Description
This Easy Autumn Snack Mix with Caramel Corn is a delightful blend of crunchy cereals, pretzels, pepitas, and sweet Teddy Grahams, all coated in a rich brown butter and spice mixture. Finished with a touch of caramel popcorn, this snack mix is perfect for fall gatherings, movie nights, or any time you crave a cozy, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 2 cups Golden Grahams cereal (80 grams)
- 2 cups corn or rice Chex cereal (60 grams)
- 2 cups pretzels (80 grams)
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted pepitas (120 grams)
- 2 cups honey or cinnamon Teddy Grahams (140 grams)
Brown Butter Mixture
- 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter (142 grams)
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed (100 grams)
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Additional
- 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, 12-24 grams)
- 3 cups caramel popcorn (90 grams)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Mix Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Combine Golden Grahams, Chex cereal, pretzels, pepitas, and Teddy Grahams on the prepared sheet pan. Set aside.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a shallow, light-colored pan over medium-low heat, swirling the pan often. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the butter foams, becomes bubbly, and small brown bits form on the bottom, indicating it has browned.
- Add Spices and Sugar: Stir in dark brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), Kosher salt, and vanilla extract into the browned butter. Let the mixture bubble for about 1 minute, stirring well.
- Coat the Snack Mix: Immediately pour the brown butter mixture over the snack mix on the sheet pan. Mix thoroughly using a rubber spatula or clean hands, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Break up any clumps and adjust salt or spices to taste.
- Bake the Snack Mix: Spread the coated snack mix into an even layer. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45-50 minutes, tossing the mix every 10 minutes to ensure even drying until the mix is completely dry to the touch.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar (Optional): About 5 minutes before baking is complete, toss the snack mix with 1-2 tablespoons (12-24 grams) of granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness, being careful not to over-sweeten.
- Combine with Caramel Popcorn and Cool: Once the snack mix is dry, immediately toss it with caramel popcorn. Allow the mix to cool completely. Store in airtight containers for 1-2 weeks. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a light-colored pan for browning butter to better monitor the color change and prevent burning.
- Adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to your taste preference.
- Adding granulated sugar is optional and adds texture and sweetness; omit if you prefer less sugar.
- The snack mix can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
- Be sure to toss the snack mix every 10 minutes during baking for even drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American