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Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix – Delicious Fall Harvest Chex Mix Recipes

When autumn arrives, pumpkin spice takes center stage — from lattes to cookies, and now, the perfect snack mix. This Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix is a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat that’s ideal for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply cozy nights at home. Made with Chex cereal, pretzels, pecans, and a buttery pumpkin spice glaze, this mix is roasted to golden perfection for a flavor that’s irresistibly festive. Each bite delivers the warmth of pumpkin pie spice, the sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar, and the crunch of pecans and cereal. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make in big batches, so it’s great for gifting, sharing at parties, or storing for snacking throughout the week. It’s the ultimate fall harvest Chex mix recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat all season long.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Mix
  • 4 cups corn Chex cereal
  • 4 cups rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups pretzel twists
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • Pumpkin Spice Glaze
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking sheet (rimmed)
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight storage container

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine corn Chex, rice Chex, pretzels, and pecans.
  2. Stir to evenly distribute.
Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Spice Glaze
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
  2. Stir in brown sugar and maple syrup.
  3. Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth (about 2 minutes).
  4. Remove from heat and stir in pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Coat the Mix
  1. Pour the glaze over the Chex mix in the bowl.
  2. Stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Spread the coated mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
  1. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  2. Break into clusters and store in an airtight container.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in sealed bags.
Reheating: Not necessary — serve at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Nut-Free Version: Skip pecans or swap with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Extra Sweet: Add white chocolate chips after baking.
Fruity Twist: Stir in dried cranberries or raisins once cooled.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Crunchy Deluxe: Add Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, or extra pretzels.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well.
2. Can I make this in the microwave instead of the oven?
Yes, cook in 3-minute intervals (stirring between) until coated and slightly crisp.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but it may not caramelize as well. Reduce by 2 tablespoons if desired.
4. Is pumpkin pie spice necessary?
It’s what gives the fall flavor, but you can mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves instead.
5. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, though the flavor will be less rich.
6. How do I prevent the mix from burning?
Stir every 15 minutes and keep the oven temperature low.
7. Can I add chocolate before baking?
No, chocolate should be added after cooling to avoid melting.
8. Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes! Kids can help stir the dry mix and spread it on the tray.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake on two trays to avoid overcrowding.
10. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels and verify your Chex cereal is gluten-free.
🏁 Conclusion
This Pumpkin Spice Trail Mix is the perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and festive. With Chex cereal, pretzels, pecans, and a warm pumpkin spice glaze, it captures all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a fall party, packing snacks for school, or simply enjoying a seasonal treat at home, this mix is sure to become a household favorite. Make a big batch — it disappears quickly!