sheet, and this mix has basically become my signature fall treat every year.

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What Is This Recipe Exactly?

This recipe takes everything you love about homemade snack mix and gives it a fall makeover. We’re talking crispy Chex cereal, pumpkin spice Cheerios, salted pretzels, and buttery pecans, all tossed in a rich pumpkin spice-sugar coating, then baked until golden and perfectly crunchy. The result? A sweet, salty, spiced snack that tastes like fall in every bite.

You only need 15 minutes of prep time, a few simple ingredients, and one big baking sheet. It’s easy enough for a weeknight snack but festive enough for holiday gift-giving.

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Why This Recipe Works

There’s a reason this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix disappears in minutes every time I make it:

• Sweet + salty combo: The salty pretzels balance out the sweet, spiced coating so it’s never too rich.
• Perfect texture: Baking the mix helps the coating caramelize, so every piece is crunchy and flavorful.
• Big batch friendly: One recipe makes enough for parties, gifts, or just to snack on all week long.
• Kid-approved: My kids love it as an after-school snack or movie-night treat.
• Easy ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in the pantry already.

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Ingredient Breakdown: What They Do

Here’s why each ingredient matters:

• Chex cereal: The main base that gives you a crisp, light texture. I use cinnamon Chex for extra flavor, but regular works too.
• Pumpkin spice Cheerios: Adds more crunch and pumpkin spice flavor in every bite.
• Pretzels: Salty contrast to the sweet coating, plus extra crunch.
• Pecans: Buttery richness that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
• Butter: Helps the sugars stick to the mix and caramelize while baking.
• Brown sugar + white sugar: The combo gives you both sweetness and a slight molasses depth.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The star of the show — that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves in fall.
• Salt: Just a pinch brings the whole thing together and keeps it from being overly sweet.

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When to Serve / Serving Ideas

• Fall movie nights: A big bowl on the coffee table disappears fast.
• Game day snacks: Perfect for football season — make a double batch because it goes quickly.
• Halloween parties: Bag it up for trick-or-treaters or party guests.
• Thanksgiving munchies: Something to snack on while the turkey roasts.
• Holiday gifting: Pack in cellophane bags or tins with a festive ribbon for teachers, neighbors, or friends.

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Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Bake the mix, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Travel tip: This is a road-trip favorite because it stays crunchy and doesn’t need refrigeration.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy for busy days.
• Affordable ingredients make a big batch.
• Kids can help stir and sprinkle.
• Perfect balance of flavors — not too sweet, not too salty.
• Works for parties, snacks, and edible gifts.

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FAQ Section

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix without nuts?
Yes! If you have a nut allergy or just prefer no nuts, leave them out entirely or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.

What if I can’t find pumpkin spice Cheerios?
You can use apple cinnamon Cheerios, honey nut Cheerios, or even just more Chex cereal. The flavor will be slightly different, but it still works perfectly.

Do I have to bake it?
Baking is what makes the coating set and gives you that perfect caramelized crunch. If you skip baking, the mix will be sticky instead of crisp.

How do I keep my Chex Mix from getting soggy?
Make sure you bake it long enough and let it cool completely before storing. Any trapped steam in the container can make it lose crunch.

Can I add chocolate?
Yes! Stir in white chocolate chips, M&Ms, or mini chocolate chips after it cools completely so they don’t melt.

How do I package this for gifts?
Let it cool fully, then scoop into clear treat bags or mason jars. Tie with a fall ribbon and add a tag that says “Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix — Best eaten within 1 week!”

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Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-free version: Replace pecans with pumpkin seeds or skip entirely.
• Extra sweet: Toss in mini marshmallows after baking for a s’mores twist.
• Maple version: Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup to the butter mixture.
• Spicy-sweet: A pinch of cayenne gives it a fun kick.

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Leftover Ideas

• Sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal for a crunchy topping.
• Use as ice cream topping with caramel drizzle.
• Stir into white chocolate to make Pumpkin Spice Snack Bark.

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Budget Breakdown (Approx.)

• Chex cereal: $3.50
• Cheerios: $3.00
• Pretzels: $2.50
• Pecans: $4.00
• Butter, sugar, spices: $2.00

Total: Around $15 for a huge batch — makes multiple gift bags or party servings.

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How to Package Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix as Gifts

One of my favorite things about this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is how beautifully it doubles as a fall gift. Every year, I make a double batch — one for us to snack on at home and one to package up for neighbors, teachers, and friends. It’s inexpensive, easy to make in bulk, and always looks like a thoughtful, homemade treat.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Cool the mix completely – This is the most important step! If you package it while warm, steam will make the mix soggy inside the bags. Let it cool fully on the baking sheet before you even think about bagging it up.
2. Use clear treat bags or cellophane bags – These show off all the pretty textures and fall colors inside the snack mix. You can find them online, in craft stores, or even at the grocery store in the baking aisle.
3. Add the mix – Scoop the cooled Chex mix into each bag. A measuring cup works well so the portions stay even.
4. Tie with ribbon or baker’s twine – Use fall-colored ribbon (orange, brown, gold) or simple jute twine for a rustic look. Tie a little bow at the top to seal it closed.
5. Add a festive tag – A small handwritten tag with “Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix” and a quick note like “Best eaten within 1 week” or “Perfect with a cup of coffee!” adds a personal touch.
6. Optional extras – Tuck a cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, or a mini candy cane under the ribbon for a holiday twist.

These little bags look adorable in a basket at Thanksgiving, stacked on a dessert table, or handed out to neighbors with a note that says “Happy Fall!”

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Lighten-Up Version / Lower Calorie

• Use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Swap half the sugar for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit blend.
• Use whole-grain cereals for extra fiber.

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Reader Favorite Tips & Ideas

• “I added candy corn for Halloween and it was a hit!”
• “Used almonds instead of pecans because it’s what I had — still amazing.”
• “Doubled the pumpkin pie spice for extra flavor.”

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Troubleshooting Tips

Problem	Solution
Mix too soft	Bake 5 extra minutes until fully dry
Too sweet	Add more pretzels to balance flavors
Coating burns	Stir halfway through baking for even coverage
Sticks to the pan	Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 280
• Carbs: 34g
• Fat: 14g
• Protein: 3g
• Sugar: 16g

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My Personal Kitchen Notes

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few things that guarantee perfect results every single batch:

• Cool completely before storing: This keeps the mix crisp and prevents any steam from making it soft.
• Use parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier and keeps the coating from sticking.
• Stir halfway through baking: This helps the sugar mixture coat every piece evenly and prevents the edges from over-browning.
• Measure the spices accurately: Too little pumpkin pie spice, and the flavor gets lost; too much, and it overpowers everything. Stick to the recipe the first time, then adjust to taste if you want a stronger spice flavor.
• Double the recipe for gifting: One batch disappears fast. If you plan to give this as gifts, always make two.

These little tweaks make the difference between “good” snack mix and the crunchy, perfectly coated Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix everyone asks for again and again.

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My Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix (Sweet & Salty Fall Snack) is everything I love about fall baking: easy, affordable, cozy, and shareable. It makes your whole house smell amazing, works for every fall gathering, and packs beautifully for homemade gifts. Bake one batch for now — but trust me, you’ll want another for later.

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Check Out More Pumpkin Recipes

• Pumpkin Earthquake Cake
• Pumpkin Roll
• 2 Ingredient Pumpkin Pie Donut Holes 
• Swirled Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars