5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
This 5-Minute Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is a crunchy, sweet-and-salty fall snack made with Chex cereal, mini pretzels, pecans, and a warm pumpkin spice coating. Finished with white chocolate chips, it's an easy treat for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, fall movie nights, and seasonal snacking.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Resting Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 17 minutes mins
For the Snack Mix
- 3 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini pretzels
- ½ cup pecan halves or almonds
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
For the Pumpkin Spice Coating
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Combine the Dry Ingredients: Add the Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and pecans or almonds to a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Coating: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt. Microwave briefly until the butter melts, then stir until the mixture is smooth.
Coat the Snack Mix: Pour the warm pumpkin spice mixture over the cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Gently fold with a spatula until the pieces are evenly coated.
Microwave briefly: Microwave the coated mixture for about 1 minute, then stir. If needed, continue in short 15–20-second intervals, stirring between intervals. Watch carefully to prevent the sugar from scorching.
Spread and Cool: Spread the snack mix on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Separate any large clumps and allow the mixture to cool completely so the coating can set.
Add White Chocolate and Serve: Once the snack mix has cooled, gently fold in the white chocolate chips. Transfer to a serving bowl or portion into snack bags and enjoy.
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Keep it crunchy: Use fresh cereal and allow the mix to cool completely before storing.
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Avoid scorching: Microwave the coating in short intervals and stir frequently.
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Add chocolate last: Let the snack mix cool before adding white chocolate chips to prevent melting.
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Customize the mix: Substitute almonds for pecans or add candy pieces, depending on your preference.
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Make it less sweet: Reduce the white chocolate chips or brown sugar slightly.
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Refrigerator: Refrigeration is usually unnecessary; store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
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Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for best quality within 1–2 months.
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Reheating: Usually unnecessary. If the mix becomes soft, warm it briefly in a low oven without the chocolate chips, then cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Total Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Note: These are approximate values and will vary depending on the cereal, pretzels, nuts, and white chocolate chips you use.