Description
A sweet and crunchy snack mix combining the flavors of caramel and churros using Chex cereal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
- 1 cup pecans or almonds (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal and nuts (if using). Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
- Continue to boil without stirring for exactly 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Quickly stir in the baking soda; the mixture will foam up.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the cereal mixture. Gently stir until the cereal is fully coated.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture in a thin, even layer onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning and promote even crisping.
- Remove from the oven and immediately transfer the mix to a very large bowl or spread onto wax paper to cool completely. Do not let it sit on the hot baking sheets.
- Once completely cool and hard, place the mix in a large zip-top bag. Add the powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake well until the mix is evenly coated with the powdered sugar.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- For extra churro flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of extra cinnamon to the caramel mixture before adding the baking soda.
- If the mix seems sticky after cooling, you can return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit to dry out slightly, then cool again before sugaring.
- This mix keeps well for up to one week in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 15