Description

This Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix is a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for celebrating the spooky season. With a combination of crunchy Rice Chex, Bugles, and pretzels coated in a rich, caramelized sauce, and the addition of classic Halloween candies like candy corn and Reese’s Pieces, this mix is a crowd-pleaser for parties, snacks, or gifts. Easy to prepare and full of festive colors and textures, this recipe will quickly become a Halloween favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sauce:

¾ cup Butter, melted
¾ cup Brown sugar, packed
2 Tablespoons Vanilla extract

For the Mix:

1 box Rice Chex (365g, 12 oz)
1 bag Bugles (213g, 7 oz)
4 cups Pretzel twists
1 heaping cup Candy Corn
1 heaping cup Candy Corn Pumpkins
1 bag Reese’s Pieces (230g, 8 oz)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Proper preheating ensures even baking and a consistent texture.
Prepare the Sauce:
Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. To avoid burning, melt the butter in short intervals (15-20 seconds) if using the microwave. Once melted, mix in the brown sugar and vanilla extract, whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy. This sauce will caramelize during baking, adding sweetness and binding the ingredients together.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a very large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Bugles, and pretzel twists. Gradually pour the sauce over the dry ingredients, gently tossing with a spatula to ensure even coating. Make sure all pieces are covered with the sauce to achieve a uniform flavor and texture.
Bake the Mix:
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the coated mixture evenly across the sheets in a single layer to prevent clumping. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the mix to cool completely on the sheets. This cooling process is crucial for achieving the perfect crunch.
Final Assembly:
After the mix has cooled, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the candy corn, candy corn pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces. Gently toss to distribute the candies evenly throughout the mix.
Store the Mix:
Store the Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the mix in airtight bags or containers. Allow it to return to room temperature before serving.

Notes

This recipe is highly customizable. If you prefer different flavors or have dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute ingredients. You can add spices like cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the sauce for an extra fall flavor or use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free Rice Chex and pretzels, and ensure the candies are also gluten-free. This mix can also be adapted for other holidays by changing the candy colors and themes.