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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!
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.
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.
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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.
Caramel Chex Mix Recipe
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.
Recipe Video
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
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.
Recipe 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
Nutritional information not guaranteed to be accurate
Step by Step Photos
- 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.
- Add the baking soda while stirring and once it’s combined, pour the caramel sauce over Chex Cereal.
- Stir to combine carefully.
- Stir in the peanuts.
- Then divide the Chex caramel mix between the two baking sheets.
- Sprinkle the M&Ms over the top and let the Chex mix with caramel cool to room temperature.
- Once it’s cool, break it into small chunks, and it’s ready to store or serve!
I had a problem, after mixing and spreading out on parchment paper it would not stick together to break into pieces.