Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat with this irresistible Caramel Chex Mix recipe! Perfectly crispy Rice Chex cereal, crunchy pretzels, and buttery pecans are coated in a luscious homemade caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, and a touch of light corn syrup. Baked to golden perfection, this snack's delightfully crunchy texture and rich caramel flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Ready in just over an hour, itβs an easy make-ahead option for parties, holiday gatherings, or casual movie nights. Plus, with its mix of salty, sweet, and nutty flavors, this Caramel Chex Mix will keep everyone reaching for more! Store it in an airtight container, and enjoy its irresistible goodness all week long.
Preheat your oven to 250Β°F (120Β°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and pecans (or mixed nuts). Gently toss to mix evenly.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
Once boiling, let the caramel mixture cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly; stir until smooth.
Pour the hot caramel over the cereal mixture in the large bowl. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to gently toss and coat the mixture evenly with caramel.
Divide the coated mixture evenly between the prepared baking sheets, spreading it out into a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring the mixture every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Remove the trays from the oven and let the Caramel Chex Mix cool completely on the baking sheets. The caramel will harden as it cools, resulting in a crunchy texture.
Once cooled, break the mix into bite-size pieces and transfer to an airtight container for storage. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
Serve as a sweet and salty snack for gatherings, parties, or as a movie night treat!
Calories |
4914 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 191.3 g | 245% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.2 g | 316% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 8354 mg | 363% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 757.6 g | 275% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.5 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 280.3 g | ||
| Protein | 54.1 g | 108% | |
| Vitamin D | 21.3 mcg | 107% | |
| Calcium | 1716 mg | 132% | |
| Iron | 101.7 mg | 565% | |
| Potassium | 1467 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.