Irresistible Pumpkin Spiced White Trash: Your Ultimate Fall Snack Mix & Cabinet Cleanout Recipe
As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our kitchens. Fall is here, and with it comes a bounty of seasonal flavors. For many, this means a delightful dive into apple-infused treats – apple pie, apple crisp, homemade applesauce, warm apple cider, and rich apple butter. And honestly, who could blame them? Growing up, apples were the only fruit I truly adored, and my love for them has only deepened over time. I eagerly anticipate baking with them every autumn.
However, fall isn’t solely defined by apples. There’s another prominent flavor that takes center stage: pumpkin. Now, let me be frank – I’m not a huge fan of actual pumpkin. The dense texture and earthy taste of pumpkin puree in many traditional recipes don’t quite win over my palate, or anyone else’s in my household, for that matter. In fact, if I ever decide to venture into trying a new pumpkin-based recipe, I’ll probably need to recruit some local taste-testers, because my family simply isn’t on board. And that’s putting it mildly!
But here’s where the story takes a delicious turn: Pumpkin Spice. Oh, how we adore pumpkin spice! It’s an entirely different experience. That warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. Whether it’s stirred into a steaming mug of hot chocolate, swirled into warm cider, or baked into cookies, pumpkin spice instantly evokes the cozy spirit of autumn. You get the idea – pumpkin spice is pure fall magic!
So, imagine my utter delight when I was browsing the aisles of Target and spotted the new fall flavors of M&Ms. Let’s just say I might have let out a small, enthusiastic squeal! There they were, in all their glory: Pumpkin Spiced M&Ms. It was an instant connection. The perfect embodiment of fall’s best flavor, in a delightful, candy-coated package. I exercised remarkable self-control, only grabbing two bags. (We won’t mention the two bags of peanut butter M&Ms that mysteriously found their way into my cart as well.)
Of course, one bag had to be immediately opened for “taste-testing purposes” the moment I arrived home. Those little morsels of pumpkin spice goodness were too tempting to resist. After enjoying a handful (or two!), I realized I needed a strategy to make them last a bit longer and transform them into something truly special. That’s when inspiration struck: a batch of White Trash to the rescue! This simple, no-bake snack mix is incredibly versatile and utterly delicious, making it the perfect vehicle for these festive M&Ms.
What is White Trash? Your Go-To Snack Cabinet Cleanout!
For those unfamiliar, “White Trash” (sometimes called “Christmas Crack” or “Party Mix”) is a wonderfully simple, no-bake snack that involves coating a variety of crunchy ingredients in melted white chocolate. It’s incredibly addictive and endlessly customizable. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its ease and deliciousness but also in its fantastic ability to help you “clean out the snack cabinet.” Got half a bag of pretzels? A few lonely handfuls of cereal? Some leftover vanilla wafers? This recipe is your solution! It’s a genius way to use up those bits and bobs of snacks that are lurking in your pantry, transforming them into a cohesive, irresistible treat. This Pumpkin Spiced version is a seasonal twist on a classic, making it an ideal fall snack mix for parties, gifts, or just enjoying at home.
Pumpkin Spiced White Trash

Ingredients
- 10-12 ounce white chocolate almond bark or candy melts
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup rice or corn chex cereal
- 2 cups small pretzels
- 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 3/4-1 cup Pumpkin spiced M&Ms
Instructions
- Melt white chocolate according to package directions. Stir in Pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Pour chocolate over dry ingredients and gently toss to coat. Spread out on wax paper covered tray to dry. Store in air tight container.
Notes
All ingredient measurements are estimates. Use what you have on hand.
recipe source ChocolateChocolateandmore.com
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Tips for Customization & Your Ultimate Snack Cabinet Cleanout!
This Pumpkin Spiced White Trash recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it ideal for that “snack cabinet cleanout” mission. Don’t have exact measurements or ingredients? No problem! The beauty of White Trash is its adaptability. Here are some ideas for how you can customize this recipe:
- Alternative Cereals: Instead of rice or corn Chex, try Golden Grahams, Cheerios, or even a mix of different cereals for varied textures.
