This Caramel Snack Mix is the perfect sweet and salty treat for parties, movie nights, or holiday gifts. A crunchy combination of popcorn, pretzels, nuts, and cereal is coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce, creating an irresistible snack that’s easy to make and even easier to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and salty – A perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, holidays, or as a homemade gift.
- Customizable – Mix in your favorite nuts, cereal, or drizzle with chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Popcorn (plain, air-popped)
- Pretzels
- Chex cereal (corn or rice)
- Peanuts (or mixed nuts)
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mix – In a large bowl, combine popcorn, pretzels, Chex cereal, and nuts.
- Make the caramel – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, then bring to a boil. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add vanilla and baking soda – Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam.
- Coat the mix – Pour caramel over the snack mix and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake – Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy – Let the mix cool completely before breaking into clusters.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate drizzle – Add melted chocolate after cooling.
- Spicy version – Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Peanut butter caramel – Stir in peanut butter for extra flavor.
Storage
- Airtight container: Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use microwave popcorn?
Yes! Just use plain or lightly salted popcorn.
Can I make this without an oven?
Yes! Let the caramel-coated mix cool at room temperature instead.
How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard?
Don’t overcook the caramel, and store the mix in an airtight container.
Conclusion
This Caramel Snack Mix is a crunchy, buttery, and addictive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, gifting it for the holidays, or just making a fun snack for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and salty in every bite!
PrintCaramel Snack Mix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This sweet and crunchy caramel snack mix is the perfect treat for movie nights, holiday parties, or gifting. It’s packed with crispy cereal, pretzels, nuts, and a buttery caramel coating!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chex cereal (corn or rice)
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts (or peanuts)
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add vanilla & baking soda: Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly.
- Coat the mix: Pour the caramel over the dry ingredients and stir well to coat evenly.
- Bake: Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool & serve: Let cool completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, M&M’s, or coconut flakes after cooling.
- No-bake option: Let the caramel mix cool and harden at room temperature instead of baking.
- Gift idea: Package in small bags for an easy homemade gift!
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
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