Caramel Chex Mix Recipe With M&M’s For Sweet Snack Time

Looking for a sweet and crunchy snack that’s bursting with flavor and color? This Caramel Chex Mix with M&M’s is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you coming back for more.

Combining the rich, buttery taste of homemade caramel with the delightful crunch of Chex cereal and the playful pop of colorful M&M’s, this snack mix is a crowd-pleaser for parties, movie nights, or just a fun afternoon nibble.

It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and offers that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Whether you’re prepping snacks for a holiday gathering or just craving something a little different, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and sure to become a staple in your snack repertoire. Ready to wow your friends and family?

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caramel Chex Mix with M&M’s is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that hits all the right notes. Here’s why it stands out:

• Sweet and Salty Perfection: The caramel coating adds a luscious sweetness that pairs perfectly with the salty Chex cereal base.
• Colorful and Fun: M&M’s bring vibrant colors and a chocolatey crunch that make the mix visually appealing and tasty.
• Easy and Quick to Make: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe comes together in no time.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for holiday parties, road trips, or snack time, this mix fits the bill.
• Customizable: You can easily swap or add nuts, pretzels, or other candies to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup M&M’s (regular or peanut as preferred)
• Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet or large rimmed pan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven (preheated to 250°F / 120°C)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Place the Rice Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. If adding nuts, mix them in now.
3. Make the caramel sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes total).
4. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract into the hot caramel mixture immediately. It will bubble up—this is normal and helps create a light, crunchy texture.
5. Pour the caramel sauce over the Chex cereal mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with caramel.
6. Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent clumping and to ensure even baking.
7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot caramel-coated Chex mix. Gently fold the chocolate chips in so they melt slightly and coat the mix.
8. Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. Once cooled, stir in the M&M’s carefully to avoid melting the candy shells.
10. Transfer to an airtight container and enjoy! This mix can be stored for up to a week.

Tips & Variations

“To keep the M&M’s vibrant and crunchy, always add them after the caramel mixture has cooled. For an extra twist, try adding pretzels or peanuts for more crunch and flavor contrast.”

• Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free Chex cereal.
• Nut-free option: Simply omit nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the caramel sauce for a subtle kick.
• Chocolate variations: Try white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of semisweet chocolate.
• Storage tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Caramel Chex Mix with M&M’s is incredibly versatile and easy to serve. Here are some ideas:

• Snack bowls: Perfect for movie nights, game days, or casual get-togethers.
• Gift jars: Pack in decorative airtight jars and give as homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.
• Party mix: Add to your party snack table alongside savory treats for a sweet contrast.
• Lunchbox treat: A delightful surprise in kids’ lunchboxes or office snack drawers.
• Dessert topping: Sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The Caramel Chex Mix with M&M’s is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Easy to prepare and customizable to your preferences, this recipe brings a festive and fun element to any occasion.

The buttery caramel coats each crunchy Chex piece, while the chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s add a delightful sweetness and pop of color that makes it irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a homemade gift, or just craving a delicious treat, this snack mix hits the spot every time. Plus, if you love creating tasty, simple recipes like this, you might enjoy exploring more from our collection such as Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy snacking!

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