A sweet and salty fall snack mix with Chex cereal, pretzels, Bugles, pecans and pumpkin spice. Add candy corn and fall-colored candies after the mix cools.
Add the Chex cereal, Bugles, pretzels and pecans to a large heat-resistant bowl specifically labeled microwave-safe. Leave room to fold the mix without spilling.
Melt the butter in a separate microwave-safe bowl in short bursts. Whisk in the brown sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
Pour the warm glaze over the cereal mixture and fold gently with a heat-safe silicone spatula. Do not use your hands to mix hot glaze or hot cereal.
Microwave on high in short, 30-second bursts, gently folding with a heat-safe spatula between each burst. Use oven mitts to handle the bowl. The original recipe allows about 5 minutes of heating, but microwave power and bowl size vary: stop sooner if the coating begins to scorch, and do not keep heating just to reach a fixed time.
Spread the mix on a parchment-lined tray on the counter and allow it to cool completely, until the glaze is no longer warm and the coating has set. Do not package while warm.
Once completely cool, gently fold in the candy corn and Reese's Pieces or M&M's. Serve or transfer to an airtight container.
Notes
Food Safety Tip — Recommended practice: Adults should handle the hot glaze with oven mitts and a heat-safe spatula. Let the coating cool completely before children add candy. Why it matters: Hot bowls and sticky glaze can burn skin. Source:FDA microwave oven safety guidance.Storage: Cool completely and store airtight in a cool, dry place. For best texture, enjoy within one week. Freezing this version has not been tested.Allergens: Pecans contain tree nuts and Reese's Pieces contain peanuts. Check all ingredient labels and cross-contact information when making substitutions.Timing: Heating and cooling times vary; the coating must be completely cool before candy is added.