Did you know that 78% of people crave a sweet and salty snack but feel they don’t have the time to make one from scratch?

I used to be part of that statistic, believing that a truly delicious homemade snack mix required a pantry full of obscure ingredients and an entire afternoon. That is, until I discovered the magic of this Easy Scarecrow Crunch Snack Mix Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, a simple joy that proves the best things in life don’t have to be complicated.

Picture this: the leaves are turning brilliant shades of amber and crimson, there’s a distinct chill in the air that calls for your favorite cozy sweater, and the scent of cinnamon and toffee wafts from your kitchen. This snack mix is more than just a treat; it’s a centerpiece for gathering. It’s what I lovingly toss together before we head out to the pumpkin patch, or when friends pop over for an impromptu cup of spiced cider. It’s the edible embodiment of fall nostalgia, and the best part? It comes together in mere minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your cupboard.

I first started making this mix years ago for my son’s autumn school party. I wanted to bring something that felt special and homemade, but that wouldn’t see me up past midnight the night before. The result was this gloriously simple combination of crunchy cereal, pretzels, and nuts all coated in a sweet, spiced glaze. The kids devoured it, the teachers asked for the recipe, and a beloved tradition was born in our home. It’s the perfect project to make with little helpers, as there’s no baking involved and plenty of little bits for them to taste-test along the way.

So, let’s gather our simple ingredients and create a little autumn magic together. This is one of those effortlessly easy recipes that yields a result far greater than the sum of its parts. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never look at a bag of store-bought snack mix the same way again.

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A Harvest of Crunchy Goodness

There’s a certain magic in the air this time of year, isn’t there? The light turns to gold, the leaves begin their fiery dance, and the urge to bake and create with cozy, comforting flavors becomes almost irresistible. For me, autumn is synonymous with gathering—gathering around the table, gathering with loved ones, and gathering a beautiful medley of ingredients for a snack that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This Easy Scarecrow Cru

nch is my go-to treat for everything from after-school snack attacks to casual Halloween gatherings. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to don your favorite chunky knit sweater, put on some soft music, and stir up a little bit of joy. It’s wonderfully forgiving, endlessly customizable, and fills your kitchen with the most divine, sweet-and-salty aroma. Let’s gather our ingredients and make some magic!

The Cast of Characters: Your Shopping List

I love to think of a recipe’s ingredients as its cast of characters, each one bringing its own unique personality to the final scene. Here’s what you’ll need to create this autumnal masterpiece. Feel free to swap and substitute based on what you have in your pantry—truly, the best recipes are the ones you make your own.

• 4 cups square corn cereal (like Chex): This is our sturdy, reliable base. It holds up beautifully to the coating and provides that essential, satisfying crunch.
• 2 cups small p
  retzel twists: For that hit of salty perfection. I love how their quirky shapes peek through the mix.
• 1 cup candy corn: The quintessential autumn candy! It adds little bursts of honeyed sweetness and, of course, that classic festive color.
• 1 cup fall-colored M&M’s or chocolate candies: I look for the ones in rich oranges, yellows, and browns. They bring a lovely chocolatey element and more cheerful color.
• 1 cup roasted,
  salted peanuts: Or pepitas for a nut-free version! They add a savory, toasty depth that balances all the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: The rich, velvety foundation of our coating. Using unsalted lets us control the salt level.
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar: This is where the deep, caramel-like flavor comes from. Pack it firmly into your measuring cup for the best results.
• 3 tablespoons
  pure maple syrup: For a touch of autumnal warmth. Please use the real stuff—the flavor is incomparable!
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: The finishing touch that rounds out all the other flavors so beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Just a whisper, really. It adds a hint of cozy spice that makes the whole house smell incredible.
• 1/4 teaspoon k
  osher salt: To make all the other flavors pop!

Weaving the Scarecrow’s Crunch: Let’s Get Mixing!

Now for the truly fun part! This is less about precise technique and more about stirring with love. I always make a double batch because it disappears so quickly. Trust me on this.

1. First, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). We’re going for low and slow here to gently toast and coat everything without burning. Grab your largest roasting pan or a large, rimmed baking sheet. There’s nothing worse than trying to mix in a too-small bowl!
2. In that large pan, com
   bine your corn cereal, pretzels, and peanuts. Give it a gentle toss with your hands. I love this part—feeling all the different textures and seeing the colors start to mingle already.
3. Now, for the magic potion! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Once it’s foamy and melted, whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Keep whisking until the brown sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle bubble. Let it bubble for just one minute—this helps thicken it slightly. Remove it from the heat and whisk in that lovely vanilla extract. It will sizzle and smell absolutely heavenly.
4. Here comes the transformative moment! Slowly and carefully pour the warm butter-sugar mixture over your dry ingredients in the pan. Using a large heatproof spatula or a big wooden spoon, gently fold and toss everything together. Be patient and thorough—you want every single piece to get a glossy, delicious coat of that syrupy goodness.