This Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is a fun and crunchy snack that brings together sweet and spicy flavors. It’s packed with Chex cereal, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar that makes it oh-so-irresistible!
Honestly, I can’t stop munching on this mix while I binge-watch my favorite shows. You might want to hide some, or it will disappear fast! 😄 It’s super easy to whip up, too!
Whenever I make this for a gathering, it’s always a hit! It’s quick to prepare and the perfect treat to share—or keep all to yourself, no judgement here! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereals: Rice and Corn Chex are the stars here for that perfect crunch. If you can’t find these, you can use Wheat Chex or even some other puffed cereals you like. Just ensure they are crunchy to hold up to the mix!
Pretzels: Regular pretzels add a great salty contrast. For a twist, try using pretzel sticks or even chocolate-covered pretzels for a sweet hint. Gluten-free pretzels are an option too if you’re avoiding gluten!
Mixed Nuts: Nuts add protein and a lovely crunch. If you have nut allergies or want a lighter mix, you can skip them. Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower could also be nice substitutes!
Sweeteners: I love the combo of granulated and brown sugar. If you’re looking for alternatives, coconut sugar works well too, and it’s unrefined. Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of corn syrup, just note the mix might be a bit stickier.
How Do I Get My Chex Mix Toasted Just Right?
Toasting your Chex mix evenly is crucial for the best flavor and crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by spreading the mix out on the baking sheet. An even layer helps it toast evenly.
- Stir every 15 minutes! This ensures every piece gets that nice golden color and prevents any burning.
- Keep an eye on it during the last 15 minutes. If it’s looking golden-brown, it’s done!
- Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This makes it crunchy!
Believe me, once you get the hang of toasting, your Chex mix will be irresistible!
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chex Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels
- 1 cup mixed nuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix will take about 15 minutes to prep, and you’ll need an additional hour for baking. Don’t forget to let it cool completely afterward; this helps it become super crunchy! Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to have this delicious snack ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature is perfect for gently toasting the Chex mix.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and those optional mixed nuts if you’re using them. Give them a little toss to mix them up, then set aside.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup (or honey), and salt. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil and stir for about 1-2 minutes—this helps the sugars melt together smoothly.
4. Flavor Your Mixture:
Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen—yummy!
5. Coat the Chex Mix:
Pour that delicious cinnamon sugar mixture over the cereal and pretzels. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss and coat everything evenly. You want every tasty piece to have a little coating!
6. Spread on a Baking Sheet:
Now, get that coated mix onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out in an even layer so it toasts uniformly.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Every 15 minutes, take it out and stir to ensure everything gets toasted evenly—this is key!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the Chex mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. It will get crispier as it cools down—trust me, this wait will be worth it!
9. Store and Enjoy:
When it’s all cooled off, transfer the mix to an airtight container if you plan to save some for later. Otherwise, dig in and enjoy your sweet, crunchy snack!
This recipe creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Happy snacking! 🎉
Can I Use Gluten-Free Chex Cereal?
Absolutely! Many brands offer gluten-free Chex cereals, like rice and corn varieties. Just check the package to ensure they’re labeled gluten-free, and you’ll be all set to enjoy this snack!
How Can I Store This Chex Mix?
Store your Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe bag or container!
What If I Don’t Have Light Corn Syrup?
No problem! Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute! Just use the same amount, but keep in mind that the flavor might slightly change, adding a sweet twist to your mix!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! You can add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet tartness, or even chocolate chips for chocolate lovers. Just be careful not to overload it, as it may affect the coating.
