A Simple, Sweet, and Crunchy Snack Mix Made with Pantry Staples!
If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm! I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s for dinner (or snack time!) in our home today.
So if you’ve seen my last two snack recipes, you’ll know we’ve been having a bit of fun creating our very own Chex Mix Snack Series. My husband introduced me to homemade Chex Mix and I was instantly hooked.
Every American family seems to have their own way of making it, and I love how easy it is to switch things up for different holidays and seasons. From salty mixes to chocolate-loaded ones, it’s one of those snacks that always feels special without taking much time or money.
Since we didn’t have a family recipe to start from, we turned to Samantha at Dreams of Grace and Grit Blog and her delicious Southern Christmas Sweet and Salty Trail Mix Recipe for inspiration. Using that as a base, we pulled together what we already had in the pantry, since we’re still working through Baby Step 2 of our debt-free journey.
My husband suggested we make three different versions, and honestly, it was such a fun night in the kitchen. This is the third one we made – a simple, classic Chocolate and Peanut Chex Party Mix without any added butter or seasonings. It keeps longer, stays crunchy, and still hits that sweet and salty balance perfectly without the additional calories that butter or syrups add.
If you’ve already tried my Chocolate Peanut Puppy Chow and my Decadent Chocolate Chex Clusters, then you’ll love this one too. It’s the simplest version yet, made with nothing but a few pantry staples and a big mixing bowl.
It’s crunchy, colorful, and a little bit nostalgic. The kind of thing you can pour into a bowl during a movie night or bag up for easy on-the-go snacks. And if you’ve got kids, this one’s great for them to help with. No melting or baking involved, just good old-fashioned mixing and munching!
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
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Equipment
- A large bowl
- Spatula or mixing spoon
- Large glass jar, airtight container, or snack bags
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Ingredients (Makes 1 Batch)
- 1 ¼ cups pretzel twists
- 1 ¼ cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 1 cup Honey Nut Cheerios
- ½ cup honey roasted peanuts
- 4.5 oz M&M’s of your choice (we mixed two kinds)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, Chex cereal, Cheerios, peanuts, and M&M’s. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Serve as is, or portion into small snack bags, mason jars, or containers for easy grab-and-go treats.
This recipe really couldn’t be easier! It’s the perfect no-fuss snack that everyone loves!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes:
You can easily swap out candies for different holidays or color themes – red and green for Christmas, pastel shades for Easter, or even spooky orange and purple for Halloween.
Troubleshooting:
If your mix starts to go soft after a few days, spread it out on a baking sheet and toast it in a warm oven (around 250°F) for 10 minutes to bring the crunch back.
Storage
Store in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, keep it sealed in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Serving Ideas
- Serve this mix in big bowls for movie nights, parties, or game days.
- Bag it up in little cellophane treat bags for holiday gifting or kid-friendly snacks.
- It’s also great sprinkled over ice cream or yogurt for a quick dessert idea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quick chocolate and peanut Chex Mix is proof that simple snacks can still feel special. It’s budget-friendly, shelf-stable, and perfect for making ahead. No mess, no baking, and no stress – just grab the simple ingredients, mix, and enjoy.
It’s the kind of easy pantry snack that works for every season and keeps you from reaching for the expensive store-bought mixes.
Quick Chocolate and Peanut Chex Mix Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the pretzels, Chex cereal, Cheerios, peanuts, and M&M’s. Mix gently with a spoon or spatula until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve as is, or portion into small snack bags, mason jars, or containers for easy grab-and-go treats!
Notes
Storage
Store in an airtight container or glass jar at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, keep it sealed in the fridge for up to two weeks.Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQ
Can I make this in bulk for parties?
Yes! Just double or triple the amounts and store in a large airtight container until serving time.
Can I add chocolate chips or candy melts?
You can, but this version skips that on purpose to keep it light, crisp, and less messy. Hershey kisses work really well in this!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal.
Can I add raisins or other dried fruits?
Absolutely. They add a nice chewy contrast to the crunch.
The Takeaway
This Quick Chocolate and Peanut Chex Mix is a no-bake snack that takes just minutes to throw together. It’s the third recipe in our Chex Mix Snack Series and one of our favorites because it keeps things simple, tasty, and totally affordable.
If you love sweet and salty snacks but don’t want to deal with melting or baking, this is your go-to mix. Quick to make, easy to love, and gone before you know it.
What to Try Next?!
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Last update on 2026-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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