This fall Chex mix is the perfect sweet and salty snack with crunchy cereal, pretzels and nuts coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze, then tossed with M&M’s and candy corn.
Two more autumn favorites you’ll love are my Thanksgiving blessing mix and Halloween Chex mix, which are both perfect for sharing this time of year.

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Key Takeaways: Fall Chex Mix
- Sweet and salty harvest Chex mix: Crunchy Chex, pretzels and cashews are coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze, then mixed with candy corn and M&M’s.
- Easy to customize: Swap in your favorite cereal, nuts or seasonal candy depending on what you have on hand.
- Perfect for fall: This festive snack mix is great for Halloween parties, game day, school treats or gifting.
Why I Love This Recipe
This fall Chex mix is one of my favorite seasonal snacks because it has that irresistible mix of crunchy, salty and sweet in every bite. It’s festive enough for Halloween parties and fall gatherings, but simple enough to make anytime you want an easy snack mix.
It’s sweeter than my homemade Chex mix and has a similar dessert-style flavor to my sweet Chex mix.
Ingredients Notes

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Chex cereal: I like Rice Chex, but you can use Corn Chex if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mini pretzels: Add the perfect salty crunch that balances out the sweetness.
- Salted peanuts or cashews: A little nutty flavor makes the mix extra satisfying.
- Butter, brown sugar and vanilla extract: Melt together to create a sweet caramel-like coating that makes the mix completely addictive.
- M&M’s: A pop of chocolate (and color!) in every handful.
- Candy corn or candy pumpkin: Sweet and chewy, these little bites make it feel extra festive. If you’re not a fan of this candy, just leave it out!
How to Make Fall Chex Mix
In a big bowl, combine the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and salted nuts.

Melt the butter and brown sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl (about 20–30 seconds). Stir until smooth, then mix in the vanilla. Pour over the cereal mixture and toss until everything is coated.

Spread the mixture onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake at 275°F for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cool slightly, then stir in the M&M’s, candy corn, and candy pumpkins.

Recipe Tips
- Don’t overbake. Keep an eye on the oven so the caramel coating doesn’t harden too much. Stir halfway through baking for even crunch.
- Gift it. Package the cooled mix in small clear bags tied with orange ribbon for party favors, bake sales, or neighbor treats.
- Follow the ratio. Use about 2 cups Chex, 3 cups salty ingredients, and 1 cup sweet add-ins.
- Mix it up. Try swapping in Reese’s Pieces, Bugles, cheddar crackers or something sweet like Raisinets for a fun twist.
Fall Chex Mix FAQs
Yes! Just use an extra-large mixing bowl and two baking sheets so the mix bakes evenly.
After baking. If you add it before, it will melt into a gooey mess!
Definitely. Fall Chex mix stays fresh for several days, so it’s a great recipe to make a day or two before a party or holiday gathering.
Once cooled, store in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. It will stay good for up to 1 month, but I find it tastes best when eaten within the first week.

More fall snacks we love include caramel apples, Halloween candy popcorn and sometimes I include them all on a fall charcuterie board!
More Snack Mix Recipes

Fall Chex Mix
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups (72 grams) Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts or cashews
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup M&M's (I used peanut)
- ½ cup candy corn or candy pumpkins
Instructions
- Prepare and preheat: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups chex, 2 cups pretzels and 1 cup peanuts.
- Cook caramel coating: In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour over chex mix.
- Bake: Bake for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring half way through.
- Add candy: Immediately add 1/2 cup M&M's, 1/2 cup candy corn or pumpkins, and stir.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tammy Barnard
Havent made yet, but will be making several batches this week for our marching band group as we have a competition this weekend and a batch for home.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
What a great idea! My teens love this fall Chex mix, so I am sure the marching band will love it, too!
Cindy Daniel
Does the candy get sticky if you add them while the cereal mix is warm?
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
No, similar to caramel corn this is why you bake it at a low temperature for a short time.
Bobbie Beauchamp
It taste good!! I’m taking to church tonight for our youth group!!!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you love the fall Chex mix!
Susan
Can’t wait to make this.
Rita Skipworth
Haven’t made it yet. Just found the recipe.
Martha
Good
Cindy
I made this for my ladies Pitch card club last night! Everyone loved it and requested the recipe. I made copies to give you the credit and to share your website. A big hit and so easy!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
Aww thanks so much Cindy for sharing the recipe! I am so glad everyone loved the fall Chex mix!
Kimberly Hansen
I made this Fall Chex Mix today for DUP – Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. It was all gone after the luncheon and soooo many asked for the recipe. So fun to have sooo many compliments. Thank you Jaime.
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad everyone loved the fall Chex mix at your event! Thanks for sharing!
Holly
So good and so easy!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So happy to hear you love the fall Chex mix!
Donna
Making this for the 2nd time in a week. Was a big hit at our Fall harvest
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
So glad you loved the fall chex mix on repeat! :)
Whitney
I made this for my kids the other day and they gobbled it right up!
Sarah @IHeartNaptime
It’s so good! Thanks for making the fall Chex mix!