Crunchy Spooky Halloween Party Mix Recipe (Print Version)

Whip up this crunchy Spooky Halloween Party Mix! A sweet & savory treat, perfect for any ghoulish gathering. Easy, fun, and totally delicious.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 60 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 10 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Crunchies for Your Spooky Halloween Party Mix

01 - 6 cups Corn Chex Cereal
02 - 3 cups small pretzel twists or sticks
03 - 2 cups Bugles

→ Sweet & Spooky Add-Ins

04 - 1 cup candy corn
05 - 1 cup Halloween M&M's
06 - 1 cup mini marshmallows

→ Flavor Coating & Seasonings

07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
10 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 tsp salt

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest mixing bowl—honestly, you're going to need it! Gently combine the Corn Chex, pretzels, and Bugles. Try not to crush them too much; we want distinct pieces, not a pile of crumbs. I usually just use my hands here, it's quicker and I can feel if anything's getting too squished. Spread this crunchy base onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper step is crucial, trust me, for easy cleanup later. Pop that into an oven preheated to 250°F (120°C) to warm up while you make the coating. This little trick helps the coating adhere better, I've found!
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once it's all liquidy and shimmering, stir in the light brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and that all-important pinch of salt. Let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. You'll see it thicken slightly and get this rich, syrupy texture. The smell, oh my goodness, it’s heavenly! This is where the magic really starts to happen, creating that irresistible sweet and savory balance that makes this Spooky Halloween Party Mix so addictive. Don't let it boil too vigorously; we're looking for a gentle simmer.
03 - Carefully pull your warm crunchy base from the oven. Pour that glorious butter-sugar mixture evenly over the cereal and pretzels. Now, here's where the arm workout comes in! Using a large spoon or a spatula (or even your clean hands, if you're brave and it's not too hot), gently toss everything together until every single piece is coated. This takes a few minutes, and you might think it’s not all going to get covered, but just keep at it. I always try to scrape down the sides of the bowl to get every last bit of that delicious coating. It should look glistening and smell absolutely incredible. This step makes all the difference for a perfectly flavored Spooky Halloween Party Mix!
04 - Spread the coated mix back onto your parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to pile it up too much, or it won't get evenly crispy. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for about 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. This regular stirring is key, hon! It prevents burning and ensures every piece gets that lovely, even golden-brown crunch. My kitchen smells like a bakery during this part, it’s truly delightful. You'll notice the mix getting crispier and the coating drying out. Don't rush this step; patience makes for the best Spooky Halloween Party Mix!
05 - Once the mix is done baking and feels dry and crispy, remove it from the oven. Immediately spread it out onto a fresh piece of parchment paper or wax paper on your counter to cool completely. This is critical for preventing it from clumping into one giant block. As it cools, it will crisp up even more. Once it's totally cool—and I mean completely cool, otherwise your candies will melt—scatter in the candy corn, Halloween M&M's, and mini marshmallows. Give it a gentle toss to distribute all those colorful, sweet additions. I always sneak a piece here; it’s just too tempting not to!
06 - Once everything is cool and mixed, transfer your Spooky Halloween Party Mix to a large serving bowl. Or, if you're like me and planning ahead, divide it into airtight containers. This mix is best enjoyed within a few days when it's at its peak crunchiness. It's the perfect snack for a Halloween party, a movie night, or just when you need a little something sweet and salty to munch on. I love seeing everyone's faces light up when they grab a handful. It’s a simple joy, but sometimes those are the best kind, right? Enjoy your ghoulishly good treat!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; it gets soggy.
02 - Store in an airtight container for max crunch, it truly makes a difference.
03 - Swap out cereals or add nuts for your favorites, I've used Cheerios before and they were good... kinda.
04 - Serve in a big witch's cauldron for extra flair, it really sets the mood!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - large baking sheet
03 - parchment paper
04 - medium saucepan
05 - large spoon/spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 10-15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 3-5g

Back