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Caramel Chex Mix is a twist on the classic party snack with peanuts and M&Ms tossed with caramel-coated cereal. This caramel snack mix is so good that you might want to make a double batch!

bowl of Chex mix with M&Ms with pan of mix behind

This caramel Chex mix recipe takes the original to a whole new caramel level! It’s just as easy to make as a classic Chex mix recipe but is sweetened with an easy caramel coating, and every bite has peanuts and M&Ms.

  • You don’t need a ton of ingredients for this Chex mix snack mix and you might already have some of the ingredients in your pantry.
  • We’re making an easy caramel with brown sugar and light corn syrup. It’s fool-proof!
  • What I love best is that you can switch up this recipe with all kinds of mix-ins – it’s super versatile.
  • You can make it ahead, too! It keeps well at room temperature for several days. So, if you have a party or get-together planned, make a day in advance to save some time.
Overhead shot of all ingredients needed to make caramel chex mix

How to make Caramel Chex Mix

  • Chex Cereal: Use your favorite kind. Rice Chex is my favorite!
  • Light Corn Syrup: There is no substitute for this. Karo is the brand I use.
  • Salt: To cut the sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Be sure to pack it. You can use light or dark.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted butter work.
  • Baking soda: Creates a chemical reaction with the corn syrup and sugar, creating a softer caramel texture.
  • Mix-Ins: Peanuts and M&Ms are my favorites but you can add anything you like!

Variations

  • Use any flavor of M&Ms – there are tons of choices!
  • Swap the M&Ms for Reese’s pieces.
  • Any nuts will work – almonds, walnuts, and pecans are all good ones to try.
  • Add some chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or other baking chips you like.
  • Pretzels are always great or mix in some raisins!
  • Add spices – pumpkin spice Chex mix is always a hit.
  • Turn this into bunny bait for Easter or Leprechaun Bait for St. Patrick’s Day.
Sheet pan of Chex mix with M&Ms.

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How to Store Caramel Chex Mix

  • Once the snack mix is cool, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days at room temperature.
  • I don’t recommend freezing this snack.

Dorothy’s Expert Tips

  • Make sure to boil it for the full minute so the caramel isn’t too chewy.
  • Corn syrup is a must for this recipe – no substitutions.
  • Don’t skip the baking soda; baking soda creates a chemical reaction with the sugar and butter, creating small air bubbles and results in a softer caramel coating for your popcorn or Chex mix.
4.77 from 30 votes

Caramel Chex Mix Recipe

By: Dorothy Kern
This Caramel Chex Mix takes the original chex mix snack to a whole new caramel level! I know you will love this unique twist on the classic.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
bowl of Chex mix with M&Ms with pan of mix behind
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Ingredients

  • 12 ounce box Chex Cereal, (corn or rice)
  • ½ cup (118ml) light corn syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted or salted butter
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup (134g) peanuts
  • 1 cup (210g) M&Ms

Instructions 

  • Prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Place Chex cereal in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add corn syrup, brown sugar and salt and stir to combine. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until it boils. Once it comes to a full boil, boil for 1 minute.
  • Remove from heat and add baking soda while stirring.
  • Pour caramel mixture over top of cereal. Stir until cereal is completely coated. (Or pour the cereal into the large pot and stir.)
  • Stir in peanuts.
  • Spread caramel-covered cereal out between the two lined baking sheets. Sprinkle M&Ms over top.
  • Allow to cool.
  • Break into small chunks and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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pot on hot plate with boiling brown sugar.
pan on hot plate with Chex and nuts inside.

Step by Step Photos

  1. Combine the corn syrup, salt, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat while stirring. Bring it to a boil for about a minute, and then take the pan off the heat.
  2. Add the baking soda while stirring and once it’s combined, pour the caramel sauce over Chex Cereal.
  3. Stir to combine carefully.
  4. Stir in the peanuts.
  5. Then divide the Chex caramel mix between the two baking sheets.
  6. Sprinkle the M&Ms over the top and let the Chex mix with caramel cool to room temperature.
  7. Once it’s cool, break it into small chunks, and it’s ready to store or serve!

More Easy Homemade Snacks

Dorothy Kern

Welcome to Crazy for Crust, where I share recipes that are sometimes crazy, often with a crust, and always served with a slice of life.

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4.77 from 30 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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23 Comments

  1. So delicious!! It’s addictive, and everyone loved it! I made as directed except for using Hershey Dots instead of M&Ms to avoid dyes. I’ll definitely make again!

    Reply