Sweet, crunchy, cozy apple pie vibes in snack form 🍎
Intro
This Apple Pie Chex Mix is my go-to when I want something cozy and sweet but don’t feel like turning on the oven for a full apple pie.
It’s crunchy, warm-spiced, and has just the right amount of sweetness with a cider glaze that’s honestly addictive.
I make this for movie nights, potlucks, or just to have something fun on the counter to grab by the handful.
🍎 Why I Love This Recipe
This snack reminds me of the apple pies my grandma used to make every fall—but in snack form! No crust to roll out. No baking. Just sweet, spiced comfort in a bowl.
- Warm fall spices, anytime of year
- No baking, just stovetop and mixing
- Feeds a crowd
- Tastes better the next day!
- Easy to make ahead
🍽️ Servings & Time
Makes: 10–12 snack servings
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes (includes cooling)
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The magic here is in the glaze. Boiling the brown sugar and apple cider helps dissolve the sugar and cook it just enough so it thickens and clings to the cereal. The butter gives it richness, while the pie spice blooms in the heat, making the whole mix smell (and taste) like fall.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Not stirring fast enough after adding the glaze: It sets quickly—work fast to coat everything!
- Skipping the drying step: Let it cool completely or it’ll stay sticky.
- Using too many wet ingredients: Follow the measurements or it can turn soggy instead of crunchy.
🍽️ What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
- 1 cup dried apple slices, chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp apple pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or yogurt-covered pretzels
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Break up any big apple chunks so they’re snackable.
- Use parchment paper to let the mix cool and dry—less mess!
- Swap white chocolate chips in once cooled, or they’ll melt.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it crunchy.
- Want extra cinnamon sugar vibes? Sprinkle a little more pie spice while it’s still warm.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Parchment paper or baking sheet for cooling
🔁 Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free? Use certified gluten-free Chex cereal.
- No apple cider? Try apple juice or even water with a splash of lemon and extra spice.
- No dried apples? Try dried pears or raisins.
- Spicy twist? Add a pinch of cayenne!
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
- Make this a day or two ahead—it stays crunchy for up to a week in an airtight container.
- You can also prep the dry mix and the glaze separately, then combine when ready to serve.
📝 Instructions
1. Measure the cereals and apples
In a large bowl, combine 6 cups Rice Chex, 2 cups Cinnamon Chex, and 1 cup chopped dried apple slices. Set aside.
2. Make the cider glaze
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1 tsp apple pie spice, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Let it come to a gentle boil and stir constantly for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Pour glaze over cereal mix
Quickly pour the hot glaze over the cereal and apple mix. Use a spatula to stir and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Cool and dry
Spread the coated mix onto a large sheet of parchment paper or a baking sheet in an even layer. Let it cool completely for at least 15 minutes.
5. Add optional toppings and serve
Once cooled, stir in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or yogurt pretzels if using. Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy!
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- If it loses crunch, pop it in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to crisp up
- Don’t store it in the fridge—it’ll turn soft
❓ FAQ
Can I use other cereals?
Yes! Corn Chex or Honey Nut Cheerios work great too.
Is this really sweet?
It’s sweet like kettle corn—definitely a treat but not overly sugary.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yep! It stays fresh for days.
Does it need to be baked?
Nope—just stovetop for the glaze and cooling on the counter.
💬 Wrap-Up
This Apple Pie Chex Mix is fall comfort in a bowl—with no baking, no fuss, and maximum flavor. If you give it a try, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you put your own spin on it. I love hearing how these recipes become your own!
