Try this easy, no-bake Halloween Chex Mix recipe (Muddy Buddies)! It combines crunchy, salty, and sweet flavors, making it an addictive treat for Halloween parties and festive fall snacking!
Another must-try is my Halloween Rice Krispie Treats recipe if you love gooey, crunchy, and sweet!
When it comes to snacking, I crave that satisfying crunch. And for me and the hubby, the ultimate treat combines an elusive trio of textures and flavors: crunchy, salty, and sweet. That's why my Halloween Chex Mix (much like my Christmas Chex Mix) is a must-have for fall munching—it hits all the right notes and leaves my whole family wanting more.
Some might call it a fall version of Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow. Whatever you call it, it's highly addictive!
I’m also a girl who only likes to turn the oven on if I have to. So naturally, I created a No-Bake Halloween Treat Recipe that’s addictively perfect for Halloween parties! Need I say more? Trust me, you'll love how salty pretzels pair with sweet white chocolate and peanut butter.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Chex Mix Recipe
- Easy
- Big-Batch
- No-Bake Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal: You can use a combination of any of the Chex Mix cereals (Rice, Wheat, or Corn).
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzel twists: The pretzels add to the salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet chocolate. I like to crush them slightly.
- 1 ½ cups white candy melts: I like to use Ghirardelli candy melts because white chocolate chips can be unpredictable in how they melt.
- ¼ cup butter: Butter not only provides a rich flavor but also helps everything solidify once it cools.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: This gives the snack mix such a great flavor!
- 1 teaspoon maple extract: I added a little maple extract to bring the flavors of fall into this mix. You can add more to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla brings the other ingredients together perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar: The powdered sugar sticks to the outside of the cereal to make a sweet coating.
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces: The orange, brown, and yellow candies are perfect for this mix's fall theme, and you can add more to your liking.
- 1 cup Mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Because you can never have enough peanut butter and chocolate!
- 1 ½ cups Candy pumpkins and candy corn: This fall recipe is perfect for classic candy corn!
Find the full recipe and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Variations
This is one of those Halloween party snack mix recipes you can customize to your heart's content. To customize your Chex Mix, feel free to add other Halloween-themed candies (M&Ms or candy eyes are great), mini marshmallows, nuts, dried fruit, or even popcorn.
Gluten-Free: To make this a gluten-free snack, use gluten-free Chex cereal and gluten-free pretzels, and ensure that all other ingredients, like candies and chocolate, are also gluten-free.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mix: Combine the Rice Chex cereal and mini pretzel twists (I usually break up a few so they're not all in large pieces) in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the candy melts, butter, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the maple extract and vanilla until well combined.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture in the mixing bowl. Gently stir until all the pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated mixture to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until all the pieces are well coated with the powdered sugar.
- Cool and Set: Spread the Chex mix on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, candy pumpkins, and candy corn. Allow it to cool and set for about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooled, break apart any large clumps and transfer the Chex mix to a serving bowl.
Enjoy your no-bake Halloween Chex Mix, perfect for parties. Happy snacking!
Pro Tip: Using a large ziplock bag to shake and coat the mix with powdered sugar helps contain the mess. Make sure to seal the bag tightly before shaking it. 😉
My Best Tips
- Zippered Bag: A gallon-size bag may not be large enough to mix this recipe. A 2-gallon Ziploc bag is better.
- Half-Batch: You can half this Fall snack mix recipe if you need a smaller batch.
- Make-Ahead: If you're planning a Halloween gathering, you can make this up to a week ahead and store it at room temperature until ready to eat.
Storing
Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! While Rice Chex is a popular choice, you can also use Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or even a combination of all three for added variety.
Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup. It will give a slightly different flavor but will still work well to bind the ingredients together.
Yes! You can replace the peanuts and Reese’s Pieces with nut-free alternatives like sunflower seeds and nut-free candies. Also, use nut-free chocolate and sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Love this Halloween Chex Mix recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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More Yummy No-Bake Halloween Treats
Printable Recipe
Halloween Chex Mix (Muddy Buddies)
Equipment
- microwave safe bowl
- Large plastic bag Ziploc is a great option
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 9 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 ½ cups white candy melts (I like to use Ghirardelli candy melts)
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoons maple extract (optional) (or more to your liking)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces candy
- 1 cup mini Reese's peanut butter cups
- 1 ½ cups candy corn and candy pumpkins
Instructions
- Prepare the Mix: Combine the Rice Chex cereal and mini pretzel twists (I usually break up a few so they're not all in large pieces) in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Peanut Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the candy melts, butter, and creamy peanut butter. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Stir in the maple extract and vanilla until well combined.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal mixture in the mixing bowl. Gently stir until all the pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Add the Powdered Sugar: Transfer the coated mixture to a large ziplock bag. Add the powdered sugar to the bag, seal it, and shake vigorously until all the pieces are well coated with the powdered sugar.
- Cool and Set: Spread the Chex mix on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, candy pumpkins, and candy corn. Allow it to cool and set for about 20 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooled, break apart any large clumps and transfer the Chex mix to a serving bowl. Enjoy!
Notes
-
- Zippered Bag: A gallon-size bag may not be large enough to mix this recipe. A 2-gallon Ziploc bag is better.
-
- Half-Batch: You can half this Fall snack mix recipe if you need a smaller batch.
-
- Make-Ahead: If you're planning a Halloween gathering, you can make this up to a week ahead and store it at room temperature until ready to eat.
Kristyn
We love this snack mix!! I am so excited for all the fun, Halloween treats & snacks! This one is a family favorite!
Erin Henry
Same here! We can't go through the season without making this Fall treat a few times!
Sha
This looks fun and festive! Kids are excited to make them for the Halloween!
Erin Henry
Enjoy this easy Halloween treat, Sha!
Ellie Grove
This is such a fun idea! Love the flavor and texture combination!