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Caramel Chex Mix Recipe

4.2 from 74 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the caramel-coated mixture.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Chex cereal, Corn Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts until evenly distributed.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Coat the Mix: Immediately pour the hot caramel sauce over the cereal mixture and gently stir to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
  6. 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.
  7. 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