This homemade fall snack mix captures everything you want in a seasonal treat—warm spices, sweet and salty balance, and that perfect handful-after-handful appeal.
What started as a simple solution for using up random pantry ingredients has become our go-to recipe for everything from movie nights to holiday gatherings.
The best part? You can customize it with whatever nuts, cereals, or dried fruits you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The maple and cinnamon coating creates that perfect sweet-salty combination that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s incredibly forgiving too. Swap pecans for walnuts, use different cereals, or add your favorite dried fruit. The recipe scales up beautifully for parties or down for a quick weeknight treat.
Plus, it makes your entire kitchen smell like autumn heaven while it bakes. Store it in an airtight container and you’ll have the perfect grab-and-go snack for busy fall days.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed cereals (Chex, Cheerios, or similar)
- 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
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Instructions
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine cereals, nuts, pretzels, and pumpkin seeds. Toss everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well coated – use your hands if needed to make sure every piece gets some of that good stuff.
Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd – use two sheets if necessary.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even browning. The mix should look golden and smell incredibly good.
Remove from oven and immediately spread on paper towels. Let cool completely – this is when it gets properly crunchy.
Once cooled, stir in dried cranberries and chocolate chips if using. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
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Homemade Fall Snack Mix
This homemade fall snack mix combines toasted cereals, mixed nuts, and pretzels with a sweet-savory maple cinnamon coating. Baked until golden and crunchy, then tossed with dried cranberries for a perfect autumn treat that’s ideal for snacking, parties, or gifting. Ready in just 30 minutes with customizable ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups mixed cereals (Chex, Cheerios, or similar)
- 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cereals, nuts, pretzels, and pumpkin seeds. Toss everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is well coated – use your hands if needed to make sure every piece gets some of that good stuff.
- Spread the mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd – use two sheets if necessary.
- Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even browning. The mix should look golden and smell incredibly good.
- Remove from oven and immediately spread on paper towels. Let cool completely – this is when it gets properly crunchy.
- Once cooled, stir in dried cranberries and chocolate chips if using. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
