Description
Caramel Chex Mix is a delightful sweet and crunchy snack featuring Chex cereal coated in a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply sharing with family and friends, this easy-to-make treat combines buttery caramel, a hint of vanilla, and optional pecans for added texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cereal: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl, ensuring ample space to mix in the caramel sauce later without breaking the cereal pieces.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup together, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to boil.
- Boil Sauce: Allow the caramel mixture to boil for 2 minutes without stirring to reach the right consistency for coating.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The baking soda will help create a lighter, bubbly caramel texture.
- Coat Cereal: Pour the hot caramel sauce over the Chex cereal in the bowl. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat the cereal evenly without crushing it.
- Bake the Mix: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the Caramel Chex Mix cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows the caramel to harden and form crunchy clusters.
- Serve or Store: Break apart any large clusters and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Add pretzels or peanuts for extra crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet caramel.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the mix fresh and crunchy for up to one week.
- After cooling, break apart any large clusters to create bite-sized pieces perfect for snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
