Name: Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Rice Chex cereal; 3 cups Corn Chex cereal; 2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal; 1 cup small pretzels; 1 cup pecan halves or pieces; 1 cup dried apple chips or dried apple rings, chopped; 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup apple juice or apple cider; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips; 1/2 cup yogurt covered raisins; 1/2 cup extra dried apples for topping

Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe tastes like a cozy fall dessert collided with your favorite crunchy snack, and it comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish. It works perfectly for after-school snacks, holiday parties, game nights, or just snacking on the couch while you “taste test” half the batch. I grew up in a house where cereal snacks counted as dinner more than once, so this recipe feels like a nostalgic hug in a bowl.

Why Choose This Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe

This Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe packs big apple pie flavor without any baking drama. You get crunchy cereal, chewy apple bits, warm cinnamon, and a buttery brown sugar coating that tastes like dessert but still passes as a snack.

You can toss everything together in one big bowl and bake it on a sheet pan, so cleanup stays easy. The mix travels well, so you can bring it to potlucks, road trips, or tuck it into lunchboxes without worrying about it getting soggy.

“Tastes like apple pie and crunchy cereal had a snack baby, and I could not stop eating handfuls of it. ★★★★★”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry ingredients

4 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
2 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
1 cup small pretzels
1 cup pecan halves or pieces
1 cup dried apple chips or dried apple rings, chopped
1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes (optional but tasty)

You can use any combination of Chex you like, though Cinnamon Chex boosts the apple cinnamon flavor without extra work. Gluten free Chex keeps the mix gluten free as long as you choose gluten free pretzels. Skip nuts if you need a nut free snack and add extra pretzels or cereal.

Coating

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup apple juice or apple cider
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup for extra fall flavor

Use real butter for the richest flavor, though a plant based butter substitute works if you keep it dairy free. Apple cider adds deeper apple flavor than plain juice, so grab a jug when it shows up in stores. Maple syrup adds a subtle caramel note that plays nicely with the cinnamon.

Optional mix ins

1/2 cup white chocolate chips or cinnamon chips
1/2 cup yogurt covered raisins
1/2 cup extra dried apples for topping after baking

Add chocolate or yogurt covered add ins only after the mix cools so they do not melt. Cinnamon chips taste amazing with this Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe but can feel sweet, so balance them with extra pretzels.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium microwave safe bowl or small saucepan
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Large rimmed baking sheet (or two smaller sheets)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight container or large zip top bags for storage

Tips & Tricks

Line the baking sheet so cleanup stays quick and the sugary coating does not glue itself to the pan.
Stir the mix gently so you coat everything without crushing the cereal.
Chop dried apple pieces small so they distribute evenly and you get apple in more bites.
Use apple cider instead of juice when you want stronger apple flavor.
Taste the coating before you pour it and adjust cinnamon or salt to your preference.
Spread the mix in a single layer on the baking sheet so it bakes evenly and stays crisp.
Stir halfway through baking so nothing burns around the edges.
Let the Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix cool completely before you store it so condensation does not make it soggy.
Add chocolate chips or yogurt covered raisins only after the mix cools.
Double the recipe on two sheet pans if you plan to share; the batch disappears quickly.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 275°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set the pan aside while you mix the ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the dry mix

Add Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Cinnamon Chex, pretzels, pecans, dried apples, and coconut flakes to a large mixing bowl. Toss gently with your hands or a spatula until everything looks evenly combined. Keep the bowl nearby so you can pour the warm coating over it as soon as it finishes.

Step 3: Make the apple cinnamon coating

In a medium microwave safe bowl or small saucepan, add the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, apple juice or cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, and maple syrup if you use it. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve. Warm it in the microwave in 30 second bursts or on the stove over low heat until it looks glossy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Coat the cereal mixture

Pour the warm apple cinnamon mixture evenly over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to toss and fold the mix until every piece looks lightly coated and shiny. Scrape the bottom of the bowl so the syrupy goodness does not hide underneath.

Step 5: Bake until crisp

Spread the coated Chex mix onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes so the mix cooks evenly and does not scorch. The Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix will feel slightly soft when hot but crisps up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and add extras

Remove the pan from the oven and spread the mix out again. Let it cool completely on the pan, about 30 minutes, until everything feels dry and crunchy. Once cool, sprinkle on white chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, or yogurt covered raisins and toss gently.

Step 7: Serve or store

Transfer the Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix Recipe to a big serving bowl and pass it around. Scoop any leftover mix into airtight containers or bags. Label the container if you share a pantry with snack thieves.

What to Serve with it?

Serve this Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix with sliced fresh apples, grapes, or orange wedges for a snack board that feels fun but still includes fruit. Pair it with hot drinks like apple cider, hot chocolate, chai, or cinnamon tea when the weather turns chilly. During warmer months, offer it with iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus. Pack it alongside sandwiches, cheese sticks, and veggie sticks for an easy lunchbox treat.

Storage Options

Store cooled Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
Keep it away from heat and moisture so the coating stays crisp and the dried apples do not get sticky.
Freeze the mix in zip top freezer bags for up to 2 months and squeeze out extra air before sealing.
Thaw frozen mix at room temperature on a baking sheet, then re crisp it in a 250°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes if it needs a little crunch boost.