Delicious Harvest Chex Mix: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Fall Snack

As autumn leaves begin to fall and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s no better time to indulge in cozy, comforting treats. Our Harvest Chex Mix perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season, offering an irresistible blend of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. This delightful snack brings together crunchy Rice Chex, salty pretzels, unique Bugles, and the beloved taste of Reese’s Pieces, all coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. It’s a simple yet sensational recipe that promises to be a hit at any fall gathering, holiday celebration, or a quiet evening by the fire.

Why This Harvest Chex Mix Will Become Your Go-To Fall Treat

Among the myriad of snack options available, Harvest Chex Mix stands out as a true fall favorite. Its unique appeal lies in several key aspects that make it both a pleasure to prepare and an absolute delight to devour:

• Irresistible Flavor Profile: Unlike many snacks that lean heavily towards one side, this Chex Mix masterfully balances sweetness with a hint of saltiness. The warm, caramelized brown sugar glaze perfectly complements the savory crunch of pretzels and Bugles, creating a taste sensation that’s deeply satisfying.
• Simple & Quick to Make: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. It’s perfect for busy individuals or anyone looking for a stress-free baking project that yields impressive results. You’ll be enjoying your homemade treat in just over an hour.
• A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, a Thanksgiving feast, or simply having friends over for a casual evening, Harvest Chex Mix is sure to disappear quickly. Its appealing mix of textures and flavors caters to all palates, making it an ideal snack for sharing.
• Captures the Essence of Fall: The inclusion of ingredients like Reese’s Pieces (with their signature orange and brown hues) and optional candy corn pumpkins instantly evokes the vibrant colors and festive mood of autumn. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of the season.
• Highly Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base for creativity. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s preferences, adding different candies, nuts, or spices to make it uniquely yours. It’s a versatile snack that encourages experimentation in the kitchen.

The Essential Ingredients: Crafting Your Perfect Mix

The magic of Harvest Chex Mix lies in its carefully selected components, each playing a crucial role in creating a harmonious and utterly delicious snack:

• Rice Chex Cereal: This forms the light and crispy foundation of our mix. Rice Chex is favored for its delicate texture and ability to absorb the rich brown sugar glaze without becoming soggy, providing that satisfying crunch in every mouthful. Its neutral flavor also makes it an excellent canvas for the other bold ingredients.
• Mini Pretzel Twists: A vital component for balancing the sweetness, mini pretzels introduce a much-needed salty contrast and a delightful snap. Their twisted shape also helps to trap pockets of the glaze, intensifying the flavor experience.
• Bugles: These unique corn snacks contribute a distinct savory, slightly salty flavor and an interesting cone shape that’s fun to eat. Bugles add another layer of texture and a playful element that sets this Chex Mix apart from others.
• Rich Brown Sugar Glaze: The heart and soul of this Harvest Chex Mix, the glaze is what binds all the ingredients together with a luscious, caramelized sweetness. Made from melted butter, packed brown sugar, and a generous splash of vanilla extract, it infuses the entire mix with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor. The vanilla adds depth, elevating the overall taste beyond just simple sugar.
• Reese’s Pieces: These iconic peanut butter candies are a fantastic addition, not only for their vibrant orange, yellow, and brown colors that scream “fall,” but also for their creamy peanut butter flavor encased in a crisp candy shell. They introduce a textural contrast and a burst of beloved flavor that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
• Candy Corn & Candy Corn Pumpkins (Optional): For an extra festive touch and a traditional autumn sweetness, candy corn and candy corn pumpkins are included. While some have a love/hate relationship with candy corn, their visual appeal and soft chewiness add another dimension to the mix, making it feel truly seasonal. If they’re not to your taste, feel free to omit them or swap them out for other festive candies.

Elevate Your Snack: Customization Ideas & Variations

One of the joys of making Harvest Chex Mix is its incredible versatility. While the base recipe is fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with different additions and substitutions to make it perfectly suited to your taste:

• Candy Swaps: If Reese’s Pieces aren’t your preference, or you want to diversify the candy, consider using fall-colored M&M’s (think reds, oranges, and yellows for a truly autumnal feel), chopped Snickers bars for a chocolatey caramel twist, or even white chocolate chips for an added layer of creamy sweetness.
• Nutty Additions: Enhance the texture and nutritional value by incorporating your favorite nuts. Peanuts, pecans, or almonds would be excellent choices, adding a hearty crunch and a boost of protein. Toast them lightly before adding for an even richer flavor.
• Spice It Up: Introduce warm, autumnal spices to the brown sugar glaze. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or a ready-made pumpkin spice blend can elevate the fall flavor profile, making the mix even more aromatic and comforting.
• Extra Sweetness & Drizzle: For an ultimate dessert-like treat, once the mix has cooled completely, drizzle it with melted white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a salted caramel sauce. This adds an extra layer of decadence and visual appeal.
• Savory Twist: If you enjoy a stronger sweet and salty contrast, consider sprinkling a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the mix right after it comes out of the oven, before it cools completely. This intensifies the savory notes.
• Dietary Adjustments: For those with dietary restrictions, many brands now offer gluten-free Chex cereals and pretzels, allowing you to easily adapt this recipe to fit various needs.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Delicious Harvest Chex Mix

Making this delightful Harvest Chex Mix is a straightforward process, ensuring a perfect batch every time. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a beautifully glazed, crunchy, and irresistible snack:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Glaze: Begin by preheating your oven to 275°F (135°C). In a medium, microwave-safe bowl or large measuring cup, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is fully combined and dissolved, creating a smooth, rich glaze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl – ensure it’s large enough to comfortably toss all ingredients – combine the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzel twists, and Bugles.



