I tossed chocolate covered caramels, pretzels, M&Ms, candy corn, caramel popcorn and Chex into a Halloween Snack Mix that brings all the classic candies and crunchy elements together in one playful bowl.

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I couldn’t resist turning the candy bag spill into a Scarecrow Halloween Snack Mix that makes people actually stop and ask whats in it. It’s built around crunchy Chex cereal and chewy chocolate covered caramels that give little explosions of sweet in every handful.

It flirts with that Harvest Trail Mix Fall Snacks feeling but also screams Halloween Snack Mix mischief, you know? I swear, its messy, a bit over the top, and perfect for passing around at parties when you want folks to come back for just one more handful.

You wont believe how fast it disappears.

Ingredients

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Chex cereal: crunchy base, whole grain, adds fiber and light saltiness.
Caramel popcorn: sticky sweet, adds chewy clusters and caramely richness.
Mini pretzels: salty crunch, savory contrast that keeps mix from being too sweet.
M&M candies: colorful chocolate bursts, adds sweetness and melty pockets of chocolate.
Candy corn: sugary, chewy, classic Halloween sweetness mostly for color and nostalgia.
Chocolate covered caramels: gooey centers, rich chocolate outside, adds decadent chew and buttery caramel flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

6 cups Chex cereal (rice and corn mix)

3 cups caramel popcorn (store bought or homemade)

2 cups mini pretzels (twists or sticks)

1 1/2 cups M&M candies (Halloween colors)

1 cup candy corn

8 oz chocolate covered caramels (eg Rolos or wrapped chocolate caramels)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat oven to 250°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl combine 6 cups Chex cereal, 3 cups caramel popcorn and 2 cups mini pretzels; toss gently so you dont smash the popcorn too much.

3. Spread the cereal/popcorn/pretzel mix in an even single layer on the prepared sheet.

4. Unwrap the 8 oz chocolate covered caramels (Rolos) and space them over the mixture, about an inch apart, then put the sheet in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the candies are soft but not runny. Watch it closely, ovens vary.

5. Remove the sheet and quickly press each softened caramel lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to make small clusters that stick together, but dont flatten everything flat.

6. Let the pan cool on a rack 15 to 20 minutes so the chocolate firms up again, then break any large clusters into bite size pieces.

7. Transfer the cooled mix to a big bowl and fold in 1 1/2 cups M&Ms and 1 cup candy corn until evenly distributed. Taste and add a few more M&Ms if you want it sweeter.

8. Let the mix sit until completely cool, then store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or bag into snack-size portions for parties.

Equipment Needed

1. Large rimmed baking sheet (prepped with parchment paper)
2. Parchment paper (cut to fit)
3. Big mixing bowl for tossing the Chex/popcorn/pretzels
4. Rubber spatula or large wooden spoon for gentle mixing
5. Measuring cups (at least 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
6. Small spoon or the back of a spoon / offset spatula to press softened caramels
7. Oven mitts and a kitchen timer (watch the candies closely)
8. Cooling rack to let clusters firm up
9. Large serving or storage bowl to fold in M&Ms and candy corn
10. Airtight containers or snack bags for storing and portioning

FAQ

Q: How long will the Scarecrow Snack Mix stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temp. Best crunchy for 3 to 5 days. After that pretzels and popcorn start to soften and the chocolate may sweat in humid weather.

Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?

Yes. Make the components ahead and store them separate, then toss together just before guests arrive. If you must mix early, do it no more than a day ahead and keep it sealed.

Q: My Rolos melted when I mixed everything, what do I do?

Let hot or warm things cool completely first. Add the chocolate caramels last, or pop the whole bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes after mixing so the chocolate firms up. Or use mini chocolate chips as a no-melt swap.

Q: Any good substitutions for allergies or diet needs?

Yes. Use certified gluten free Chex if you need GF and check candy labels for cross contact. For nut free pick M&Ms labeled peanut free. For vegan swaps use vegan caramel popcorn, dairy free chocolate pieces and vegan candy corn alternatives.

