Craving a cozy fall snack that’s crunchy, sweet, and perfectly salty — without any melty mess?
This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix is the ultimate autumn treat. It’s quick to make, looks beautiful, and tastes like everything you love about fall — wrapped in one irresistible handful.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or packing a festive gift jar, this mix is sure to disappear fast. And best of all — this updated recipe guarantees your candy corn and marshmallows stay whole and picture-perfect!
🍂 What Is Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix?
Think of it as fall’s answer to trail mix — a little sweet, a little salty, a lot of crunch.
Pretzels, nuts, chocolate candies, and fall spices come together in a delicious blend that’s both comforting and addicting.
In this updated version, we bake only the crunchy ingredients with a buttery brown sugar glaze, then stir in the candy corn and mini marshmallows after cooling. That way, everything looks vibrant, stays crisp, and tastes amazing — no melting disasters!
🧡 Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive snack mix:
- 5 cups Pretzel Twists – Salty and crunchy, they balance the sweetness beautifully.
- 2 cups Salty Roasted Peanuts – Add savory depth and extra crunch.
- 2 cups Honey Roasted Cashews – A sweet, nutty counterpoint to the salty pretzels.
- 4 tablespoons Melted Butter – Helps the brown sugar and spices cling to the mix.
- 4 tablespoons Brown Sugar – Adds caramel warmth and that cozy fall sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt – Enhances both the sweet and savory elements.
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon – Classic fall spice for warmth.
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg – A hint of spice to round out the flavor.
- 4 cups Autumn-Colored M&M’s – For a pop of color and chocolate goodness.
- 2 cups Mini Marshmallows – Soft, sweet, and chewy.
- 2 cups Candy Corn – The classic fall candy that completes the mix.
👩🍳 How to Make Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the crunchy base
In a large bowl, combine pretzel twists, roasted peanuts, and honey roasted cashews. Toss to mix evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the spiced glaze
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Coat and bake
Pour the buttery mixture over the pretzel and nut mix. Toss gently to coat every piece.
Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35–45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
The goal is lightly toasted, not dark or sticky.
Step 5: Cool completely
Remove from the oven and let it cool fully on the baking sheet — at least 30 minutes. This step is important so the candy doesn’t melt later.
Step 6: Add the sweets
Once the mixture is cool, gently fold in M&M’s, candy corn, and mini marshmallows. Toss lightly to distribute evenly.
Step 7: Serve or store
Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 1 week.
💫 Why You’ll Love This Snack Mix
- No melting mess — Candy corn and marshmallows stay intact and colorful.
- Customizable — Swap ingredients to fit your taste or diet.
- Budget-friendly — Cheaper and fresher than store-bought mixes.
- Festive & giftable — Perfect for fall parties, movie nights, or edible gifts.
- Addictively delicious — The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spiced.
☕ What to Serve It With
This mix pairs beautifully with your favorite cozy drinks and snacks:
- Warm apple cider 🍎
- Pumpkin spice latte ☕
- Hot chocolate with whipped cream 🍫
- A small cheese and cracker board for contrast 🧀
🧠 Top Tips for Perfect Results
- Add candy and marshmallows last — Don’t bake them or they’ll melt.
- Use fresh ingredients — Stale nuts or pretzels will ruin the crunch.
- Don’t overbake — It’s better to bake a little less than too long.
- Even coating matters — Toss well so every bite is flavorful.
- Cool completely before adding candy or storing.
🧺 Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Avoid the fridge: Moisture will make the pretzels soggy.
- No freezing: Freezing changes the candy and marshmallow texture.
- To refresh: If it softens, spread it on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) for 5 minutes.
💭 Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix isn’t just a recipe — it’s a celebration of everything cozy and colorful about autumn.
With the updated no-melt method, you’ll never have to worry about sticky candy corn or melted marshmallows again.
Whip up a batch, pour yourself a warm drink, and enjoy the crunch, sweetness, and pure fall joy in every bite. 🍁
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely. Try pecans, almonds, or walnuts — just keep the total amount the same.
Q: What if I don’t like candy corn?
You can skip it or replace it with caramel bits, white chocolate chips, or more M&M’s.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pretzels and make sure your candies are gluten-free.
Q: How do I keep it looking nice for gifting?
Let it cool completely before packaging in clear jars or bags. Add a little ribbon and a tag for a perfect homemade gift.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest