Description
This Toffee Chex Mix is a delightful sweet and crunchy snack combining crispy Chex cereal, mixed nuts, and pretzel thins all coated in a rich, buttery dark brown sugar toffee. Baked to perfection at a low temperature to achieve a caramelized crunch, this treat is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or an everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal Mix
- 12.8 oz box Rice or Corn Chex Cereal
- 3 cups assorted nuts (pecans, almonds, peanuts, etc.)
- 3 cups pretzel thins (or mini knots)
Toffee Sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for baking the coated mix.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Rice or Corn Chex cereal, assorted nuts, and pretzel thins, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquified.
- Add Sugar and Corn Syrup: Stir in the dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt to the melted butter. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Boil Sauce: Boil the mixture for 4 minutes without stirring to allow it to thicken and develop the toffee flavor.
- Remove and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat, then quickly stir in the pure vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly as the baking soda reacts.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the hot toffee sauce over the cereal mixture and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
- Bake: Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and coating.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet and allow the mix to cool completely. Once cooled, break into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using a combination of nuts adds extra texture and flavor, but feel free to use your favorites or omit if allergic.
- Be sure to stir every 15 minutes during baking to prevent burning and promote even toffee coating.
- Store the cooled Chex mix in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain crispness.
- For a nuttier flavor, try lightly toasting the nuts before mixing.
- You can substitute light corn syrup with honey, but it may alter the texture slightly.
