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Easy Kid-Friendly Fall Snack Mix Recipe

Easy Kid-Friendly Fall Snack Mix - featured image
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This sweet, salty, crunchy fall snack mix with candy corn and pecans is a happy accident turned family favorite. Quick to make with no baking required, it’s perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or cozy after-school snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup candy corn (preferably Brach’s)
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1/2 cup roasted and salted peanuts
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins work well)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), roasted and salted (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (flaky sea salt preferred)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread raw pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and slightly darker. Let cool completely on the baking sheet.
  2. While pecans cool, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pecans, mini pretzels, peanuts, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Toss to distribute evenly.
  4. Drizzle the butter mixture over the dry ingredients slowly while stirring constantly, ensuring even coating without sogginess. Pour about a third, toss, then repeat until all is used.
  5. Spread the mixture back onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Let sit for about 10 minutes to allow the coating to set slightly.
  6. Transfer mixture to a clean bowl and add candy corn. Toss gently to combine. (Add candy corn at the end to prevent melting or misshaping.)
  7. Let snack mix cool completely before storing. Cooling allows flavors to meld and texture to achieve perfect balance of crunchy and chewy.

Notes

Toast pecans separately for best flavor. Add candy corn last to avoid melting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For a nut-free version, replace pecans and peanuts with extra pretzels and roasted chickpeas. For a chocolate lover’s version, swap dried cranberries for dark chocolate chips and add white chocolate chips. For a spicy twist, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the butter mixture. For a maple pecan twist, replace brown sugar with maple syrup and add an extra tablespoon of butter. This mix can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fall snack mix, kid-friendly, candy corn, pecans, pretzels, easy snack, no-bake, Halloween snack, Thanksgiving snack

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-kid-friendly-fall-snack-mix-recipe/