This Halloween Chex Mix is loaded with Chex cereal, pretzels, and candy corn for that perfect sweet-and-salty bite. This festive snack mix is so easy to make and always a crowd favorite for a Halloween party!
I can already hear the naysayers – “but candy corn is gross!” Listen, I get it, but this Halloween snack mix has the perfect combination of flavors and textures. It is SO good, we have converted so many candy corn haters over the years!
When I say we eat this stuff by the handful, I wish I was exaggerating. Be prepared to not be able to stop at “just one more bite”. Consider making a double batch, it always goes fast!
“This Halloween chex mix makes a great party treat. One batch is enough for a very large bowl, perfect for our pumpkin carving party we have every year. The pumpkin spice buttery topping is so yummy and the Chex cereal and pretzels add the perfect crunch. The kids went absolutely mad for it!” — Simone, skilled home cook and bread maker.
Key Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Pumpkin Spice: To make your own pumpkin spice, combine 4 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg and 1/2 tsp allspice.
- Chex Cereal: For a good balance of sweet and warm flavors, I like to use both honey nut and cinnamon Chex.
- Candy Corn: Feel free to use harvest mix, just candy corn, or any other variation you like. You can also use something else like white chocolate chips or pumpkin spice m&ms!
- Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar.
- Pretzels: Any shape of pretzel works, but I prefer smaller pretzels so you get a balanced bite when you grab a handful.
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How to Make Halloween Chex Mix
This easy Halloween chex mix recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! You can pop it in the oven (and make the whole house smell like pumpkin spice heaven), or microwave it if you’re crunched on time. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full instructions!
Don’t pour the butter mixture too quickly in one spot. Drizzle it evenly across the bowl before stirring. This helps prevent any cereal from getting soggy.
Be sure to stir the mix really well. Stir carefully, making sure to get all the way to the bottom. So that every bite gets coated with that pumpkin spice buttery goodness.
When baking, keep the oven at a low temp (275°F) and stir every 15 minutes. This keeps the mix from burning and helps it crisp up evenly.
If you’re short on time, use the microwave method! Cook it in short intervals and be sure to stir it really well in between each cook time. This will help keep the mix crispy without needing to turn on the oven.
Let it cool fully before adding candy. Don’t add your candy mix-ins until the Chex mix is completely cool. If it’s still warm, the candies will melt and get sticky.
Halloween Chex Mix Variations
- Candy Corn Alternatives: You could add unwrapped caramel squares (cut into fourths), pumpkin spice m&ms, seasonal marshmallows, white chocolate chips, or any seasonal candy you enjoy!
- Add Some Nuts: If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding roasted peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a nutty crunch. Roasted pumpkin seeds are also a great addition.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the mix for added sweetness and a spooky touch.
- Make it Apple Flavored: This would also be good with an apple spice version! Add some dried apples and raisins added to the mix instead of the candy for a less sweet option.
- Get Festive: Add Halloween sprinkles, candy eyes, or themed M&Ms after cooling to make the mix fun and festive. It’s a great way to dress it up for parties or gifting.
Halloween Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin spice
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 1 (12 oz) box cinnamon chex cereal
- 1 (12 oz) box honey nut chex cereal
- 4 cups pretzels
- 1 (21 oz) bag autumn/harvest candy mix, or plain candy corn
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Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
- In an extra large bowl, toss together both chex cereal flavors and pretzels. Pour butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to distribute.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 275°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide mixture on the two baking sheets and spread in even layers. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Let cool, then add the harvest candy mixture and toss to combine.
- Microwave: Microwave uncovered for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Spread on wax or parchment paper to cool. Add harvest candy mix and toss to combine.
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Notes
Video
Nutrition
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More Snack Recipes To Try
- This savory cheesy homemade chex mix recipe is always a hit!
- Chili cheese fries or Texas cheese fries are great for game days.
- For a sweet twist, try this churro chex mix with caramel bites.
- Mummy hot dogs make the perfect savory snack or appetizer.
- Make an adorable pumpkin cheese ball sure to impress.
- These easy bisquick sausage balls are always a party favorite.
- Candied walnuts are a reader favorite every year!
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I love, love, love, love, this recipe I have made it for many years probably since it was posted I pass it out to everybody and everybody loves it so each year I have to make more and more. It’s hard finding the 12 ounce boxes thank you for this wonderful recipe, it’s a wonderful welcome for fall
I’m glad you love it as much as we do Deborah! 🙂 Just made my first batch of the season yesterday!
I have made this every fall for my fall road trip for the last 5 years and thought I should probably leave a review on how amazing it is! There will be no road trip this year but I couldn’t pass up making this. Every time I make it I get requests for the recipe. Thanks for a favorite!
Because of the butter, do I need to refrigerate this
Nope! It’s fine at room temp in an airtight container!
How long will this keep fresh in an air tight container? Thanks
About a week! Maybe a little longer, but I can’t guarantee it!
I’ve kept it for up to 3 weeks with good results.
Not crazy about the pumpkin spice. Can I leave it out?
This is SO GOOD! Thank you for the recipe.
I don’t know what happened but I tried the microwave version first and it started to burn. Then I tried it in the oven, and that also burned! I don’t know if it was the pan I was using, but it did not work out for me! My house smells like burned popcorn now!
Are you adding the liquid mixture into the cereal when it is still hot or cooled?
You add it while still hot! No need to let it cool.
Really yummy — I sent batches to my far-away kids. Due to gluten issues, I used dry roasted peanuts instead of pretzels and I just don’t like candy corn so added fall colored M&Ms instead. 🙂
This did not turn out great for me. With all the great reviews, I was really disappointed with the results . I did the microwave version and followed the recipe instructions exactly. Part of it burned and the final results lacked a lot of flavor. I am still bringing it to a party today as I don’t want to waste all those ingredients, but I won’t be making this again. I wonder what went wrong….
Please put it in the oven. It makes your house smells so so good.
Why mine burnt
For anyone wondering about a lower-fat version (I know an oxymoron, when it comes to baking), I used 1 stick of butter instead of two and it turned out really tasty! I will be making this in double batches after this, so I have some for sharing! Thanks for the recipe.
I don’t know what I did wrong! It burned on me in the oven. So made a separate batch and made it in the microwave and it also burned! I noticed that it was the sugar that was burning when I dumped sugar on the mixture it made big clumps and those clumps burned. What could I do differently?
How much does 1 batch make?? Thanks! Excited to make this for my volunteers!
I’m going to make this for my college daughter — but I *am* going to change out the candy corn for autumn colored M&Ms. Looks easy and good!
How many gallons does one recipe make?
I have a severe nut allergy? Which Chex cereal do you suggest substituting for the honey nut Chex cereal? Corn, wheat, rice???? Really sounds and looks great!
I used the chex cereal I had on hand (rice, corn and wheat) and it turned out great!
Is pumpkin spice the same as pumpkin pie spice?
Yes!
Shut up! This is beyond delicious. I dont like candy corn at all. But this recipe is beyond words! My house smells great, and both my toddler twins LOVED it. I cannot stop eating it.
Yahoo! So glad you all loved it as much as we do — even non candy corn lovers! ha!
Have it baking right now!! Smells wonderful!! Instead of candy corn I am adding fall colored sixlets and m & m’s. However I will make it with candy corn for Halloween. Have a bake sale coming up for church. Think this will be a great addition to all the baked goods.
YUM! I hope you and everyone at the bake sale enjoyed it!
My daughter loves it! Me and my wife see hapiness on her when she eats 🙂
We always have to buy some!