When the leaves start to change and the scent of cinnamon wafts through the air, you know it’s time for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall: Apple Pie Chex Mix. This quick and easy snack combines the crunch of cereal, the sweetness of dried apples, and a warm blend of spices, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or as an afternoon pick-me-up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a mix that’s not only delicious but also evokes wonderful memories of homemade apple pie.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Apple Pie Chex Mix is much more than just a simple snack; it brings comfort and nostalgia to any occasion. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights, spontaneous gatherings, or a fun-filled family movie night. Plus, it’s customizable! Whether you’ve got a sweet tooth or prefer different nut options, you have the freedom to adjust the components to suit your taste.
“I made this for my kid’s school bake sale, and it was a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe after just one bite!” – Emma L.
Preparing Apple Pie Chex Mix
Creating this delightful mix is a simple process that yields a crunchy, sweet snack. You’ll begin by combining cereals and fruits, followed by making a sweet glaze that pulls everything together, making sure each piece is coated for the best flavor. Once mixed and baked, the result is a perfect balance of textures and tastes that family and friends will love.
What you’ll need
To make this tasty Apple Pie Chex Mix, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional; sunflower seeds provide a nut-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to explore alternatives, such as using a different type of cereal or sweetener!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, chopped dried apples, and pecans or sunflower seeds if opting for a nut-free version.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until smooth and well mixed. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even crisping.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will become crisper as it cools.
- Once cooled, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Best ways to enjoy it
Apple Pie Chex Mix is incredibly versatile! Serve it in a festive bowl during a fall gathering, pack it as a snack for road trips, or even sprinkle it over yogurt for a delicious breakfast twist. You could also package it in mason jars as thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends and family.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Apple Pie Chex Mix fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store it for an extended period, you can freeze the mix in zip-top bags. Just make sure it’s completely cool before sealing to prevent condensation. This method will keep it fresh for a couple of months, ensuring you have a delightful snack whenever you crave it!
Tricks for success
- Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking to avoid uneven crisping. This ensures that every bite is perfectly crunchy.
- Use fresh, sweet apples for the best flavor. If you can find unsweetened dried apples, that works well too!
- If you’re looking for additional flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the aroma and taste of your mix.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations of the classic Apple Pie Chex Mix:
- Add dried cranberries for an extra tartness.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a more fall-inspired sweetness.
- Swap out cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- Try mixing in different cereals, like vanilla corn puffs or chocolate Chex, for a more decadent treat.
Common questions
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How long does it take to prepare? The prep time is about 15 minutes, followed by 45 minutes of baking.
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Can I make it nut-free? Absolutely! Just replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.
Savor the wonderful flavors of fall with this Apple Pie Chex Mix recipe—it’s easy to make, deliciously satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your snack rotation!
Apple Pie Chex Mix
Ingredients
Cereal and Fruit Base
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional; sunflower seeds provide a nut-free alternative) Can substitute with sunflower seeds for nut-free option.
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter or plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, chopped dried apples, and pecans or sunflower seeds if opting for a nut-free version.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until smooth and well mixed. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture and gently toss to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for even crisping.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will become crisper as it cools.
- Once cooled, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
