Looking for a festive and fun snack to whip up this fall or for your Halloween celebrations? This Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix is exactly what you need! Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, a cozy fall movie night, or just want a quick and delicious treat, this mix has everything to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the perfect balance of crunchy cereal, rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and festive candies, it’s sure to become a favorite snack of the season.
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of salty and sweet, and this Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix nails it every time. Here’s why we absolutely love it:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in minutes! No baking is required, and the most complicated step is melting the chocolate and peanut butter. Even if you’re short on time, you can prepare this mix quickly and with little effort.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a great recipe to make with kids. Let them help measure the ingredients, shake the cereal in the zip-lock bags, or add their favorite candies. The hands-on nature of this recipe makes it a fun activity for the whole family.
- Customizable: One of the best things about this mix is that you can easily customize it. Not a fan of candy corn? Swap it out for something else! Prefer white chocolate over semi-sweet chocolate? Go for it! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so you can personalize it to suit your preferences and the occasion.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re making it for a Halloween party, a fall gathering, or just to enjoy at home, this recipe makes a big batch, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Package it in cute fall-themed bags or bowls, and it instantly becomes a festive snack.
- Festive and Fun: With the colorful addition of candy corn, M&Ms, and Rolos, this Buddy Mix looks as good as it tastes. It’s the perfect treat to bring to any fall or Halloween event—everyone will love the fun, festive colors and flavors.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix:
- 12 ounces Chex rice cereal: This is the base of the mix. Its light, crispy texture makes it perfect for holding onto the chocolate and peanut butter coating.
- 1 stick of butter: Butter adds richness to the mixture and helps everything melt together smoothly.
- 6 ounces peanut butter chips: These add a delicious peanut buttery flavor that complements the chocolate.
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate balances out the sweetness of the mix, giving it a richer, more complex flavor.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The creamy peanut butter not only adds flavor but also helps the chocolate stick to the cereal.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: This is what gives the Buddy Mix its classic sweet coating, making it irresistible.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the chocolate and peanut butter.
- 1/2 cup candy corn: A fall and Halloween staple, candy corn adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 cup M&Ms: Use festive fall or Halloween-colored M&Ms for extra fun.
- 1/2 cup Rolo candies: Rolos add a chewy, caramel-filled surprise to every bite.
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mix:
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the stick of butter along with the peanut butter chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter. Stir frequently to ensure the mixture melts evenly and doesn’t burn. The key is to keep the heat low and stir continuously until everything is smooth and well combined. Once the mixture is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. - Coat the Cereal:
Place the Chex rice cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the cereal and gently stir to coat each piece thoroughly. Be careful not to crush the cereal as you stir—it’s important to coat it evenly without losing the crunch. - Add the Powdered Sugar:
Divide the powdered sugar into two large gallon-sized zip-lock bags. Spoon the coated cereal into the bags, seal them tightly, and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated with the powdered sugar. The powdered sugar adds a delightful sweetness and gives the mix its signature Buddy Mix look and flavor. - Mix in the Candy:
Pour the coated cereal back into the large bowl. Toss in the candy corn, M&Ms, and Rolo candies. Gently mix everything together until all the candy pieces are well distributed throughout the mix. You can get creative here and add in other candies, pretzels, or nuts if you like. The possibilities are endless! - Serve and Enjoy:
Your Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix is ready to be served! You can enjoy it right away or store it in an airtight container for later. Either way, it’s a delicious snack that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)!
Making this Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix couldn’t be easier! Here are a few steps to ensure success:
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients:
The quality of your chocolate and peanut butter will make a big difference in the final taste. Use good-quality peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. Fresh, crispy Chex cereal is also essential to get that satisfying crunch. - Watch the Heat:
When melting the chocolate and peanut butter mixture, keep the heat on low. High heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn, which will affect the texture and flavor. Stir the mixture continuously and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s smooth. - Coat the Cereal Evenly:
To ensure the powdered sugar coats every piece of cereal, shake the zip-lock bags well. It’s a fun and easy step, so let the kids help out—they’ll enjoy shaking the bags and seeing the mix come together! - Customize Your Candy:
While this recipe calls for candy corn, M&Ms, and Rolos, you can easily swap these out for other candies. For a more chocolaty mix, add mini Reese’s Cups or chocolate-covered pretzels. For a nutty twist, add chopped peanuts or almonds. The sky’s the limit!
Success Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix turns out perfectly every time:
- Use a Large Bowl: When mixing the cereal with the melted chocolate and peanut butter, use the largest bowl you have. This makes it easier to stir and ensures the cereal gets coated evenly without spilling.
- Double the Recipe: This mix is always a hit, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re making it for a large crowd. You can store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them for days.
- Add a Crunchy Element: For an extra crunchy twist, try adding pretzel sticks, popcorn, or even salted peanuts to the mix. These salty additions pair perfectly with the sweet chocolate and powdered sugar.
Storage
Store your Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This mix stays fresh and crispy as long as it’s kept away from heat and moisture. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate it, but make sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving so the candies aren’t too hard.
Notes
- This recipe is very forgiving and adaptable. Feel free to use other cereals like Corn Chex, Cinnamon Chex, or even Golden Grahams for a different twist on the classic.
- If you’re making this mix for a Halloween party, consider using Halloween-themed M&Ms, or add spooky gummy candies like gummy worms for a fun, creepy touch!
- For a healthier version, you can substitute natural peanut butter for regular peanut butter and reduce the amount of candy, adding in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins instead.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare this Buddy Mix a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container. Just make sure to keep it at room temperature to maintain the crunchiness of the cereal.
Q: What other add-ins can I use for this mix?
A: You can add anything you like! Some great options include mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, pretzel sticks, or even white chocolate chips. Feel free to get creative and tailor the mix to your personal taste or the theme of your event.
Q: Is this Buddy Mix gluten-free?
A: As long as you use gluten-free Chex cereal and ensure that your candies (such as M&Ms and Rolos) are gluten-free, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free. Just double-check the packaging of your ingredients to be sure.
Conclusion
This Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix is the perfect snack for celebrating the fall season and all its festivities. Whether you’re serving it at a Halloween party, sharing it with family during a cozy night in, or making it as a fun weekend project with the kids, this mix will delight everyone who tries it. With its perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make and even more fun to eat. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite!
Print
Fall/Halloween Buddy Mix
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and fun sweet-and-salty mix perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or movie nights.
Ingredients
– 12 oz Chex rice cereal
– 1 stick butter
– 6 oz peanut butter chips
– 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 3 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup candy corn
– 1 cup M&Ms
– 1/2 cup Rolos
Instructions
1. Melt butter, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and peanut butter. Stir until smooth and add vanilla.
2. Pour the melted mixture over the Chex cereal and stir gently to coat.
3. Divide powdered sugar between two zip-lock bags, add coated cereal, and shake until covered.
4. Pour the coated cereal back into a large bowl, add candy corn, M&Ms, and Rolos. Toss to combine.
Notes
– Customize by adding your favorite fall candies.
– Keep stored in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g