- Pretzel Power: Any shape of pretzel will work – sticks, twists, or even pretzel crisps for a different crunch.
- Cookie Crumbles: If you don’t have vanilla wafers, consider using shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or even gingersnaps for an extra layer of fall spice.
- Nutty Additions: Beyond dry roasted peanuts, feel free to toss in pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even candied nuts for an elevated touch.
- Other Candy Mix-ins: While Pumpkin Spiced M&Ms are fantastic, if you can’t find them, use regular M&Ms, candy corn, chopped caramel candies, or white chocolate chips. You can always add an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the melted white chocolate to ensure that signature fall flavor comes through.
- Sweet & Salty Balance: Adjust the ratio of sweet components (M&Ms, cookies) to savory ones (pretzels, peanuts) to match your preference.
- Drizzle with Dark Chocolate: For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, drizzle the set white trash with melted dark or milk chocolate.
- Sprinkles: Add some festive fall-themed sprinkles before the chocolate sets for a fun, decorative touch.
This recipe not only helps you create a delicious fall snack but also promotes reducing food waste by giving new life to those forgotten pantry items. It’s quick, easy, and requires no baking – perfect for busy autumn days when you crave something sweet and satisfying.
Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Spiced White Trash
Once your Pumpkin Spiced White Trash has fully set on wax paper, break it into irregular pieces. This rustic look adds to its charm. Store the snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, you can also store it in the refrigerator. It makes a fantastic treat for lunchboxes, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful edible gift for friends and family during the fall season.
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Want More Fall Recipe Ideas? Explore Our Seasonal Favorites!
If you’re anything like us, the arrival of fall means it’s time to indulge in comforting, seasonal flavors. Beyond our amazing Pumpkin Spiced White Trash, we have a collection of tried-and-true recipes that celebrate the best of autumn. From warm apple desserts to more pumpkin spice delights, these recipes are perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself.
Quick Apple Crisp
This Quick Apple Crisp is unbelievably easy to make and always a family favorite. With a simple yellow cake mix topping, it comes together in no time, delivering that classic warm, spiced apple goodness everyone loves. A true fall classic without all the fuss!
Crock Pot Apple Sauce
Making fresh applesauce has never been easier than with this Crock Pot Apple Sauce recipe. Let your slow cooker do all the work, filling your home with the sweet aroma of apples. It’s perfect for snacking, topping oatmeal, or as a side dish.
Apple Pie Crostata
Enjoy all the wonderful flavors of an apple pie without any of the fuss with this Easy Apple Crostata. This free-form tart is rustic, beautiful, and much simpler to prepare than a traditional pie, making it an ideal dessert for any fall gathering.
Pumpkin Spiced White Hot Chocolate
Warm up on a chilly autumn day with this indulgent Pumpkin Spiced White Hot Chocolate. It’s a creamy, comforting beverage infused with the perfect amount of pumpkin pie spice, creating a cozy treat that’s ideal for sipping by the fireplace.
Pumpkin Pie Crunch
This Pumpkin Pie Crunch offers a perfect balance between the traditional pumpkin pie and a delicious sweet potato soufflé-style topping. It’s a unique and satisfying dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any fall potluck or holiday meal.
Spiced Apple Chips
Looking for a healthy yet flavorful fall snack? These Spiced Apple Chips are the answer! Thinly sliced apples baked until crispy with a hint of warm spices make for a guilt-free treat that’s perfect any time of day.
Apple Pie Danish
Fast and easy to assemble, these Apple Pie Danish pastries are perfect for breakfast, a delightful snack, or a simple dessert. Using puff pastry and a sweet apple filling, they deliver the delicious taste of apple pie in a convenient, individual serving.
From Others:
Pumpkin Java Chunk Muffins from The Dutch Baker’s Daughter
These muffins combine the best of fall with a coffee kick, perfect for a cozy morning treat.
Pumpkin Roll Bars from The Recipe Critic
Enjoy the classic flavors of a pumpkin roll in an easy-to-serve bar form, featuring a creamy filling and a soft pumpkin cake base.