Guaranteed Pumpkin Spice Recipe
A deliciously spiced pumpkin snack mix combining crunchy Chex cereal, pretzels, mixed nuts, and pumpkin seeds coated in a buttery pumpkin spice mixture, then baked to perfection. Optionally drizzled with white chocolate for a sweet finish, this mix is perfect as a festive treat or a cozy autumn snack.
- Author: Sienna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 10 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex)
- 1 cup pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
Wet Ingredients & Spices
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzling)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Chex cereal, pretzels, mixed nuts, and pumpkin seeds ensuring an even distribution of all components.
- Prepare Pumpkin Spice Mixture: In a separate small bowl, whisk melted butter, light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and cinnamon until fully combined to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat Cereal Mix: Pour the pumpkin spice butter mixture over the dry cereal mixture. Gently toss everything to thoroughly coat each piece without breaking them.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Evenly spread the coated mix in a single layer across the parchment-lined baking sheet to promote even baking and crisping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Stir the mixture halfway through the baking time to ensure uniform toasting and fragrance release.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet. This helps the coating to crisp up and set properly.
- Optional Chocolate Drizzle: If desired, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled snack mix. Let the chocolate set fully before breaking the mix into pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use any variety of Chex cereal according to preference or availability.
- Ensure the mixture is spread in a single layer for even baking and crisping.
- Stirring halfway through baking prevents burning and promotes uniform toasting.
- Allow the mix to cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
- The white chocolate drizzle is optional; omit for a less sweet version.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Keywords: pumpkin spice snack mix, Chex mix, autumn snack, pumpkin snack mix, fall recipe, party snack, pumpkin spice, nut snack, holiday treat