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
Units
Scale
- 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