Description
This Addicting Toffee Chex Mix recipe delivers a perfect blend of crispy cereals, crunchy pretzels, and pecans coated in a rich, buttery caramel brittle. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an irresistible sweet and salty snack ideal for parties, holidays, or any time you want a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Base Mix
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 3 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 1 cup mini twist pretzels
- 1 cup pecan halves
Toffee Coating
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare Your Base Mix: Grab a very large, heat-proof mixing bowl. Gently combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, mini twist pretzels, and pecan halves. Toss gently to ensure even distribution, then set aside.
- Preheat and Prep Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Begin the Toffee Base: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine unsalted butter, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved to a smooth mixture.
- Boil to Perfection: Let the mixture come to a rolling boil without stirring. Allow it to boil undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches 280°F (138°C) on a candy thermometer, achieving the hard-ball toffee stage.
- Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Stir in pure vanilla extract and baking soda carefully; the mixture will foam and lighten in color, indicating the toffee is aerated and ready.
- Coat the Chex Mix: Pour the hot toffee mixture over the prepared cereal mix in the large bowl. Use a sturdy spatula to gently fold and stir, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the toffee.
- Bake for Ultimate Crispiness: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to toast evenly and develop crispness.
- Cool and Break: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, break into clusters or individual pieces for serving. Optionally sprinkle with chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, or dried cranberries at this stage if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer to achieve the correct toffee temperature for the best texture.
- You can customize the mix by adding your preferred nuts or dried fruits.
- Store the cooled Chex mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispiness for up to 2 weeks.
- Be cautious when pouring hot toffee mixture as it can cause burns.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free labeled cereals and pretzels.