Name: Delicious Apple Pie Chex Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Rice Chex cereal; 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal; 1 cup dried apple chips, roughly chopped; 1 cup pecan halves; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons apple pie spice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fall is the season of apples, and what better way to celebrate this bountiful harvest than with a delicious Apple Pie Chex Mix? This recipe captures the essence of a warm apple pie in a crunchy, snackable form. With its delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, it’s perfect for family gatherings, festive parties, or just a cozy evening at home. This mix combines classic cereals, sweet apples, and rich pecans, all bound together with a buttery, spiced coating that brings everything to life.

The beauty of this Apple Pie Chex Mix lies not just in its delightful taste but also in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this tasty treat in under an hour! Whether you’re looking to satisfy your own sweet cravings or impress guests, this Chex mix is sure to do the trick. The balance of flavors, including the familiar warmth of cinnamon and the crunchy texture of nuts, makes this a snack everyone will love. So, let’s dive into how you can make this scrumptious Apple Pie Chex Mix right at home!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Chex Mix

This Apple Pie Chex Mix is far more than just a snack. Here’s why it’s going to be a staple for all your gatherings:

Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet apple chips and warm spices creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and addictive.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 55 minutes, you can prepare this mix quickly, whether for a last-minute get-together or to satisfy your cravings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal twist!
Perfect for Sharing: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for parties, game nights, or as a holiday treat.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crunch and sweetness, making it a great snack option for lunch boxes or after-school treats.

Ingredients

This Apple Pie Chex Mix requires a mix of cereals complemented by delicious extras that enhance its overall flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups Rice Chex cereal
4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
1 cup dried apple chips, roughly chopped
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low and slow approach allows the mix to bake evenly, giving it that perfect crunch while preventing over-browning.

Step 2: Combine the Cereals and Nuts

In a large mixing bowl, take your Rice Chex and Cinnamon Chex cereals, and add in the roughly chopped dried apple chips along with the pecan halves. Gently mix these ingredients together, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. This will help in achieving that perfect textured snack later on!

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Mixture

Next, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. To this melted butter, stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract for that added layer of flavor.

Step 4: Coat the Cereal Mixture

Pour the warm butter mixture over your cereal and nut mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss until all components are well-coated. It’s important to do this carefully to avoid crushing the Chex and ensure a nice even coating of sweetness.

Step 5: Bake the Chex Mix

Spread the coated mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step helps in easy clean-up while allowing air to circulate around the mix during baking. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure an even crisp. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color and a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and let the mix cool completely. This cooling phase is crucial as it helps the mix to firm up and become crunchy. After it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container for storage, or serve it up right away!

Variations

If you’d like to put your own spin on this delectable dish, here are a few variations to consider:

Protein: Add some almond slices or walnuts for added texture and health benefits.
Vegetables: Experiment with a hint of shredded coconut for a tropical twist or dried cranberries for extra tanginess.
Spices: Feel free to swap in pumpkin spice for a festive variation, or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth!

Cooking Notes

Here are some essential notes to help you achieve the best results with your Apple Pie Chex Mix:

Make sure to stir the mix at the designated intervals while baking to ensure even cooking.
Allowing the mix to cool completely before storing is key to maintaining crunchiness, as it can become soggy if stored warm.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Pie Chex Mix makes an excellent snack on its own, but you can serve it with other treats:

Pair it with a creamy dip for an extra layer of flavor.
Offer it as a fun topping over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful dessert!

Tips

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Apple Pie Chex Mix turns out perfectly:

Use fresh ingredients, particularly for the dried apples, to enhance the flavor.
Taste the butter mixture before adding it to the cereals; you can adjust sweetness based on your preference.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving
Protein: 3g per serving
Sodium: 78mg per serving

FAQs

Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Chex mix can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container once it’s cooled, and it will stay fresh.

What can I substitute for dried apple chips?

If you don’t have apple chips, consider using other dried fruits such as pear or peach chips for a different flavor.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Yes! Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How long can I store the Apple Pie Chex Mix?

This mix stays fresh for about two weeks when stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Apple Pie Chex Mix is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make, capturing the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating an occasion or treating yourself to a sweet snack, this mix is a fantastic choice. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients to make it your own! We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments. Happy snacking!