Apple Pie Chex Mix
A delightful snack that combines the crunch of cereal, sweetness of dried apples, and a warm blend of spices, perfect for cozy gatherings or as an afternoon treat.
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.
Notes
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 sprinkle it over yogurt for a delicious breakfast twist. It can also be packaged in mason jars as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family.