Bookmark
This Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix captures the spirit of the season in a crunchy, sweet, and salty snack. It brings together a medley of festive flavors perfect for parties or casual snacking during the fall season. Easy to prepare and wonderfully customizable, it has quickly become my goto mix for every Halloween gathering.
I first mixed this up for a Halloween party and was surprised how much everyone enjoyed the combination of candy corn and pumpkin spice popcorn. Now it’s a must have whenever friends come over for fall celebrations.
Ingredients
- Chex cereal: Four cups using a blend of rice and corn provides a light and crispy base
- Pretzel sticks: Two cups add a satisfying salty crunch
- Candy corn: One cup brings classic Halloween sweetness and color
- Pumpkin spice flavored popcorn: One cup introduces warm seasonal spices that tie the mix together
- Mixed nuts: One cup offers a hearty texture and flavor contrast choose fresh nuts for best taste
- Butter: Four tablespoons acts as the glue that binds all the flavors when melted
- Maple syrup: Three tablespoons enhance sweetness with a natural rich flavor pure maple syrup works best
- Pumpkin spice: One teaspoon adds that iconic autumn aroma freshly mixed pumpkin spice blends yield the best result
- Salt: Half a teaspoon balances sweetness and brings out all other flavors
- Chocolate candies: Optional half cup can be folded in for a little extra decadence
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven temperature to 275 degrees Fahrenheit or 135 degrees Celsius to ensure low and slow baking that crisps without burning.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, candy corn, pumpkin spice popcorn, and mixed nuts thoroughly. This mix of dry ingredients will be the crunchy backbone of your treat.
- Prepare the sweet mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat melt the butter fully. Stir in the maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and salt and simmer for about one minute to meld the flavors and create a glossy coating for your mix.
- Combine:
- Pour the warm melted mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula to ensure all pieces get coated without breaking the cereal or nuts.
- Spread and bake:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated mixture evenly on the sheet in a single layer to allow even baking. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes to prevent any burning and ensure uniform crispiness.
- Add the extras:
- Remove from the oven and while still warm fold in chocolate candies if using. The residual heat will soften the chocolates slightly adding a delightful chew.
- Cool and enjoy:
- Allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving bowl. Cooling ensures the mix crisps up perfectly and prevents the candy from melting too much.
My favorite ingredient has to be the pumpkin spice popcorn because it adds an unexpected but perfect autumn note. I remember the first time I made this and took some to my neighbor’s Halloween party their kids were asking for more candy corn before realizing it was actually part of a snack mix. It brings a bit of magic to any gathering.
Storage tips
Store the cooled Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for about a week. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can make the mix soggy. If you want to keep it longer, freezing in a sealed container works well and just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Ingredient substitutions
If you cannot find pumpkin spice popcorn use plain popcorn and increase the pumpkin spice slightly to make up for flavor. Pretzel sticks can be swapped with pretzel twists depending on what is available. If maple syrup is not on hand honey can be used but the flavor will change slightly. Nuts may be replaced with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut free version.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Chex Mix in clear bowls or festive containers to highlight all the colors and textures. It pairs well with warm apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte if you want to keep the autumn theme going. Because it has both sweet and salty elements it also complements cheese platters nicely.
Enjoy this festive Chex Mix at your next gathering and share it with friends and family. It makes a fun and crunchy seasonal treat.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of Chex cereal works best for this mix?
A combination of rice and corn Chex cereals is ideal to achieve a balanced texture and flavor.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this harvest hash?
Yes, you can modify the amount of pumpkin spice to suit your taste preferences or omit it for a milder flavor.
- → How long should I bake the mix for optimal crunch?
Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even crispness.
- → Are chocolate candies necessary for the final mix?
Chocolate candies are optional but add a delightful sweetness and texture contrast when folded in after baking.
- → What is the best way to store the finished harvest hash?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch for several days.