Q: How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?

Multiply the ingredients ratio-wise. Mix in big bowls or do batches on rimmed sheet pans. Toss gently so the popcorn and chocolate dont break up.

Q: Candy corn and M&Ms get sticky in warm weather, any tips?

Keep the mix cool and out of direct sun. You can also toss in the M&Ms and candy corn right before serving, that way they stay crisp and pretty.

Scarecrow Halloween Snack Mix Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Chex cereal (rice and corn mix): swap for Rice Krispies, corn flakes, puffed rice or crispy oat cereal, they keep that light crunch and wont get soggy fast.
Caramel popcorn: use kettle corn, toffee bits, or plain popcorn tossed with a little maple syrup and baked crisp, same sweet crunch different texture.
Mini pretzels: replace with roasted salted nuts like peanuts or almonds, sesame sticks or oven roasted chickpeas for a salty crunch and a bit more protein.
Chocolate covered caramels (eg Rolos): try chopped chocolate bars, mini peanut butter cups, caramel squares or unwrapped caramels dipped in chocolate, all give gooey chocolatey bites.

Pro Tips

– Use a silicone baking mat or parchment so the clusters release cleanly and cleanup is way faster, especially if some caramel gets a bit gooey.
– Watch the oven like a hawk once the candies start to soften, check every 30 seconds after the first few minutes, and pull them out the second theyre soft not runny. Press quickly with the back of a spoon or the flat bottom of a small cup to make clusters, dont flatten everything into one big sheet.
– Fold in most of the M&Ms and candy corn after the mix is fully cool so the colors dont bleed and the candies stay crunchy. Save a handful to sprinkle on top for extra color and texture.
– If you need to make it ahead, freeze portions in an airtight bag with parchment between layers so clusters dont stick together; thaw at room temp before serving for best texture.

Scarecrow Halloween Snack Mix Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

443

kcal

Equipment: 1. Large rimmed baking sheet (prepped with parchment paper)
2. Parchment paper (cut to fit)
3. Big mixing bowl for tossing the Chex/popcorn/pretzels
4. Rubber spatula or large wooden spoon for gentle mixing
5. Measuring cups (at least 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
6. Small spoon or the back of a spoon / offset spatula to press softened caramels
7. Oven mitts and a kitchen timer (watch the candies closely)
8. Cooling rack to let clusters firm up
9. Large serving or storage bowl to fold in M&Ms and candy corn
10. Airtight containers or snack bags for storing and portioning

Ingredients

6 cups Chex cereal (rice and corn mix)
3 cups caramel popcorn (store bought or homemade)
2 cups mini pretzels (twists or sticks)
1 1/2 cups M&M candies (Halloween colors)
1 cup candy corn
8 oz chocolate covered caramels (eg Rolos or wrapped chocolate caramels)

Directions

Preheat oven to 250°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl combine 6 cups Chex cereal, 3 cups caramel popcorn and 2 cups mini pretzels; toss gently so you dont smash the popcorn too much.
Spread the cereal/popcorn/pretzel mix in an even single layer on the prepared sheet.
Unwrap the 8 oz chocolate covered caramels (Rolos) and space them over the mixture, about an inch apart, then put the sheet in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the candies are soft but not runny. Watch it closely, ovens vary.
Remove the sheet and quickly press each softened caramel lightly with the back of a spoon or spatula to make small clusters that stick together, but dont flatten everything flat.
Let the pan cool on a rack 15 to 20 minutes so the chocolate firms up again, then break any large clusters into bite size pieces.
Transfer the cooled mix to a big bowl and fold in 1 1/2 cups M&Ms and 1 cup candy corn until evenly distributed. Taste and add a few more M&Ms if you want it sweeter.
Let the mix sit until completely cool, then store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or bag into snack-size portions for parties.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.