Christmas Crack Recipe With Chex Cereal Made Easy

Originally posted on January 28, 2019 @ 4:09 pm

The holiday season brings with it a wonderful array of treats, and one snack that truly stands out is the irresistible Christmas Crack made with Chex cereal. This sweet and salty delight combines the crunch of Chex with a luscious layer of caramel and a generous topping of melted chocolate, creating a festive snack that everyone will love.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, gifting to friends and family, or just indulging yourself, this recipe is incredibly simple yet immensely satisfying. The crunchy texture paired with the smooth, sweet coating makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s customizable to suit your taste buds and holiday spirit!

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through an easy Christmas Crack recipe using Chex cereal that guarantees a perfect batch every time. With only a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious holiday treat ready in no time.

Let’s dive in and make this festive crunchy delight a new holiday tradition!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Crack recipe is a festive favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring no fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.

The use of Chex cereal provides a light, crispy base that contrasts beautifully with the rich caramel and chocolate layers.

Second, it’s highly customizable. You can add nuts, sprinkles, or even drizzle with white chocolate to make it uniquely yours.

Third, this treat stores well, making it perfect for gift-giving or prepping ahead for holiday gatherings.

Lastly, it hits the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday dessert lineup.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or a mix)
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• Optional toppings: chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, sprinkles

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler (for melting chocolate, optional)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for lining the baking pan)
• Knife or pizza cutter (for cutting the finished treat)

Instructions

1. Prepare your pan: Line the 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Mix the cereal: Pour the 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
3. Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly. Let it boil for exactly 3 minutes without stirring.
4. Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. Coat the cereal: Pour the hot caramel sauce over the Chex cereal and gently stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the cereal is evenly coated.
6. Spread in pan: Transfer the coated cereal mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) and bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and baking.
8. Cool slightly: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot caramel-coated cereal.
9. Melt the chocolate: Let the chocolate chips sit for about 5 minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate evenly with a spatula.
10. Add toppings (optional): While the chocolate is still warm, sprinkle your choice of chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, or festive sprinkles on top.
11. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is fully set and the treat is firm.
12. Cut and serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the Christmas Crack out of the pan. Cut into small squares or break into pieces and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“For an extra festive touch, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the top after the semisweet chocolate has set. You can also swap the Chex cereal for gluten-free options or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet balance.”

• Use a mix of Chex cereals (rice, corn, wheat) for added texture and flavor.
• For a nut-free version, omit nuts and use allergen-friendly toppings like crushed pretzels or coconut flakes.
• Try swapping semisweet chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate depending on preference.
• Make it vegan by using vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips (see some vegan recipe ideas here).
• Store Christmas Crack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Crack is a versatile snack that pairs wonderfully with holiday drinks like hot cocoa, mulled wine, or spiced cider. Serve it on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats for a beautiful dessert spread.

It also makes a charming edible gift—wrap it in cellophane bags with a ribbon or pack it in decorative tins for friends, family, or coworkers.

Pair it with some lighter snacks like fresh fruit or nuts to balance the sweetness. If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a DIY Christmas Crack bar with various toppings so guests can customize their own batches!

Conclusion

Making Christmas Crack with Chex cereal is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season with a sweet and salty treat that’s sure to please everyone. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels.

With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that’s crunchy, buttery, and chocolatey all at once — perfect for snacking, gifting, or sharing at festive gatherings.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the toppings or adapt the recipe to your dietary needs. This Christmas Crack is more than just a recipe; it’s a joyful holiday tradition in the making.

For more easy and delicious recipes to complement your festive season, check out our Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats, Vegan Dinners Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals, and Baked Enchilada Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy.

Happy holidays and happy baking!

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