Candy Corn & Cashew Snack Mix

Candy corn gets a lot of opinions for something that only shows up a few months out of the year. I like it, but I like it even better with a handful of lightly salted cashews. That little bit of salt and buttery crunch makes all the difference.

This candy corn cashew snack mix takes two ingredients and about two minutes. Use 2 cups of lightly salted cashews to 1 cup of candy corn, stir or shake everything together, and serve. That's the entire recipe, and during a busy fall week, I appreciate that.

It's an easy sweet and salty snack for Halloween parties, fall movie nights, or setting out when friends stop by. You don't have to turn on the oven, melt anything, or find room in the refrigerator. A bowl, two ingredients, and you're ready.

If you're putting together a bigger snack spread, add my Dill Pickle Chex Mix for another crunchy option with plenty of savory flavor.

Why You'll Love This Candy Corn Cashew Snack Mix

There is a time for baking something beautiful, and there is a time for pouring two things into a bowl. Both deserve a place on the party table.

• Only two ingredients: Lightly salted cashews and candy corn.
• Ready in two minutes: Measure, mix, and serve.
• No cooking required: Keep your oven free for dinner or another fall treat.
• Easy to scale: The two-to-one ratio works for a small bowl or a party batch.
• Sweet and salty: The cashews balance the candy corn without needing extra seasoning.
• Easy to make ahead: Mix it before guests arrive and keep it covered until serving.

I especially like having a recipe like this in my back pocket when I'm already making several other things. Every dish on the table does not need its own afternoon of preparation.

Two Ingredients Are All You Need

Lightly Salted Cashews

Use 2 cups of lightly salted cashews. Their buttery flavor and crunch are what make this combination so good. Lightly salted cashews add enough salt to balance the candy without taking over.

Whole cashews look pretty in a serving bowl, but cashew halves and pieces work, too. Use what fits your grocery budget or what you already have in the pantry.

Unsalted cashews will work if that's your preference, although the finished mix will have less of that sweet and salty contrast. I use lightly salted cashews for this recipe.

Candy Corn

You'll need 1 cup of candy corn. The classic orange, yellow, and white pieces give this snack mix its fall color, with no decorating required.

Use a candy corn you enjoy eating on its own. With only two ingredients, you can taste both of them in every handful.

The Best Ratio for Candy Corn and Cashews

My ratio is two parts cashews to one part candy corn. I want plenty of crunchy cashews with a little candy corn mixed throughout, rather than a bowl that's mostly candy.

For one batch, that means:

• 2 cups lightly salted cashews
• 1 cup candy corn

For a larger batch, use 4 cups of cashews and 2 cups of candy corn. For a smaller bowl, use 1 cup of cashews and ½ cup of candy corn.

You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, but start with this ratio before adding more candy. Getting a cashew and a piece of candy corn together is the best bite.

How to Make Candy Corn Cashew Snack Mix

1. Add Everything to a Bowl

Measure the cashews and candy corn into a mixing bowl. Choose a bowl with a little extra room so you can stir without sending cashews across the counter.

You can also use a food storage container with a secure lid if you'd rather shake the mixture.

2. Stir or Shake

Gently stir until the candy corn is distributed throughout the cashews. If you're using a container, secure the lid and give it a few shakes.

There's no coating to prepare and no waiting for anything to cool.

3. Serve

Pour the mixture into a serving bowl, or divide it into small cups for individual portions. One batch makes approximately 3 cups, which is 12 quarter-cup servings.

You can find the measurements and printable instructions in the recipe card below.

Easy Ways to Serve This Fall Snack Mix

A small bowl on the coffee table is all this recipe needs, but it also fits into a bigger fall gathering.

For a fall movie night: Set it out alongside popcorn and sliced apples so everyone has a few things to choose from. Individual snack cups are helpful if people are settling into different seats.

For a Halloween party: Pour it into a festive bowl and place it near the other snacks. The candy corn already brings the Halloween colors, so you can keep the presentation simple.

For a snack board: Add a small bowl of the mix alongside pretzels, crackers, fresh fruit, and cheese. I like having a sweet option tucked into a mostly savory spread.

For company before dinner: Set out a little bowl while you finish cooking. If you'd like another easy appetizer, my Cherry Pistachio Boursin Dip is another option that comes together quickly.

For school events or shared snack tables, check the nut policy before bringing this mix. Cashews are tree nuts, so this isn't a fit for a nut-free classroom.

Make a Simple Fall Snack Spread

You don't need six complicated recipes to have people over. Pick one thing that takes a little preparation, then fill in with easy snacks like this one.

For a Halloween gathering, I'd put this candy corn and cashew mix next to my Dill Pickle Chex Mix. The two bowls give guests both a sweet and salty option and a savory, tangy option.

If you're planning a fall evening with dessert, my Two-Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Cobbler keeps the short-ingredient-list theme going. Serve the snack mix while the cobbler bakes, then bring out dessert when everyone is ready.

You can also browse my easy appetizer recipes if you want to add a dip or something more substantial.

How to Store Candy Corn Cashew Snack Mix

Keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. A container with a tight lid helps protect the cashews from humidity and keeps the mixture ready for snacking.

For the freshest texture, make it close to when you plan to serve it. You can also keep the ingredients separate and stir together a fresh bowl as needed, since preparation only takes a minute or two.

Use fresh cashews and candy corn, and follow the storage guidance on their packages. If you're doubling the recipe for a party, refill a smaller serving bowl from your covered container throughout the evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?

Yes. Mix the ingredients and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to serve. Give the container a gentle shake before transferring the mix to a bowl.

Can I use peanuts instead of cashews?

You can, although that makes a different version of the recipe. I prefer the buttery flavor of lightly salted cashews here. If you try peanuts, start with the same two-to-one nut-to-candy ratio.

Do I need to bake the mix?

No. This is a no-bake candy corn snack mix. Just stir or shake the two ingredients together and serve.

Can I use cashew pieces?

Yes. Whole cashews, halves, or pieces all work. Smaller pieces may settle toward the bottom, so give the mix a quick stir before serving.

Can I add other ingredients?

You can add pretzels or chocolate candies if you'd like, but try the two-ingredient version first. It's easy to make, and the combination of lightly salted cashews and sweet candy corn is the whole reason I love it.

A Little Something Sweet and Salty

This candy corn cashew snack mix is about as easy as fall entertaining gets. Keep the ratio at two parts lightly salted cashews to one part candy corn, give it a stir, and put out a bowl.

If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know: are you a candy corn fan, or do the cashews win you over?

Grab a handful!