If you’re looking for something fun, festive, and just a tad spooky, this Vampire Bite Trail Mix might become your new favorite Halloween snack. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and salty—and it looks like it came straight out of Dracula’s pantry (minus the cobwebs, of course).

Now, I know how chaotic October can get. Between costume shopping, school events, and making your home look like a Pinterest board exploded, who has time for complicated Halloween meals? That’s why this trail mix is a lifesaver: quick to throw together, loved by kids and adults alike, and ideal for trick-or-treat night munching or as a grab-and-go party bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Vampire Bite Trail Mix

This isn’t just any snack—it’s Halloween party food at its easiest. You can make a big batch in minutes, it’s portable, and it satisfies that salty-sweet craving we all get around 8 p.m. (don’t worry, I won’t tell). Plus, you can dress it up or down depending on your crowd—spooky enough for a kids’ party, but tasty enough to sneak into your desk drawer at work.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the mix—remember, the actual measurements will be listed below in the recipe card:

Chex cereal – the crunchy backbone of any great trail mix.
Mini pretzels – salty bites to balance the sweetness.
Dried cranberries – our “vampire bites,” bringing that chewy, tangy, blood-red pop.
Candy corn – because Halloween just isn’t complete without it.
White chocolate chips – for a creamy, sweet contrast.
Dark chocolate chunks – Dracula would approve.
Red candy-coated chocolates (like M&M’s) – more vampire flair, plus extra crunch.
Pumpkin seeds – optional, but they give a nice autumn vibe.

How to Make It

Start with the base. Pour the cereal and pretzels into a big mixing bowl. This is your crunch foundation.
Add the chewy bite. Toss in the dried cranberries (our “vampire bites”). They give just enough chew to keep things interesting.
Layer in the fun. Sprinkle in the candy corn, chocolate chips, and candy-coated chocolates. Don’t be shy—the more color, the more festive it looks.
Mix it all up. Use a big spoon (or clean hands—sometimes that’s easier) to gently combine everything.
Serve and spook! Pour into a Halloween-themed bowl, little baggies for trick-or-treaters, or even mason jars tied with black ribbon for a cute party favor.

Cooking Tips

If candy corn isn’t your jam, swap it for gummy worms for a creepier twist.
Want it healthier? Add more nuts and seeds, and cut back on the candy. (But hey, it’s Halloween—balance it out with an extra apple tomorrow.)
Store leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well for about a week, though honestly, ours never lasts that long.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe started as a last-minute idea before one of my casual cooking classes. I wanted something festive but fuss-free, so I raided my pantry and threw together this mix. When I saw a room full of grown adults giggling over candy corn like kids again, I knew I had a keeper. Now, it’s a yearly tradition in my house—our dogs may not get any, but they sure love hanging out under the table hoping for a pretzel crumb or two.

FAQs About Vampire Bite Trail Mix

Can I substitute ingredients?
Absolutely. Trail mix is forgiving. Swap cranberries for cherries, pretzels for popcorn, or toss in your favorite nuts.

How can I make this for a big Halloween party?
Double or triple the recipe. Set it out in a giant cauldron (bonus points if you add a spooky scoop).

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix it up to 3 days in advance and keep it sealed. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

Is this kid-friendly?
Totally. But if you’ve got really little ones, skip the hard candies to make it easier (and safer) to munch.

Whether you’re hosting a costume bash, packing treats for school, or just want a festive snack while watching your favorite Halloween movie, Vampire Bite Trail Mix is the perfect no-fuss way to add a little bite (pun very much intended) to your October.

Vampire Bite Trail Mix: A Spooky-Sweet Halloween Snack You’ll Love

Author: Nova
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A spooky-sweet, no-cook party mix packed with crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, “vampire bite” cranberries, and plenty of chocolate—perfect for Halloween movie nights, class parties, or trick-or-treat fuel.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups Rice Chex cereal — classic crunch base

2 cups mini pretzels — salty snap

1 cup roasted salted peanuts — protein & crunch (skip for nut-free)

1 cup roasted salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) — autumn vibe + minerals

1 cup dried cranberries — the “vampire bites”

1 cup red candy-coated chocolates (M&M’s or similar) — festive color + crunch

1 cup candy corn — nostalgic sweetness

1/2 cup white chocolate chips — creamy vanilla notes

1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (60–70%) — rich balance to the sweet

Optional: 1 cup mini marshmallows or gummy worms — extra spooky fun

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add Rice Chex and mini pretzels; this is your crunchy foundation.

2. Add peanuts and pepitas; toss gently to distribute the savory bits.

3. Sprinkle in dried cranberries, red candy-coated chocolates, candy corn, white chocolate chips, and dark chocolate chunks.

4. Use a big spoon (or clean hands) to gently fold until the mix looks evenly speckled with reds, whites, and dark chocolate.

5. Taste and tweak: add more salty (pretzels/pepitas) or sweet (candy/chips) to suit your crowd.

6. Serve in a big Halloween bowl, small party cups, or portion into treat bags (about 1/2 cup each).

7. Store leftovers airtight at room temperature up to 1 week; give it a quick toss before serving again.

Notes

Make it nut-free: omit peanuts; add extra pretzels or seeds.

Gluten-free: use certified GF Rice Chex and GF pretzels.

Less sweet: halve candy corn and candy-coated chocolates; add 1 cup mixed nuts.

Party idea: serve in a plastic cauldron with a spooky scoop.

Allergen heads-up: contains milk (chocolate) and may contain peanut/tree-nut traces depending on brands.

Note: Exact ingredient measurements are included above; adjust to taste for larger batches.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Snack, Halloween
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 40 g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 29 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 43 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Vampire Bite Trail Mix, halloween snack, halloween meals, halloween party food ideas, halloween themed food, no-bake, sweet and salty, party mix