Homemade Sweet & Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix Recipe

Every sweet-toothed snacker dreams of a delectable caramel snack mix that tantalizes taste buds with its irresistible crunch.

Our signature crunchy caramel snack mix blends perfectly roasted nuts and crispy cereal pieces into a golden, sweet sensation.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures that dance across your palate with delightful intensity.

The harmonious combination of salty and sweet creates an addictive treat that disappears faster than you can prepare it.

Buttery caramel coats every morsel, ensuring maximum flavor in every handful.

This simple yet sophisticated snack works magic at parties, movie nights, or when you need a quick energy boost.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly this snack mix becomes your new obsession.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything Needed For Caramel Snack Mix

• Chex Cereal: Crunchy foundation that provides the perfect textural base for the snack mix, absorbs caramel beautifully.
• Pretzels: Adds salty contrast and extra crunch to complement the sweet caramel coating.
• Popcorn: Light and airy element that creates delightful texture variation in the mix.
• Mixed Nuts: Introduces rich, nutty flavor and additional protein to make the snack more satisfying.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for caramel and helps distribute flavor evenly.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create glossy caramel coating.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth caramel texture and prevents crystallization during cooking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
• Baking Soda: Creates lighter, more aerated caramel and helps develop golden color.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone that deepens the caramel's flavor profile.

• Chocolate Chips: Introduces melty, sweet surprise when mixed into cooled snack mix.
• M&Ms: Provides colorful, candy-coated crunch and additional burst of sweetness.

Tools To Prep Caramel Snack Mix Fast

• Large baking sheet: Essential for spreading and baking the snack mix evenly.
• Parchment paper or silicone mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the dry ingredients.
• Saucepan: Needed to create the delicious caramel sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring caramel and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cooling rack (optional): Helps cool the mix quickly and evenly.

Steps To Make Caramel Snack Mix Crunchy

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 250°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Create The Crunchy Base

Toss together a delightful mix of crispy Chex, salty pretzels, fluffy popcorn, and crunchy nuts in a big bowl. This is your flavor foundation.

• Craft The Liquid Gold

In a saucepan, transform butter into a bubbling caramel dream. Melt it with brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Let it dance and boil for 4-5 minutes until silky smooth. Pull it off the heat and whisk in baking soda and vanilla – watch it get all puffy and magical.

• Coat The Snack Symphony

Drizzle the caramel waterfall over your crunchy mix. Gently fold everything together so each morsel gets a golden hug.

• Bake To Perfection

Spread the mixture on your prepared sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, give it a gentle stir to ensure even caramelization and prevent any burnt surprises.

• Cool And Customize

Once out of the oven, let it cool completely. Break into irresistible clusters. Sprinkle in some chocolate chips or colorful candies if you’re feeling extra playful.

• Munch And Store

Dive into your creation or stash in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for about a week – if you can resist that long!

Fun Mix-In Ideas For Caramel Snack Mix

• Sweet Swap Strategy: Replace corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a natural, richer flavor profile that adds depth to your caramel mix.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free pretzels and certified gluten-free Chex cereal to make this snack safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious caramel notes.
• Nutty Variety Boost: Experiment with different nut combinations like pecans, almonds, or cashews to create unique flavor layers and add extra crunch to your snack mix.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne, or sea salt into the caramel sauce for a surprising flavor kick that elevates the entire snack experience.

Ways To Serve Caramel Snack Mix Anytime

• Sweet Movie Night Munchies: Spread this caramel snack mix in individual small bowls for perfect cinema-style sharing during film marathons.
• Party Gathering Delight: Serve in large decorative glass bowls at game nights or casual gatherings, letting guests scoop their favorite mix portions.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with hot coffee or herbal tea as a delightful sweet treat during relaxed afternoon breaks, creating a cozy snacking experience.
• Gift-Giving Charm: Package in clear mason jars with cute ribbons for homemade edible gifts that friends and family will absolutely adore.

Store Caramel Snack Mix So It Stays Crispy

• Smart Storing Strategies: Keep the caramel snack mix in an airtight glass container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Freshness Window: Best consumed within 5-7 days for optimal texture and flavor, storing at room temperature in a sealed container away from direct sunlight.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Spread the mix on a wire rack after baking to help it cool faster and prevent soggy bottoms, ensuring maximum crunchiness.
• Temperature Tricks: Avoid refrigerating the snack mix, as humidity can make pretzels and nuts lose their satisfying crackle and crisp texture.

Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel snack mix delivers a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. Crisp pretzels, toasted nuts, and caramel coating create an irresistible treat that will satisfy snack cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (946 ml/32 oz) rice Chex or corn Chex cereal
• 3 cups (420 g/14.8 oz) mini pretzels
• 2 cups (50 g/1.8 oz) popcorn (plain, air-popped)
• 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, or cashews)
• ½ cup (113 g/4 oz) butter (1 stick)
• 1 cup (220 g/7.8 oz) brown sugar (light or dark)
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) light corn syrup or honey
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (85 g/3 oz) chocolate chips (milk or dark)
• ½ cup (85 g/3 oz) M&Ms or Reeses Pieces
• ½ cup (60 g/2.1 oz) dried cranberries or raisins

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Position oven rack to center and warm to 250F (120C), simultaneously lining a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal heat circulation.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly combine Chex cereal, pretzels, popcorn, and mixed nuts in a large mixing bowl, creating a robust foundational mixture with diverse textures and crunch.
3. Caramel Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, gradually introducing brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Simmer the mixture, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching and achieve a glossy, amber-hued sauce with rich depth.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove caramel from heat, vigorously whisking in baking soda and vanilla extract, which triggers a dramatic foaming reaction and intensifies the overall taste profile.
5. Coating Technique: Pour warm caramel over dry ingredients, employing a gentle folding motion to ensure comprehensive and uniform coverage of each ingredient morsel.
6. Baking Process: Spread the caramel-coated mixture evenly across the prepared baking sheet, then place in preheated oven. Rotate and stir every 15 minutes to promote consistent caramelization and prevent burning.
7. Cooling and Clustering: After 45 minutes, extract the snack mix and allow complete cooling at room temperature. Gently break into delectable clusters, maintaining a satisfying crunch.
8. Optional Embellishment: Scatter chocolate chips or colorful M&Ms throughout the cooled mixture for an additional layer of indulgent flavor and visual appeal.
9. Storage Strategy: Transfer to an airtight container, preserving freshness and crispness for up to one week – though its irresistible nature may challenge such longevity.

Notes

• Control Caramel Temperature: Watch closely while cooking caramel sauce to prevent burning, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the entire batch.
• Ensure Even Coating: Gently fold caramel sauce into dry ingredients using a spatula, guaranteeing each piece gets a uniform, delicious caramel layer without clumping.
• Prevent Sticky Aftermath: Let the mix cool completely before breaking into clusters, allowing caramel to set and prevent messy, stuck-together pieces.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap traditional ingredients with gluten-free pretzels, dairy-free butter, or swap nuts for seeds to accommodate different dietary restrictions while maintaining the recipe’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg