Name: Caramel Chex Mix Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (12-ounce, 340 grams) package Corn Chex, about 10-1/2 to 11 cups; 1 cup (4 ounces, 113 grams) whole pecans, lightly toasted; 1 cup (5 ounces, 142 grams) whole almonds, lightly toasted; 3/4 teaspoon table salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup (6.8 ounces, 196 grams) red and green M&M’s; 1/2 cup (4 ounces, 113 grams) unsalted butter; 3/4 cup (5.625 ounces, 160 grams) light brown sugar, packed; 6 Tablespoons (4.125 ounces, 117 grams) light corn syrup; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Introduction

This Caramel Chex Mix is a perfect sweet and crunchy snack for any occasion. Combining toasted nuts, crispy Corn Chex, and a buttery caramel coating, it delivers irresistible flavor in every bite. Finish it off with festive red and green M&M’s for a colorful touch.

The image shows a black bowl filled with a snack mix that has three main layers: the bottom layer consists of golden, square-shaped cereal pieces with a woven texture; the middle layer has bright, colorful candy-coated chocolates in green, yellow, and purple scattered evenly; the top layer includes whole pecans placed randomly on the surface. Around the bowl, green, purple, and gold bead necklaces lie gently on a white marbled surface, along with small purple, green, gold, and black fleur-de-lis shaped confetti pieces. In the background, there is a small clear jar filled with more of the snack mix, as well as a snow globe decoration with green garland and purple flowers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce, 340 grams) package Corn Chex, about 10½ to 11 cups
1 cup (4 ounces, 113 grams) whole pecans, lightly toasted
1 cup (5 ounces, 142 grams) whole almonds, lightly toasted
½ cup (4 ounces, 113 grams) unsalted butter
¾ cup (5.625 ounces, 160 grams) light brown sugar, packed
6 tablespoons (4.125 ounces, 117 grams) light corn syrup
¾ teaspoon table salt
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (6.8 ounces, 196 grams) red and green M&M’s

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
Step 2: Place the Corn Chex in a large bowl and add the toasted pecans and almonds on top without stirring. Set aside.
Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium-high heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered and undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly.
Step 5: Pour the caramel mixture over the Corn Chex and nuts. Quickly stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Spread the mixture onto an ungreased large disposable aluminum pan (about 15 x 11 x 3 inches). Bake for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
Step 7: Remove from oven and spread the mixture onto parchment paper to cool. It will be sticky at first but will harden as it cools.
Step 8: Once cool, stir in the red and green M&M’s for a festive finish.
Step 9: Store the Caramel Chex Mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Tips & Variations

Lightly toast the pecans and almonds in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before adding to the mix.
Use light corn syrup for the best texture and sweetness balance in the caramel.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel sauce before baking.
Try swapping the M&M’s for chocolate chips or festive candies depending on the season.

Storage

Store the Caramel Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. It can be refreshed by warming briefly in a low oven if it loses some crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the caramel to become sticky.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a round aluminum pan filled with a snack mix. The base layer is made up of small, square, golden-brown cereal pieces with a grid texture, scattered evenly across the pan. Mixed throughout are larger, shiny, brown pecan halves that add contrast in shape and color. A blue spatula rests inside the pan, partially covered by the snack mix, hinting at recent stirring. The background features a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans and almonds with walnuts, cashews, or your favorite nuts. Just make sure to toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.

How do I keep the mix from becoming too sticky?

Be sure to bake the mixture at a low temperature and stir it every 15 minutes. Cooling it on parchment paper also helps the caramel harden properly and reduces stickiness.