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Wholesome Fall Chex Mix with Maple & Cinnamon

maple cinnamon chex mix - featured image

A cozy, perfectly balanced snack mix with real maple syrup and warm cinnamon that’s not too sweet or too savory. Quick to make with simple ingredients, it’s the ultimate fall treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 cups Rice Chex cereal (about one standard box)
  • 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
  • 2 cups mixed nuts (pecans, almonds, and cashews recommended)
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber recommended)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Saigon cinnamon recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 9 cups Rice Chex, 3 cups Corn Chex, 2 cups mixed nuts, and 1 cup pumpkin seeds. Toss gently with your hands to distribute evenly.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat (or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts), melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter together with 1/3 cup maple syrup. Stir occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
  4. Pour the warm maple-butter mixture over the cereal and nuts. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until every piece is coated, about 2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even, single layer.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Set a timer to remind yourself to stir and flip the mixture, then spread it back into an even layer each time.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven. The mix will still feel slightly soft; let it cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes without touching it.
  8. Once completely cool, transfer to a large bowl and toss in 1 cup dried cranberries if using.
  9. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip stirring every 15 minutes—it ensures even crisping. Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for best results. Let the mix cool completely before storing to maintain crunch. The flavors improve after a day or two. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. For a nut-free version, replace nuts with additional cereal or seeds. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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