When the leaves start turning and pumpkin everything takes over the shelves, I always crave something cozy, crunchy, and just a little indulgent. Enter this super easy sweet & salty pumpkin spice Chex mix — a snack that’s part cereal, part granola, part party mix, and all fall vibes.
It balances sweet and salty, spice and crunch, in a way that’s totally snackable. Whether I’m craving something to nibble on during movie night or want an easy homemade edible gift, this mix has become my go-to. And the best part? It’s simple enough to whip up in under an hour.
If you love the idea of a snack that feels festive and cozy but doesn’t require 50 ingredients, this is your jam. This Easy Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix is similar to the Everyday granola recipe.
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Why this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix works
Snack + gift potential — easy to bag up or put in jars for hostess gifts or party treats.
Texture play — the crisp cereal + nuts + seeds give crunch, while the oats and glaze add chewiness.
Warm spice balance — you get the pumpkin spice flavor without it overpowering.
Adaptable sweetness — you can dial down or up the honey / brown sugar.
Everything you need:
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups Corn or Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1 cup cashews
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to make this easy Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix
- Prep & heat oven
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. - Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, oats, cashews, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to distribute evenly. - Make the glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, honey, and brown sugar together. Bring to a low boil and let it bubble gently for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. - Combine & bake
Pour the glaze over the dry mixture and stir until everything is coated. Spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, sprinkle on the dried cranberries, gently stir, and return to bake another 10 minutes. - Cool & crisp
Transfer the granola from the baking sheet to your countertop (lined with parchment or foil) and let it cool on the foil or parchment paper, directly on your counter or table (not on the hot baking sheet). As it cools, it will start to become crunchy. - Store
Once cooled, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
- Swap almonds or pecans for cashews if that’s what you have on hand.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Omit nuts for a nut-free version, or reduce if you have dietary restrictions.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt after baking for a sweet-salty punch.
- For more fruity bursts, fold in dried cherries or chopped dried apples.
- If you like extra “fall spice,” increase pumpkin spice by ½ tsp — but test it so it doesn’t overpower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my mix soggy?
A: It might need more baking time, or your oven temp is slightly low. Let it rest on the counter so it can crisp.
Q: Why did some pieces burn?
A: The thinner clusters near the edges may burn first. Rotate the pan, stir with a wooden spoon, or pull earlier if needed.
Q: Can I make this ahead of a party?
A: Yes. Make it 1–2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Add a fresh handful of cranberries before serving if they lose their texture.
Serving Ideas and Occasions
Pair it with spiced coffee or a pumpkin spice latte for extra vibes
Serve in a pretty glass jar or bowl at fall parties
Pack in cellophane bags as gifts or hostess treats
Add to lunch boxes or snack bowls during cozy nights
Originally published October 22, 2020. Updated October 18, 2025, with refreshed photos.
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Easy Sweet & SaltyPumpkin Spice Chex Mix
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Snack and Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix blends Chex cereal, oats, cashews, and pumpkin seeds with warm spices and a honey-brown sugar glaze. Ready in 40 minutes — a sweet-and-salty snack perfect for fall parties or cozy cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of corn or rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup of quick oats
- 1 and 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup Cashews
- 1/2 cup Pumpkin seeds
- 1 stick of butter
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and heat oven to 325°
- In a large bowl mix the chex cereal, quick oats, cashews, pumpkin seeds together. Then mix in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice, and salt. Stir everything together and set aside.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the the butter, honey, and brown sugar. Bring it to a low boil then remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the brown sugar mixture over the chex cereal and stir until the mixture is completely coated, then pour the chex mix onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula spread the mixture evenly on the sheet. Bake for 20 minutes then sprinkle on the dried cranberries. You can gently mix everything together on the sheet and continue to bake for another 10 minutes.
- Transfer the granola from the baking sheet to your countertop (lined with parchment or foil) and let it cool on the foil or parchment paper, directly on your counter or table (not on the hot baking sheet). As it cools, it will start to become crunchy.
Notes
Store the granola in air tight container or storage bag for up to one week.
This snack mix is dead simple to put together and I did it with my 5 year old as an afternoon activity. The spice mix is heavenly as it bakes and the crunchy little oat clusters are my favorite part. I had to sub in maple syrup for the honey because we were out, but it worked well and I can’t wait to try the original version!
Great taste!
This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors !