This salty and sweet combo includes pumpkin spice flavor to make the best autumn snack mix.
Do you love Halloween? My adult daughter says it’s her favorite holiday. I’m in the “eh, it’s OK” camp but judging by the two-story skeletons, giant inflatables, and miles of orange twinkle lights popping up around my neighborhood and those surrounding it, Halloween is a big deal for a lot of folks.
According to the website Statista.com, last year Americans spent over $12 billion for Halloween celebrations, although this year spending is expected to drop by half a billion dollars. We may be spending less this year but 7 out of 10 Americans surveyed said they will celebrate Halloween.
No matter how you observe Halloween — even if it’s just popping in a DVD of Young Frankenstein like I will do—you must include this Devilishly Delicious Halloween Snack Mix in your plans. This salty-sweet delight also includes fall’s favorite flavor — pumpkin spice — plus pretzel nuggets, candy corn, and an assortment of honey-roasted nuts. Great Caesar’s ghost, this stuff is irresistible! I predict it will be the first thing to disappear at your Halloween gathering.
It's easy to make (you just need a microwave) and only costs 67 cents per serving so let’s get to it!
To make Devilishly Delicious Halloween Snack Mix, which makes 22 ½-cup servings, you will need:
5 Tablespoons Pumpkin Spice Cheeseball Mix
¾ cup powdered sugar
6 cups rice squares cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup butter
1½ cups mini pretzel twists, slightly broken
¾ cup candy corn
½ cup honey-roasted snack mix
Dash of salt
The great thing about this simple recipe is its versatility. If you don’t have the Pumpkin Spice Cheeseball mix in your pantry, try using instead 3 Tablespoons of your favorite pumpkin spice blend. If you don’t have that, mix 2 Tablespoons cinnamon and ½ teaspoon each of ground ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and clove. (However, the cheeseball mix is handy to have because you can use it in a variety of recipes, from cookies to a delicious fall fruit dip, or adorable mini cheeseballs that are shaped like pumpkins.)
The candy, pretzels, and nuts can be swapped, too. If candy corn makes you cringe, look for the Halloween-colored M&M’s® (it’s called “Ghoul’s Mix). I thought the honey-roasted snack mix with peanuts, sesame sticks, and cashews I found at The Dollar Tree looked good, but you could use salted or honey-roasted peanuts. Butterscotch chips could be swapped for the white chocolate. You get the idea.
Follow these directions for Devilishly Delicious Halloween Snack Mix
In a small bowl, combine the pumpkin spice mix and powdered sugar. Set bowl aside (after you clean up the sugar that will get all over your counter if you’re like me. What is it with that stuff?). Place rice cereal in a large mixing bowl.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl (preferably with a lid), combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter, butter, and salt. Microwave on higher for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave another 20 seconds. You want a smooth consistency.
Pour this mixture over cereal and fold evenly to coat, being careful not to crush the cereal. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and gently fold or toss to coat.
Add pretzels, candy corn, and nuts to bowl. Stir to combine. This yields 22 1/2-cup servings but I dare you to eat just one serving. I couldn't — the devil made me do it.
Keep the snack mix in an airtight container; it should stay for a few days.
About the blog
Three Women in the Kitchen is an award-winning food blog offering today’s home cooks comforting, hearty recipes with a personal touch. The website also pays tribute to Deborah’s mother, Katie Reinhardt, and paternal grandmother, Dorothy Reinhardt (the “three women” in the kitchen). Whether you’re an experienced or a novice cook, you’ll find inspiration here to feed your families and warm your heart. Subscribe today so you won’t miss a single delicious detail.
Comments