Name: Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice); 2 cups pretzels (mini pretzels or pretzel sticks); 1 1/2 cups candy corn; 1 cup M&Ms (fall-themed colors like orange, yellow, and brown); 1 cup Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter candies; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or orange-colored candy melts); 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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I love making this Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix because it’s the perfect sweet and salty treat for autumn and Halloween. With a mix of colorful candy, pretzels, and a crunchy coating, it’s an addictive snack that everyone will enjoy. It’s easy to whip up, and the combination of flavors and textures makes it a fun snack for parties, trick-or-treating, or cozy nights in.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this Buddy Mix is that it captures all the cozy flavors of fall and Halloween in every bite. The sweetness of the candy melts, the crunch of the pretzels, and the comforting cinnamon-sugar coating make it an irresistible treat. Plus, it’s so customizable—you can use your favorite fall-themed candies or switch it up with different cereals and nuts!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice)
2 cups pretzels (mini pretzels or pretzel sticks work best)
1 1/2 cups candy corn
1 cup M&Ms (fall-themed colors like orange, yellow, and brown)
1 cup Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter candies
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (or orange-colored candy melts for a Halloween touch)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare the mix:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, candy corn, M&Ms, and Reese’s Pieces. Set aside.
Make the coating:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Coat the mix:
- Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Add the chocolate:
- Spread the coated mix onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Melt the white chocolate chips (or candy melts) in the microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the Buddy Mix, and gently toss the mix to ensure everything is coated with the chocolate.
Cool and serve:
- Let the Buddy Mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and total time is about 20 minutes including cooling.

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding other fall-themed candies like caramel bits, mini marshmallows, or pumpkin-shaped candies.
Using dark chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of white chocolate for a different flavor.
Tossing in some chopped nuts (like pecans or cashews) for extra crunch.

Storage / Reheating

I store the Buddy Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The mix doesn’t need to be reheated—it’s best served as a snack at room temperature.

Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix

FAQs

Can I use another type of cereal?
Yes! You can swap Chex with any cereal you like—Cornflakes, Crispix, or Cheerios work well too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This mix is great for making ahead of time and storing for later. The flavors actually meld together even more after sitting for a day.
Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, regular milk chocolate or dark chocolate would work just fine. You could also use chocolate chips or melting wafers.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, this version is nut-free unless you choose to add nuts, so it’s great for sharing with friends or family who have nut allergies.
How can I make it more Halloween-themed?
You can use orange and black candy-coated chocolate pieces, Halloween sprinkles, or add mini pumpkin-shaped candies for extra festive flair.

Conclusion

This Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix is a perfect treat for the season! It’s sweet, salty, and packed with all the fun flavors of fall. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, preparing for a trick-or-treating night, or just craving a seasonal snack, this mix is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every Halloween!