Description
Crunchy homemade Toffee Chex Mix delights snack enthusiasts with its irresistible sweet and salty combination. Caramel-coated cereal pieces deliver a delectable crunch that satisfies both casual munchers and serious treat seekers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (or honey)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 6 cups rice chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 1 cup pecans (or almonds)
- 1 cup toffee bits (Heath or Skor bits)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Instructions
- Workspace Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 250F (120C). Gather baking sheet, parchment paper, saucepan, mixing bowl, and spatula.
- Caramel Creation: Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt in saucepan. Heat over medium temperature, stirring consistently until ingredients transform into a silky, unified liquid.
- Caramel Development: Allow mixture to reach gentle bubbling stage, stirring periodically. Monitor closely to prevent scorching, maintaining consistent movement for 2-3 minutes.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and rapidly whisk in baking soda and vanilla extract. Expect slight expansion and aeration of the mixture.
- Ingredient Fusion: Combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and pecans in large mixing bowl. Pour warm caramel over dry ingredients, folding gently to ensure complete, even coating.
- Baking Process: Spread coated mixture evenly on parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in oven, rotating and stirring every 15 minutes to achieve uniform caramelization.
- Final Touches: After 45 minutes, remove from oven and immediately sprinkle toffee bits across hot mixture, allowing natural adherence.
- Cooling and Finishing: Let mixture cool completely at room temperature to solidify caramel and create crisp clusters. Optionally, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled mix.
- Storage: Break into bite-sized clusters and store in airtight container, maintaining freshness for up to one week.
Notes
- Prevent Caramel Burning: Stir constantly and maintain medium heat to avoid scorching, ensuring a smooth, golden caramel without bitter undertones.
- Achieve Perfect Coating: Fold caramel gently through dry ingredients, using a spatula to create an even, complete coverage that maximizes flavor in every bite.
- Crisp Texture Technique: Spread mixture in a single, thin layer on baking sheet and rotate frequently during baking to guarantee consistent crunchiness and prevent soggy spots.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds for nut-free version, use gluten-free pretzels, or substitute Chex with alternative gluten-free cereals to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg