Caramelized Crispy Snack Mix
Get ready to elevate your snack game with this irresistible Caramelized Crispy Snack Mix! This easy-to-make recipe combines crispy rice cereal, crunchy mini pretzels, and salty peanuts, all coated in a buttery, golden caramel sauce that bakes to perfection for an addictive crunch. With just 10 minutes of prep and pantry-friendly ingredients like brown sugar, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract, this snack mix is as simple as it is delicious. Perfectly caramelized and optionally garnished with a pinch of sea salt, this sweet-and-salty treat is ideal for parties, movie nights, or an on-the-go snack. Store it in an airtight container to keep the crispy texture intact—if it lasts that long!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups crispy rice cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal, mini pretzels, and salted peanuts. Toss until evenly mixed.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar and light corn syrup until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 5-6 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly; stir until well combined.
Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the snack mix in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat the cereal, pretzels, and nuts evenly with caramel.
Spread the caramel-coated snack mix in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring the mixture halfway through to ensure even coating and crispness.
Remove the tray from the oven and allow the snack mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. The caramel will harden as it cools, creating a crispy texture.
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the cooled mix for a sweet and salty finish.
Break the cooled snack mix into clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
667 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.7 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.2 g | 46% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 32 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 944 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.3 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.8 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.7 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 263 mg | 6% | |
*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.
