Description
Irresistible caramel snack mix delivers sweet and salty perfection in every crunchy bite. Caramel-coated pretzels, nuts, and popcorn create an addictive treat you cannot stop munching.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Base Ingredients:
- 4 cups (946 ml) Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups (420 g) mini pretzels
- 2 cups (50 g) popcorn (plain, air-popped)
- 1 cup (120 g) mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, or cashews)
Caramel Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup (113 g) butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) light corn syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips (milk or dark)
- ½ cup (85 g) M&Ms or Reeses Pieces
- ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions
- Prepare the baking workspace by heating the oven to a low temperature of 250F (120C) and lining a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper for even heat distribution.
- Gather the crispy base ingredients – Chex cereal, pretzels, popcorn, and mixed nuts – and blend them thoroughly in a generously sized mixing bowl, creating a textural foundation for the caramel coating.
- Craft the caramel sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan, then introducing brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Allow the mixture to bubble and transform, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Once the caramel reaches a rich, glossy state, remove from heat and incorporate baking soda and vanilla extract, which will cause a delightful foaming reaction and enhance the flavor profile.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the dry ingredient mixture, using a gentle folding technique to ensure every morsel receives an even, luxurious coating.
- Transfer the caramel-drenched mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a uniform layer to promote consistent caramelization during baking.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, rotating and stirring the mix every quarter-hour to prevent burning and guarantee a perfectly crisp texture.
- After 45 minutes, remove the snack mix and allow it to cool completely, breaking it into delectable clusters once it reaches room temperature.
- Optional: Sprinkle chocolate chips or colorful M&Ms throughout the cooled mixture for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Store the finished caramel snack mix in an airtight container, where it will remain fresh and crunchy for up to one week – if you can resist devouring it immediately.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Ensure even coating by gently folding the caramel sauce into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pretzels with gluten-free pretzels and use gluten-free Chex cereal.
- Customize the mix by adding your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra crunch and flavor.
- Keep the snack mix in a cool, dry place to maintain its crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate or candy mix-ins for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg