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Caramel Chex Mix Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

Caramel Chex Mix is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack mix combining crispy Corn Chex cereal, toasted pecans and almonds, all coated in a rich homemade caramel glaze. Finished with festive red and green M&M’s for a perfect holiday treat or anytime indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) to prepare for baking the mix.
  2. Combine Cereals and Nuts: In a large bowl, add the Corn Chex cereal. Then place the toasted pecans and toasted almonds on top without stirring to keep them separate for now. Set aside.
  3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt over medium-high heat. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture cook uncovered and undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing the caramel to thicken.
  5. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble and lighten in color.
  6. Coat the Mix: Pour the hot caramel sauce over the Corn Chex and pecan mixture. Quickly but gently stir to evenly coat all the pieces.
  7. Bake the Mix: Spread the coated mixture onto a large ungreased disposable aluminum pan (about 15×11 inches). Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
  8. Cool the Mix: Once baked, transfer the mixture onto parchment paper to cool. Although sticky at first, it will harden as it cools.
  9. Add M&M’s: When the mix is completely cool, toss in the red and green M&M’s to add color and sweetness.
  10. Store Properly: Place the finished Caramel Chex Mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Use a good quality Corn Chex cereal for the best texture.
  • Tip 2: Toasting the pecans and almonds enhances their flavor—toast in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  • Tip 3: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the caramel.
  • Tip 4: Light brown sugar gives a balanced caramel flavor without being too dark or bitter.
  • Tip 5: Use festive red and green M&M’s for a colorful holiday touch, or substitute with plain chocolate candies year-round.
  • Tip 6: Stirring every 15 minutes during baking prevents burning and ensures even caramel coating.
  • Tip 7: Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Keywords: Caramel Chex Mix, snack mix, caramel snack, holiday treat, Corn Chex, nutty snack, festive snack, easy caramel recipe

Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/caramel-chex-mix-recipe/