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Best Fall Chex Mix: Sweet & Salty Candy Corn Pretzel Recipe

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This fall Chex mix combines sweet candy corn, salty pretzels, and crunchy cereal with a buttery caramel coating for an addictive sweet-and-salty snack that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, and cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Corn Chex cereal (or Rice Chex)
  • 3 cups mini pretzels (classic twists or square snaps)
  • 2 cups candy corn (preferably Brach’s)
  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or salted butter, reduce added salt to 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar for deeper flavor)
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure or imitation)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or 1/4 teaspoon if using salted butter)
  • Extra flaky sea salt for finishing
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or chopped dried apples (optional, add after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine Corn Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and peanuts (if using). Be careful not to crush the cereal.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let boil for exactly 2 minutes without stirring.
  4. Remove from heat. Add vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined (mixture will foam).
  5. Working quickly, pour hot caramel coating over dry ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to fold gently until every piece is coated.
  6. Divide coated mixture evenly between the two prepared baking sheets. Spread into a single, even layer.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. After the first 15 minutes, sprinkle candy corn evenly over both pans and gently stir in.
  8. After 45 minutes total, check for doneness: mix should look golden and feel dry. If still sticky, bake for another 5-10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool completely on baking sheets (about 30 minutes). Break up any large clusters into bite-sized pieces.
  10. While still slightly warm, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Cool completely before storing.

Notes

Don’t rush the cooling process by putting the mix in the fridge—condensation will make it soggy. If making a double batch, work in separate batches to keep the coating hot. For best results, let the mix cool completely before storing. The mix tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall Chex mix, candy corn Chex mix, sweet and salty snack, fall snack mix, Halloween snack, Thanksgiving appetizer, caramel Chex mix, pretzel candy corn mix

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/best-fall-chex-mix-sweet-and-salty-candy-corn-pretzel-recipe/