crisp leaves crunching

There’s something about crisp leaves crunching under your boots and a hayride breeze that makes you crave something sweet, salty, and a little nostalgic. Back when my boys were younger, every October we’d pile into a hay wagon under a patchwork quilt, sipping cider while passing around a tin of fall snack mixes I’d made the night before. The mix always had that perfect blend of crunch and comfort—like autumn in a bowl.

This isn’t just a treat; it’s a tradition. Whether you’re heading to a bonfire, planning a harvest party, or just need something to munch on during Sunday football, fall snack mixes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This version combines Chex Mix, Reese’s, chocolate-covered pretzels, and candy corn for a colorful medley that’s rich in texture and fall flavor.

Let’s make memories one bite at a time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You don’t have to bake a thing. This is one of the easiest fall snack mixes you’ll ever make—just pour, stir, and serve.

It’s a flavor-packed blend of salty crunch and sweet indulgence, balanced by creamy peanut butter notes and just enough chocolate.

Perfect for autumn parties, hayrides, lunchbox treats, or cozy movie nights by the fire.

Totally customizable! From caramel popcorn to colorful candies, you can tweak this mix for picky eaters or dietary needs.

Ready in under 5 minutes, it’s a last-minute lifesaver for potlucks, trick-or-treat bowls, or school events.

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Ingredient Overview

This medley brings together fall’s best textures and flavors in one glorious bowl of fall snack mixes. It’s a celebration of caramel, peanut butter, crunch, and color—all no-bake and kid-approved.

• Original Chex Mix: Classic salty crunch that forms the backbone of this fall-friendly blend.

• Mini Reese’s Unwrapped: Bite-sized peanut butter cups add creamy richness and candy appeal.

• Brach’s Autumn Mix Candy: A playful mix of candy corn and pumpkins gives this treat its signature fall look.

• Reese’s Pieces: Their orange, brown, and yellow shell colors scream “October” while boosting that peanut butter flavor.

• Chocolate Covered Pretzels: Choose white, milk, or dark—or a combo for extra color and depth.

• Chocolate Chips: White chocolate offers a visual pop, while milk or dark adds familiar richness.

• Caramel Popcorn: Whether you use Crunch & Munch or your favorite kettle corn, it brings a cozy sweetness that rounds everything out.

Styling Tip: Serve in a wooden bowl or mason jars tied with twine for a rustic autumn presentation.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Mixing Bowl

Grab your largest mixing bowl—you’ll need plenty of room to toss all the goodies that make up these fall snack mixes. A wide, shallow bowl works best for even mixing.

Step 2: Add the Chex Mix

Pour in 3 cups of Original Chex Mix. This gives your fall snack mixes a hearty, salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the candies.

Step 3: Layer in the Candy

Toss in ½ cup of mini Reese’s, ½ cup Brach’s Autumn Mix candy, and ½ cup of Reese’s Pieces. Their warm fall colors make this mix feel festive and fun.

Step 4: Toss in the Chocolate Delights

Add 1 cup of chocolate-covered pretzels (white, milk, or dark—your call!) and ½ cup of chocolate chips.
Tip: Use a mix of white and dark chocolate chips for extra visual appeal in your fall snack mixes.

Step 5: Finish with Popcorn Magic

Gently fold in 1 cup of caramel popcorn or kettle corn. This adds a buttery crunch and makes the whole bowl smell like a cozy fall fair.

Step 6: Mix It All Up

Use a rubber spatula or your hands to gently combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the Chex or popcorn.

Step 7: Taste and Tweak

Now’s the fun part—taste a handful! If you want more chocolate, toss in extra chips. If you’re missing salt, add a bit more Chex or even pretzel sticks. These fall snack mixes are made to be played with.

Step 8: Serve with Style

Pour into mason jars for gifts, paper cones for parties, or just snack straight from the bowl while cuddled up in flannel.

Pro Tips

If you’re making fall snack mixes ahead of time, store them in an airtight container for up to a week. Glass jars or zip-top bags work great for maintaining crunch.

Want a balanced flavor bite in every handful? Layer heavier items like pretzels and Reese’s Pieces last, so they don’t all sink to the bottom.

Use a mix of chocolate-covered pretzels—white for visual pop, dark for depth, and milk for sweetness. This variety makes your fall snack mixes look just as good as they taste.

If you’re prepping this for a party, consider doubling the recipe. These go fast, especially when there’s cider or pumpkin desserts nearby. Speaking of sweets, they pair beautifully with pumpkin desserts.

Switch out caramel popcorn for kettle corn if you want less sweetness. Want even more crunch? Toss in a handful of roasted peanuts or spiced almonds.

Variations

You can swap out the Chex Mix with plain Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even pretzel twists to change the texture of your fall snack mixes. The result is just as tasty, and a little less salty if you need to dial it down.

Not a fan of candy corn? No problem. Replace the Brach’s Autumn Mix with fall-colored M&Ms, Sixlets, or even chopped dried fruit for a chewy surprise.

Add some heat! A tiny pinch of cayenne powder on your popcorn gives these fall snack mixes an unexpected zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.

For a more savory version, try using cheddar popcorn and savory Chex Mix. It’s a fun twist that’s great for tailgates, and you can serve it alongside these tailgate snacks ham sliders.

If you’re making this for kids’ Halloween parties, throw in a scoop of mini marshmallows or even candy eyeballs for spooky fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

These fall snack mixes shine at just about any autumn gathering. Set them out in paper cones at a harvest festival, pack them in cute jars for a hayride treat, or pour a big bowl during your next movie night. They also make a sweet and salty touch for casual get-togethers like football watch parties or pumpkin carving with the kids.

For a cozy pairing, serve alongside warm mugs of pumpkin chai latte. The spices and creamy tea complement the caramel and chocolate in your mix perfectly. You could also set up a snack board with dried apples, cheddar cubes, and trail mix to round out your autumn spread.

Conclusion

When the leaves start falling and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of fall snack mixes to bring folks together. Whether you’re loading up a hayride basket, prepping party favors, or just sneaking a handful between sips of cider, this easy recipe offers warmth, fun, and flavor in every bite.

Fall cooking doesn’t have to be fussy. These mixes prove that simple, thoughtful ingredients can feel festive with zero oven time. Want to complete your sweet-and-savory snack table? Try pairing this with our pumpkin fluff dip for a creamy contrast.

Love this recipe? Go ahead and give it a try—then drop a comment below and let me know how you made it your own. Did you add spooky Halloween candy or toss in some roasted nuts?

Share your homemade fall snack mixes on Instagram or Pinterest and tag us! We can’t wait to see your creative spins.

From my kitchen to yours — happy cooking!

And if you’re craving even more autumn ideas, check out what we’re pinning this season on Pinterest — there’s a whole patch of cozy treats waiting for you (opens in new tab).