Caramel Chex Mix – Best Chewy & Crunchy Recipe

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This Caramel Chex Mix Recipe makes the ultimate sweet and salty snack. You can make a chewy or crunchy version. I choose chewy! It’s the perfect dessert snack for holiday gatherings and parties. It can even be gifted!

Why This Caramel Chex Mix Recipe Works

The glossy caramel coating is the secret. How do we achieve this? With the right balance of butter, brown sugar and corn syrup, this caramel chex mix bakes up smooth, not grainy. Adding baking soda also helps! It makes the caramel sauce lighter and softer creating the perfect chewy/crunch texture. If baking soda was not added, the caramel sauce would become hard and candy like.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe dates back to my childhood in Iowa. My mom would make it and my sibling and I would devour it. I have a deep-rooted love for this sweet snack mix. I will never be letting go of it! Beyond the love, this sweet snack is simple to make. It’s appealing to the eye and VERY tasty. It’s also adaptable and an overall fun recipe to make. I often make it around Halloween because it’s festive, colorful and the buttery caramel makes me feel all cozy inside. I look forward to it every year! I also enjoy making my Christmas Crack (aka White Chocolate Chex Mix). It’s another great sweet and salty holiday snack.

Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Corn or Rice Chex – either or is fine to use! Use gluten free if needed.
• Butter – I use unsalted to control the butter. Swap with plant-based butter or for a vegan caramel chex mix.
• Brown sugar – light for mild, dark for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Corn syrup – it keeps the caramel smooth. Honey or maple syrup can be substituted. Maple syrup will match the flavor notes best.
• Baking soda – it makes the caramel airy for even coating.
• Vanilla extract – Add or swap with almond for a twist.
• Mix-ins – They are endless. Pretzels, nuts, popcorn, sesame sticks and seasonal candies like M&Ms and candy corn are great additions.

Step-by-Step Instructions (+ Troubleshooting)

• Prepare the pans and cereal: Line two rimmed sheet pans with parchment paper. Add the cereal to a large microwavable bowl.
• Make caramel: Add butter, brown sugar and corn syrup to a microwaveable safe boil. Cook in 1 minute intervals until boiling. Once boiling, whisk in baking soda and vanilla. Caramel will foam.
  • Tip: if it crystallizes, add 1 tablespoon water to smooth it out.
• Pour over cereal mix: promptly pour the caramel over the chex mix and gently stir with a spatula. Make sure all the pieces are coated to the best of your ability.
  • Tip: use an oiled spatula to prevent sticking.
• Microwave the mix: Microwave for 4-5 minutes, stopping after each minute to gently stir until cereal starts to turn golden.
  • Tip: less time will produce a more chewy texture. More time will produce a more crunchy texture
• Cooling: Pour the mix onto both sheet pans, spreading evenly. Let cool completely.
• Break apart and add mix-ins: Once cooled, break the mix into pieces. Add desires mix-ins like chocolate candies, peanuts, pretzels, sesame sticks, etc.

5 Quick Variations

• Turtle Caramel Snack Mix: add pecans + chocolate chips. YES, this would be delicious!
• Chocolate Drizzle: topped cooled mix with melted white and semi-sweet chocolate.
• Pumpkin Spice: Stir in 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the caramel.
• Salted Caramel Chex Mix: Sprinkle flaky sea salt after microwaving. This is a no brainer!
• Peanut Butter Caramel Chex Mix: Whisk 1/2 cup peanut butter after the caramel has boiled then pour over cereal.

Storage & Gifting

• Storage: Airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
• Freezing: Seal in freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Gifting: Pack in jars or festive bags. The best gift ever!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is caramel chex mix gluten free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten free cereal and add-ins.

Can I make Vegan Caramel Chex Mix?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

Why is it sticky?

It didn’t bake long enough. Microwave for a for 1-2 more minutes or bake longer in the oven.

Can I make it in the oven or the microwave?

• Oven method: Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Bake 30-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
• Microwave method: I prefer this method because it’s easier and faster. Microwave for 4-5 minutes, stirring well after each minute.

What’s the difference between chewy and crunchy Caramel Chex Mix?

Chewy uses less bake time at a lower temperature; crunchy bakes longer at a higher temperature. Both result in great flavor.

• Chewy: Bake at 225 degrees for 15 minutes, stirring after. Or microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring after each minute.
• Crunchy: Bake at 250 for 45-60 minutes, starting every 15 minutes. Or microwave 4-6 minutes, stirring after each minute.

Final Thoughts

I think I have given you all the reasons why and how to make this Caramel Chex Mix. It’s easy to make and so delicious. The add-ins are endless – my favorite one is peanut butter M&Ms. It’s a great snack mix for parties, holidays and for gifting. It’s so much fun to make with kids as well. I love how long it lasts. You can make it several days in advance of serving. This makes party planning a tad bit easier. There’s nothing NOT to love about this recipe! Enjoy!

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Yield: 6-8

Caramel Chex Mix - Best Chewy & Crunchy Recipe

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Caramel Chex Mix is a sweet, crunchy snack made with crispy cereal coated in a buttery caramel sauce and baked until golden. It's It's easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 minutes

Total Time 16 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 bag peanut butter m&m's
• 1 cup sesame sticks (optional)
• 4 1/2 cups rice chex
• 4 1/2 cups corn chex
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Add cereal to a large large microwavable safe bowl safe bowl; set aside. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or wax paper; set aside.
2. In a small microwavable safe bowl, add butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Microwave for 1 minute then stir. Contonue to microwave in 1 minute intervals until the caramel is boiling. Stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. Caramel will foam.
3. Add caramel mixture to the bowl of cereal and gently stir with a spatula. Make sure all the pieces of cereal are evenly coated. Then microwave for 4-5 minutes, stopping to gently stir after each minute until the chex cereal turns slightly golden. For a chewier texture, microwave for 5 minutes. For a crunchy texture, microwave for up to 6 minutes. I prefer less time.
4. Pour chex onto prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with salt then let cool. Once cooled, break apart and add peanut butter m&m’s and sesame sticks.

Notes

Caramel chex mix should be stored in an airtight container or zipper bags for up to 3 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 540Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 400mgCarbohydrates: 108gFiber: 4gSugar: 51gProtein: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated. Use as an approximation only.

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