Ingredients
Cereal
- 6 cups Chex cereal (corn, rice, or wheat)
Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Cereal: Place the 6 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl, ready to be coated.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture starts to boil.
- Boil Sauce: Allow the caramel mixture to boil for 2 minutes without stirring to ensure it thickens properly.
- Add Flavoring: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, which will give the sauce a light, airy texture and added flavor.
- Combine Cereal and Caramel: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the Chex cereal in the bowl, then gently stir to coat the cereal evenly without breaking it.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. If using, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the top or mix them in before spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring the mix every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crisping.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the Caramel Chex Mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. The mix will crisp up as it cools.
Notes
- Add pretzels or peanuts for extra crunch and variety.
- Store the Caramel Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- If large clusters form after baking, gently break them apart once the mix has cooled completely for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
