Harvest Hash Snack Mix

This playful Harvest Hash comes out every autumn in my kitchen and is truly my ultimate sweet and salty snack for cozy nights or big fall gatherings. A bubbling buttery caramel tosses together crispy cereal, crunchy peanuts and Bugles, and then the whole thing gets a final flourish of Reese’s Pieces for a pop of color and peanut butter charm. Pile it high into bowls or jar it for gifts, just be ready for it to disappear fast.

I have served this at school bake sales and brought batches to friends over the years. It always gets the most recipe requests and I love how beautiful it looks on the table.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Crispix cereal: gives a light crispy crunch and soaks up just the right amount of the caramel. Choose boxes with whole crunchy pieces for best results.
• Bugles: bring essential salt and a distinct crispy shape. Look for the plain salted kind not flavored for the classic taste.
• Reese’s Pieces: heat resistant candy shell makes sure they do not melt in the caramel toss and adds gorgeous autumn color. Use the full fresh sealed bag for best flavor.
• Roasted and salted peanuts: deepen the rich nutty layer and lend extra crunch. The fresher the nuts the richer the result.
• Salted butter: brings the sauce together smoothly and helps bind all the base flavors. Look for pure dairy butter for extra creamy caramel.
• Brown sugar: delivers the key backbone for the caramel. Choose dark brown for a deeper molasses note if you like.
• Corn syrup: helps the caramel stay glossy and not gritty when it sets. Try to choose light corn syrup for the best results.
• Vanilla extract: rounds out all the flavors. Use real vanilla extract not artificial for the best aroma.

How to Make It

Prep the Pans:

Line two sheet pans with parchment paper for an easy lift and zero sticking. You can use a deep roasting pan if that is what you prefer but make sure your mix will not overflow during stirring.

Toss the Crunchy Mix:

Pour the Crispix Bugles and peanuts into a huge mixing bowl or the roasting pan. Gently toss them by hand or with a big wooden spoon to evenly distribute all the elements.

Cook the Caramel:

Add the butter brown sugar and corn syrup into a sturdy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until melted stirring constantly then raise the heat to medium high and bring to a strong boil. Using a candy thermometer watch carefully as it comes to the soft ball stage about two forty degrees Fahrenheit. This stage ensures the caramel will coat but not harden too much.

Finish with Vanilla:

Remove the caramel from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla. This adds aroma and prevents the vanilla from evaporating during boiling.

Mix it All Together:

Pour the bubbling caramel sauce directly over the dry cereal and nut mix. Work quickly and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. The caramel will be hot so use long handled spatulas or spoons.

Spread and Bake:

Pour the mixture evenly between the two sheet pans lined with parchment or keep it in the roasting pan. Spread it out so the layer is not too thick and bake at two fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Stir well at the halfway mark to ensure even toasting.

Cool and Stir:

Once baking is done let everything cool entirely on the pans. Give it a good stir every fifteen minutes during cooling or the whole batch will harden into one sheet. You want airy clusters not a solid block.

Add Final Candy Touch:

When completely cool sprinkle Reese’s Pieces evenly across the surface. Their color makes the mix pop and keeps them from melting so always add them last.

I have a real fondness for the Bugles in this mix. That crispy cone crunch soaked in a little caramel was my childhood favorite and every bite brings back festive memories of helping my mom stir the pans at Thanksgiving.

Flavor Boosters

Swap Crispix for Chex if needed just keep a balance of rice or corn varieties for crisp texture. Pretzel sticks or mini crackers can stand in for the Bugles if you want more options or just run out. Any candy coated chocolate such as M and M’s makes a fun color switch keeping the autumn vibe or play up any holiday theme. Sunflower seeds or other nuts work well for nut allergies as long as they are roasted and salted.

Serving Suggestions

Pour a huge bowl for a movie night or pile into a vintage candy jar for festive gatherings. Harvest Hash packs well in cellophane bags and looks so pretty on a dessert tray or potluck table. This also makes a great camping or road trip snack and everyone loves the surprise of classic cereal in a crispy caramel coating.

Creative Twists

Switch to holiday colored candies for Christmas or sprinkle pumpkin pie spice into the caramel for a nod to autumn warmth. Even mini marshmallows can be added after cooling for a s’mores effect. No matter the season a bowl of Harvest Hash looks fun and gets everyone reaching for another handful.

Pour the hot caramel with patience and work fast it sets up as it cools so add it to the cereal promptly. There is nothing quite like the waft of rich buttery caramel and toasted cereal to signal fall in my kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the snack mix from sticking together?

Stir the mix every 15 minutes as it cools to avoid clumping and ensure even coating.

→ Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, substitute with similar crispy cereals like Chex or Golden Grahams for varied flavors.

→ Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer is recommended for accuracy, but cook the syrup until it thickens if one isn’t available.

→ How should I store Harvest Hash?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve texture and freshness for up to two weeks.

→ Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it one or two days in advance, and store properly until ready to serve or gift.

→ Are there additional toppings that work well?

Try adding pretzels, mini marshmallows, or other chocolate-coated candies for extra crunch and flavor.