Sweet and salty fall Chex mix is the ultimate seasonal snack. It’s irresistible with candy corn, M&M’s, pretzels, cashews and Chex coated in a brown sugar glaze.

Bowl of fall Chex mix with candy corn, mellowcreme pumpkins, pretzels, and salted cashews coated in a sweet glaze.

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Sweet and Salty Harvest Chex Mix

This fall Chex mix is a true harvest favorite with Chex, pretzels, salty nuts, candy corn, pumpkins and M&M’s tossed in a sweet brown sugar glaze then baked for the best crunch!

It’s not as savory as my homemade Chex mix and has a sweet flavor similar to my sweet Chex mix. 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.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Autumn’s most requested snack: Every bite of this harvest Chex mix is full of textures and flavors that will keep you digging back in the bowl for more!
  • Festive and easy to make: Ready in just 20 minutes, this colorful mix with candy corn and M&M’s is perfect for fall gatherings, school events, or Halloween parties.

Ingredients Notes

Ingredients for a fall harvest Chex mix including Chex cereal, pretzels, cashews, candy corn, and mellowcreme pumpkins.

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.

Mixing bowl with pretzels, cashews, and Chex cereal coated in brown sugar and butter.

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.

Sheet pan of fall Chex mix with pretzels, cashews, and cereal coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze before adding candy.

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.

Fall Chex mix on a baking sheet with pretzels, Chex cereal, cashews, candy corn, M&M’s, and mellowcreme 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.
Glass bowl filled with fall snack mix with Chex, pretzels, nuts and fall candy.

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

Bowl of fall Chex mix with candy corn, mellowcreme pumpkins, pretzels, and salted cashews .

Fall Chex Mix

5 from 4 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 20
Sweet and salty fall Chex mix is the ultimate seasonal snack. It's irresistible with candy corn, M&M’s, pretzels, cashews and Chex coated in a brown sugar glaze.
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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

Store in a covered container for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcal, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 13mg, Sodium: 319mg, Potassium: 171mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 405IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 72mg, Iron: 8mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use an extra-large mixing bowl and two baking sheets so the mix bakes evenly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

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.

How do you store it?

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.