Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix is the ultimate snack that combines crunchy cereal, rich buttery toffee, and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a party, a movie night, or a holiday treat, this mix is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavorsย โ The combination of sweet toffee and a touch of saltiness makes this an irresistible snack.
- Quick and easyย โ Minimal prep time and simple steps make this a great recipe for any occasion.
- Great for sharingย โ Whether for a party or as a homemade gift, this mix is a hit with friends and family.
- Customizableย โ Easily swap out ingredients or add extras like nuts or chocolate chips for a personal touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Corn Chex cereal
- Rice Chex cereal
- Pretzels
- Salted peanuts
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
- Preheat Ovenย โ Set your oven to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredientsย โ In a large mixing bowl, combine the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, pretzels, and peanuts.
- Prepare the Toffeeย โ In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add brown sugar and corn syrup. Stir until fully combined and bring to a boil for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vanilla & Baking Sodaย โ Remove the toffee mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda until foamy.
- Coat the Mixย โ Pour the toffee over the cereal mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Bakeย โ Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool and Serveย โ Let the mix cool completely, then break it into bite-sized pieces. Optionally, sprinkle with chocolate chips while warm for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย Approximately 10-12 servings
- Prep time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook time:ย 45 minutes
- Total time:ย 55 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Optionย โ Omit the peanuts and replace them with sunflower seeds or additional cereal.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Mixย โ Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for a richer treat.
- Spicy Kickย โ Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the toffee for a sweet and spicy contrast.
- Holiday Twistย โ Incorporate seasonal M&Ms or candy pieces for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage:ย Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Refrigeration:ย If you live in a warm climate, store in the fridge to prevent the toffee from becoming too soft.
- Freezing:ย This mix can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating:ย If needed, warm briefly in a low oven (200ยฐF) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
How do I keep the mix from getting too sticky?
Ensure the toffee mixture is fully cooked and allow the mix to cool completely before storing.
Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly softer than with corn syrup.
What can I use instead of Chex cereal?
You can substitute with Crispix or another similar crunchy cereal.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use a large enough baking sheet for even baking.
Whatโs the best way to break up the mix after cooling?
Gently use your hands to break it apart or use a wooden spoon for larger pieces.
Can I make this mix gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pretzels and check that your Chex cereal is gluten-free.
Why is my mix too soft?
It may not have baked long enough. Let it cool completely before storing.
Can I add dried fruit?
Yes, dried cranberries or raisins make a great addition.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too much?
Let the mix cool slightly before adding chocolate chips to keep them from completely melting.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, but it will give a deeper caramelized flavor.
Conclusion
Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix is a delightful snack perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it to your liking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Make a batch today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite!
Print
Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This irresistible mix combines Rice or Corn Chex cereal, assorted nuts, and pretzels, all coated in a rich, buttery toffee. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it an addictive snack for parties, holidays, or everyday munching.
Ingredients
- 12.8 oz box Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
- 3 cups assorted nuts (pecans, almonds, peanuts, etc.)
- 3 cups pretzel thins or mini knots
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Place two racks near the center of the oven and preheat to 250ยฐF (120ยฐC).
- Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray generously with cooking spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of cereal, assorted nuts, and pretzels. Set aside.
- Make the Toffee Coating:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Once melted, add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Stir frequently until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Allow it to boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Carefully stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the baking soda and mix thoroughly. The toffee will foam and bubble; continue stirring until well combined.
- Combine and Bake:
- Pour the hot toffee over the cereal mixture. Gently fold to coat the cereal, nuts, and pretzels evenly.
- Divide the mixture between the two prepared baking sheets, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30โ55 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes for a chewier texture or up to 55 minutes for a crispier finish.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and continue stirring and separating the clumps until the mix is cool enough to stay separate.
- Once fully cooled, transfer to a bowl and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage:ย Store the cooled Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2โ3 days.
- Variations:ย Feel free to customize by adding your favorite nuts or even some candy pieces after baking for an extra sweet touch.
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