Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is crunchy, sweet, and salty with cinnamon cereals, caramelly nuts, pretzels, and fall-colored candies in every handful.
author’s note
This Snack Mix Is Basically Fall in a Bowl!
One of the first recipes I shared on this site was my No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, and it’s been a favorite ever since. I make it every fall for my family, and what sets it apart is the light pumpkin flavor. My husband always said he didn’t like pumpkin pie, but I had a feeling he’d love this.
And I was right—now that cheesecake is one of his favorite desserts, all because the pumpkin flavor isn’t too strong. While many of my pumpkin recipes go all in on the flavor, Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix is different. There’s no actual pumpkin—just a warm hint of pumpkin pie spice for that fall flavor without going overboard.
Quick Tip
Pumpkin pie spice is a delicious combination of warming spices. You can find it among other spices in the grocery store, or you can make your own!
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
- Prep the pan: Heavy-duty foil works best—regular foil tears easily when stirring.
- Add the base: Use your hands to gently mix and distribute everything in an even layer.
- Caramel coating: Work fast—the caramel starts setting quickly!
- Add pumpkin spice sugar & bake: Toss gently with a metal spatula to avoid crushing the cereal.
- Finish with mix-ins: For a festive look, use seasonal-colored M&M’s.
Quick Tip
Make sure the sugar syrup mixture boils for 1 minute; start the timer once it’s doing a full rolling boil, not just simmering.
Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Tips
- Use a very big (15×21-inch) pan or two big ones.
- Pick cinnamon and honey-nut Chex—those add the best flavor.
- Let the mix cool all the way—about 1 hour—so it gets firm.
- Use a large nonstick, thick pot to keep the syrup from burning.
Quick Tip
Customize for any occasion—use red & green M&M’s for Christmas, blue & white for Hanukkah, or orange & brown for Thanksgiving. The subtle pumpkin spice makes it great year-round.
Storage
Store leftover pumpkin spice snack mix in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Pumpkin Treats:
Desserts
Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Desserts
Pumpkin Bread
Desserts
Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Breakfast
Pumpkin Waffles
Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix
Equipment
- Aluminum foil heavy duty
- Large sheet pan (15″ x 21″) 15 x 21-inch
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 1 cup mixed nuts lightly salted
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
- 1 cup dark brown sugar or light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup pretzel snaps
- 1 cup M&M’s see note 1
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a 15×21-inch sheet pan (or 2 smaller sheet pans) with heavy-duty foil or parchment paper (regular foil tends to rip easily) and grease generously with cooking spray.
- Add Cinnamon Chex, Honey Nut Chex, and mixed nuts to the prepared sheet pan.
- In a medium pot, add butter (cut into tablespoons), brown sugar, and corn syrup. Place over medium to medium-high heat and stir constantly until butter is melted. Continue to stir until mixture comes to a rapid boil. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly, and remove from heat. Add baking soda and salt. Stir to combine. Add vanilla and stir to combine. Pour over cereal on the sheet pan and, working quickly, stir until cereal and nuts are coated in the mixture. Spread cereal and nut mixture into one even layer.
- In a small bowl, combine pumpkin pie spice (add 3 teaspoons for a stronger pumpkin spice flavor) and granulated sugar; stir to combine. Sprinkle evenly over cereal mixture. (Don't mix this spiced sugar into the cereal).
- Bake for 5 minutes, remove from oven, and toss using a metal spatula. Spread mixture again to an even layer. Return to oven and bake for 4 more minutes. Remove from oven and toss again. Spread in one even layer and let cool for 5 minutes. Add pretzels and M&M's onto the sheet pan, toss to combine, and spread in an even layer. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour to fully harden and set up.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
