Caramel Chex Mix Recipe
A crunchy and sweet snack mix featuring Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and nuts coated in a rich homemade caramel glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday snacking.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Mix Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 cup nuts (such as peanuts or mixed nuts)
Caramel Coating
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the caramel-coated mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Chex cereal, Corn Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda; the mixture will bubble up slightly, which is normal and helps create a lighter caramel texture.
- Coat the Mix: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the cereal mixture and gently stir to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Bake the Mixture: Spread the coated mixture evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and to ensure even caramelization.
- Cool and Break: After removing from the oven, allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet; once cooled, break into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the mix.
- Stir the mix a few times during baking to promote even coating and prevent clumping.
- Allow the mix to cool completely before storing to maintain its crispiness.
- You can substitute nuts based on preference or omit for a nut-free version.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks to keep fresh.
Keywords: caramel chex mix, homemade chex mix, sweet snack mix, caramel snack, party snack