3. Glaze the Mixture: Carefully pour the warm brown sugar glaze over the cereal mixture. Using a large spatula or spoon, gently toss the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the sweet glaze. Take your time to ensure no dry spots remain, as this is key to the mix’s flavor and texture.



4. Prepare for Baking: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Divide the coated Chex Mix evenly between the two baking sheets, spreading it out in a single, thin layer to ensure even baking and crispness. Avoid overcrowding the sheets.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. It’s crucial to stir the mixture every 15 minutes during baking. This prevents burning on the bottom, promotes even toasting, and helps achieve that desirable crunchy texture throughout.



6. Cool and Add Candies: Once baked, remove the Chex Mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheets. Cooling is essential before adding the candies; otherwise, they will melt. Once cool, transfer the mix to a large bowl. Add the candy corn, candy corn pumpkins (if using), and Reese’s Pieces. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.



7. Store for Freshness: Store your finished Harvest Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh and crunchy for up to a week, though it rarely lasts that long!

Expert Tips for the Best Harvest Chex Mix

Achieving a perfectly crunchy and flavorful Chex Mix is simple with a few insider tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheets: Spreading the mix thinly across two sheets ensures that each piece gets adequately toasted and crispy. If you try to bake it all on one sheet, it might steam rather than crisp up.
• Stirring is Non-Negotiable: The regular stirring during baking is crucial. It prevents the bottom layer from burning and allows the glaze to evenly coat and bake onto all components, resulting in a consistent crunch.
• Cool Completely Before Adding Candies: Patience is key here! Adding Reese’s Pieces or candy corn to warm Chex Mix will cause them to melt and create a sticky mess. Let the mix cool entirely for optimal texture and appearance.
• Airtight Storage is a Must: To maintain its delightful crunch and freshness, always store your Harvest Chex Mix in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and preserves the texture for longer.
• Perfect for Gifting: This beautiful and delicious snack makes a wonderful homemade gift. Pack it in festive bags or jars tied with a ribbon for friends, teachers, or hostess gifts during the fall season.
• Consider Doubling the Batch: Fair warning – this Harvest Chex Mix is incredibly addictive! If you’re making it for a party or want it to last more than a day or two, consider doubling the recipe. You won’t regret having extra on hand.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Harvest Chex Mix is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Serve it in a large decorative bowl at your next fall gathering.
• Portion it into individual cups or small bags for easy grab-and-go snacking.
• Pair it with a warm cup of apple cider, pumpkin spice latte, or a cozy hot chocolate.
• It makes a fantastic addition to a dessert bar or a game day spread during the autumn months.
• Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving appetizers, football viewing parties, or simply a cozy evening snack with family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Harvest Chex Mix

Can I make this Harvest Chex Mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mix stays fresh for up to a week when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Its flavors might even meld and deepen over time.

What if I don’t like candy corn?

No problem at all! Candy corn and candy corn pumpkins are entirely optional. You can simply leave them out or substitute them with other fall-themed candies or extra Reese’s Pieces, M&M’s, or even toasted nuts.

Can I use different types of Chex cereal?

Yes, you can! While Rice Chex provides a lighter texture, you could certainly use Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or a combination of them. The cooking time and glaze absorption might vary slightly, but the overall result will still be delicious.

How should I store leftover Harvest Chex Mix?

For optimal freshness and crunch, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent it from becoming stale or absorbing moisture from the air.

More Irresistible Snack Ideas

• Chex Mix Marshmallow Treats
• Party Chex Mix
• Nutella Puppy Chow
• Reindeer Chow
• Harvest Trail Mix
• Sweet Holiday Chex Mix
• Chex Mix Muddy Buddies
• Sweet Bugle Party Mix
• Halloween White Trash Mix
• Crock Pot Buffalo Ranch Chex Mix
• Ranch Bugle Snack Mix
• Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board

Harvest Chex Mix Recipe

Recipe Summary

Harvest Chex Mix is a sweet, fall-inspired snack featuring Rice Chex, Pretzels, Bugles, and Reese’s Pieces, all coated in a rich brown sugar glaze. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a delightful treat.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

45 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour

Servings:

12

Author:

Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks), melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For the mix:

• 12 ounce box Rice Chex cereal
• 7 ounce bag Bugles
• 4 cups mini pretzel twists
• 1 cup candy corn
• 1 cup candy corn pumpkins
• 8 ounce bag Reese’s Pieces

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Melt the butter in a medium bowl or measuring cup. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract and whisk well until combined and dissolved.
2. In a very large bowl, add the Chex cereal, pretzels, and Bugles.
3. Pour the sauce over the cereal mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
4. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the mixture onto the two baking sheets and spread in even layers.
5. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. Then add the cooled mix to a large bowl, along with the candy corn, pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces. Toss to combine.
7. Store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

• Harvest Chex Mix will stay fresh for at least a week if stored in an airtight container.
• Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor in the glaze.
• Candy corn can be substituted for another of your favorite fall candies or can simply be left out altogether.

Recipe Details

• Course: Dessert, Snack
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

• Calories: 366 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 517mg
• Sugar: 30g

Nutritional Disclaimer

The Country Cook is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Share Your Creation! We love seeing your delicious creations! Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and tag us #thecountrycook!

Originally published: October 2017
Updated and republished: October 2021