There’s something about the warm, nostalgic scent of apple pie spice that instantly feels like a cozy hug. If you love those classic, comforting flavors but crave a snack that’s quick, portable, and a little unexpected, this Easy Apple Pie Chex Mix will be your new obsession. Whether you’re prepping snacks for busy quick family meals, hunting for budget-friendly recipes, or just want a sweet treat for fall, this irresistible mix will make you the hero of every lunchbox and gathering. It’s packed with crunch, gentle spices, and chewy dried apples in every handful—think healthy comfort food with all the charm of grandma’s pie, minus the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine all the magic of apple pie—sweet, spiced, and golden—but in the form of a munchable, poppable snack that’s ready in under an hour. You’ll love this Apple Pie Chex Mix because it’s:
- Sweet, crunchy, and loaded with the best cozy fall flavors
- Super easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have
- Kid-friendly and totally crowd-pleasing (adults secretly love it just as much!)
- Perfect for gifting, potlucks, road trips, or movie nights
- Budget-friendly and great for stretching a little into a lot
- The ultimate snack for healthy eating for two, meal prep microwave lunches, or even a festive game-day treat
- Make-ahead friendly—stores well for up to a week in an airtight container
- Completely customizable: go nut-free, add extra fruit, or dress it up for holidays
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This is the best meal prep healthy treat for autumn, but honestly, it works all year round. The blend of Rice Chex and Cinnamon Chex brings light crispness and a little cinnamon warmth, while chopped dried apples give you chewy, tart bites that keep it interesting. The buttery brown sugar glaze—spiked with apple pie spice, cinnamon, and a touch of salt—clings to every piece for an addictively glossy finish. Stir in some pecans or swap for sunflower seeds for a high protein meal twist that’s also allergy-friendly.
If you want to take your meal planning chicken night to dessert, or just need something fun for a lunchbox, you’re covered. There are no prep healthy lunches quite like this when you want something sweet, crunchy, and perfectly spiced.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans (or walnuts, optional, or substitute with sunflower seeds for nut-free)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or plant-based alternative for vegan)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey or corn syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice (or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make It Step-by-Step
- Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In your biggest mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, chopped dried apples, and pecans (or your nut/seed of choice). Toss everything together so you get a nice even mix.
- Make the Glaze: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt. Let it come to a gentle simmer, whisking until it’s smooth, bubbly, and smells like fall. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to gently toss and fold until every piece is glossy and evenly coated—take your time, it’s worth it.
- Bake to Crunchy Perfection: Spread the Chex mix in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to make sure every bite gets crisped up.
- Cool Completely: Pull the mix out and let it cool right on the baking sheet. It will keep crisping as it cools. Once cool, break into clusters and transfer to an airtight container.
Tips for Best Results
- Use parchment paper to keep things from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Stir every 15 minutes—this is the secret to perfectly even, golden crunch.
- Want bigger clusters? Let it cool completely before breaking up.
- Make sure you use dried apples, not fresh—fresh apples will add too much moisture and ruin that crunchy texture.
- For low calorie premade meal delivery vibes, use plant-based butter and add more dried fruit in place of nuts for a lighter version.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Swap pecans for walnuts, or use roasted sunflower seeds for nut-free.
- Mix in yogurt-covered raisins, mini pretzels, or caramel bits after baking for extra flair.
- For a holiday version, toss in white chocolate chips and festive candy after baking.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or ground ginger for a unique, spicy-sweet flavor.
- Want it vegan? Use plant-based butter and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
Serving Suggestions
- Pour into cute mason jars or cellophane bags for instant holiday gifts—tie with ribbon and add a label for a personal touch.
- Set out a big bowl at your next party, game night, or family movie night for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
- Pack a handful into snack bags for healthy boxed meals or school lunchboxes.
- Add to a healthy meal plans for two spread for a sweet treat that’s still balanced.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot apple cider or your favorite fall latte for the coziest afternoon pick-me-up.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Pair with hello fresh low calorie menu salads or roasted pumpkin soup for a sweet/savory contrast.
- Enjoy as a sweet finish after easy weeknight dinners or as a party snack alongside high protein pre made meals.
- Serve with a mug of chai, herbal tea, or even homemade spiced hot cocoa for an extra comforting experience.
- Add a bowl to your next meals for 2 delivered picnic basket—it travels beautifully and everyone loves a homemade treat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Store cooled Apple Pie Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- If your mix softens, simply spread it on a baking sheet and re-bake at 250°F for 5–10 minutes to bring back the crunch.
- For gifting, layer in small jars or tins for extra freshness.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- This mix is perfect for making ahead—just store in a sealed container for several days.
- Freezing isn’t recommended, as it can draw moisture and make the mix lose its signature crunch.
- If you need it for a party, make it the day before for max flavor and convenience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t use fresh apples—stick to dried for the perfect crisp, not soggy texture.
- Make sure your glaze simmers and the sugar dissolves fully before pouring over the mix.
- Avoid overcrowding your baking sheet—if you double the recipe, use two sheets and rotate halfway through.
- Don’t forget to stir during baking or you’ll get uneven clumps (unless you like big clusters—then go for it!).
- Never store before it’s 100% cool or condensation will zap your crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh apples?
Nope! Fresh apples will release too much water and turn the mix soggy. Always go for dried apples for that chewy, concentrated flavor.
How do I make my own apple pie spice?
Easy! Combine 4 teaspoons cinnamon, 2 teaspoons nutmeg, 1½ teaspoons allspice, and ½ teaspoon cloves. Store in a small jar and sprinkle on everything!
Can I microwave instead of bake?
Yes! Mix everything in a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, for about 4–5 minutes total.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free Chex and check your other ingredients, it’s perfect for gluten-free snacking.
What kind of Chex works best?
Rice or Corn Chex are ideal. Cinnamon Chex adds a little extra flavor and makes it extra special!
Can I add caramel?
Totally—drizzle with melted caramel after baking for an even more decadent treat.
How do I keep my mix crunchy?
Let it cool completely before storing, and always store in an airtight container at room temp.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just skip the nuts if allergies are a concern.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course. Just use two baking sheets and rotate them in the oven.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Perfect for best meal prep plans, good meal prep plans, or stashing in the pantry for the week.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container for storage
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Apple Pie Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (optional, or sunflower seeds for nut-free)
- 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
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Cinnamon Chex, chopped dried apples, and pecans or sunflower seeds if using.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, apple pie spice, and salt until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp as it cools.
- Break into clusters and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
