Description
Spooky spirits dance through this Halloween Harvest Hash Chex Mix, blending sweet and savory seasonal flavors. Crisp cereal, crunchy nuts, and festive orange and black candies create a haunting snack perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Activate the oven to create an optimal baking environment at 275°F (135°C), ensuring uniform heat distribution for the snack mix.
- Melt butter carefully using short microwave intervals or stovetop method, preventing scorching and creating a smooth foundation.
- Whisk melted butter with brown sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture transforms into a glossy, well-integrated sauce that will caramelize during baking.
- Select an expansive mixing vessel to combine Rice Chex, Bugles, and pretzel twists, providing ample space for thorough ingredient integration.
- Drizzle the prepared sauce over dry ingredients, employing a gentle folding technique to guarantee comprehensive and uniform coating of each morsel.
- Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for even heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Distribute the coated mixture across sheets in a singular, flat layer to prevent ingredient clustering and promote consistent caramelization.
- Position sheets in the preheated oven, rotating and stirring the mix every 15 minutes to ensure balanced browning and prevent potential burning.
- Extract the mix from the oven after 45 minutes, allowing it to cool completely on the baking sheets to develop a satisfying crisp texture.
- Once cooled, transfer the crunchy base to a large mixing bowl, introducing festive elements like candy corn, candy corn pumpkins, and Reese’s Pieces.
- Gently incorporate the candies, creating a visually appealing and flavor-rich Halloween-themed snack mix.
- Transfer the finished mix to an airtight container, maintaining optimal freshness at room temperature for up to two weeks or freezing for extended preservation.
Notes
- Swap ingredients easily to accommodate dietary needs like gluten-free pretzels or dairy-free butter alternatives for those with restrictions.
- Use parchment paper for mess-free baking and simple cleanup, preventing sticky caramelized sauce from sticking to baking sheets.
- Control sweetness by reducing brown sugar or using alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
- Customize the mix by experimenting with different seasonal candies or adding nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 122
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg