Pumpkin spice season isn’t just about lattes—it’s about capturing the cozy essence of fall in every bite. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger swirling together in a way that instantly feels like home. Instead of baking a pie or cake, you can bring those comforting flavors into a simple, crunchy snack that takes under an hour to make.
That’s where Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix comes in. It’s a sweet-and-salty combination of crispy Chex cereal, pretzels, and caramel Bugles, all coated in a buttery pumpkin spice glaze, then baked until perfectly golden. Once cooled, you toss in festive candies like M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, and candy corn for color, crunch, and just the right amount of fun.
This recipe is more than just a seasonal snack—it’s a crowd-pleaser for parties, game days, or holiday gatherings, and it makes a thoughtful gift when packaged in jars or bags. In this guide, we’ll cover the step-by-step recipe, smart substitutions, storage tips, and creative twists so you can enjoy this addictive fall mix any way you like.
Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal or use rice, corn, or cinnamon Chex
- 2 cups pretzels mini twists or sticks
- 6 oz caramel Bugles or plain Bugles drizzled with caramel after baking
- ¼ cup butter, melted use dairy-free butter for vegan version
- ¼ cup brown sugar or use coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice store-bought or homemade blend
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz Boo-terscotch M&M’s or substitute caramel or peanut butter M&M’s
- 1 cup harvest candy mix includes candy corn and pumpkins
- ½ cup Reese’s Pieces omit for nut-free version
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and caramel Bugles. Mix gently to avoid breaking the pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir carefully to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on wax paper.
- Once cooled, toss in Boo-terscotch M&M’s, harvest candy mix, and Reese’s Pieces.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s break down the star ingredients in this festive recipe and see where you can play around with substitutions:
- Honey Nut Chex (4 cups): The nutty sweetness balances the spice beautifully. Don’t have Honey Nut? Any Chex cereal works—rice, corn, or even cinnamon Chex.
- Pretzels (2 cups): Adds the salty crunch. You can swap with mini pretzel sticks or even goldfish crackers.
- Caramel Bugles (6 oz bag): These cone-shaped snacks bring caramel flavor and extra crunch. If unavailable, try original Bugles drizzled with caramel sauce after baking.
- Butter (¼ cup, melted): Holds the spice coating together. Use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
- Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the mix and caramelizes during baking. Coconut sugar works as a natural substitute.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tbsp): The star of the show! You can make your own blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Adds warmth and depth.
- Boo-terscotch M&M’s (8 oz bag): Seasonal candy that screams fall. If you can’t find them, substitute peanut butter or caramel M&M’s.
- Harvest Candy Mix (1 cup): Candy corn and candy pumpkins bring color and nostalgia.
- Reese’s Pieces (½ cup): Adds peanut butter sweetness—skip if you prefer nut-free.
This mix of crunchy, salty, sweet, and spiced elements is what makes this snack completely irresistible.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the Oven
Set to 275°F (135°C). Low and slow ensures even coating without burning the sugar. - Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and Bugles. Stir gently to avoid breaking them. - Make the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla until smooth. - Coat the Mix
Pour the butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until every piece is coated. - Bake
Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. - Cool & Toss with Candy
Once golden and fragrant, remove from the oven and let cool on wax paper. Toss in M&M’s, harvest mix, and Reese’s Pieces once cooled. - Serve or Store
Enjoy right away, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
- Make-ahead friendly: Stays fresh for days, making it ideal for parties.
- Portable snack: Great for school lunches, game days, or road trips.
- Customizable: Switch up candies and cereals to suit your taste.
- Festive: Looks just as fun as it tastes—perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving spreads.
Variations & Fun Twists
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white or dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled mix for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Boost: Add roasted pecans or almonds for crunch and protein.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle cayenne pepper or pumpkin pie spice with chili for a sweet-spicy surprise.
- Kid-Friendly Swap: Use marshmallows and chocolate chips instead of Reese’s Pieces for a s’mores vibe.
Want more festive ideas? You’ll love our Chocolate Pretzel Easter Nests for another sweet-salty treat!
Storage & Gifting Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days.
- Freezing: Store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
- Gifting Idea: Package in mason jars tied with autumn ribbon or small cellophane bags for teacher gifts, party favors, or Thanksgiving table snacks.
Health Angle: Pumpkin Spice & Nutrition
While this mix is more about fun than health, pumpkin spice blends often include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—all of which carry potential benefits like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For a deeper dive into pumpkin’s nutritional profile, check out Healthline’s guide on pumpkin nutrition.
Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix without baking?
Yes! A no-bake version is possible and still tasty. Simply coat the cereal, pretzels, and Bugles with the melted butter, brown sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla mixture. Instead of baking, spread everything onto wax or parchment paper and let it air-dry until the coating sets. The texture won’t be quite as crunchy as the oven-baked version, but it’s a great shortcut if you don’t want to heat up the oven or are short on time.
How do I make this recipe nut-free?
To make this Chex Mix completely nut-free, skip the Reese’s Pieces and double-check all candy labels to ensure they’re made in nut-free facilities. You can replace them with alternatives like Skittles, candy-coated chocolates, or even yogurt-covered raisins. This adjustment keeps the festive look and sweetness without triggering nut allergies, making it safer for sharing at school events or holiday parties.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe is a natural fit for gatherings, so doubling is common. The key is to split the mix between two baking sheets instead of piling everything onto one. Spreading it out ensures the coating bakes evenly and prevents sogginess. If your oven is small, bake in two batches, stirring every 15 minutes as usual. The results are consistent, and you’ll have plenty for everyone.
What’s the best way to store Chex Mix for freshness?
The best method is to store your cooled Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp for about 5–7 days. For longer storage, transfer it into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, simply let it thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed. This makes it a great make-ahead option for holiday prep or party planning.
Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?
Yes! Making your own pumpkin pie spice is easy and often more budget-friendly. Combine 3 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 2 teaspoons ginger, and 1 teaspoon cloves in a jar and shake well. Store in a cool, dry place for months and use it not just for Chex Mix, but also for coffee, pancakes, and fall desserts. Homemade blends also let you tweak flavors—for example, add more cinnamon for warmth or extra cloves for a stronger kick.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is a fun recipe to make with children. Kids can help stir the cereal, measure candies, and sprinkle them into the cooled mix. Since the recipe doesn’t involve sharp knives or complicated steps, it’s a great way to get little ones involved in the kitchen. They’ll love snacking on it afterward—and it’s colorful enough to double as a Halloween or Thanksgiving activity.
A Sweet & Spiced Send-Off
Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is everything you want in a fall snack: sweet, crunchy, salty, and cozy. It’s simple enough for weeknight munching yet festive enough for parties and holiday tables. Whether you package it up for gifts or serve it in a big bowl during game day, this mix will disappear fast.
Looking for more fall favorites? Try our Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake or the nostalgic Raspberry Pretzel Salad next. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for even more cozy seasonal recipes.