Rich, crunchy, buttery, salty-sweet goodness in every bite.
Hey there!
This Caramel Nut Chex Mix is something special. It’s sweet, a little salty, full of crunch, and coated in the most irresistible homemade caramel.
I make this for road trips, movie nights, and yes—sometimes just because.
You’re gonna love how fast it comes together, how amazing your kitchen smells, and how every bite feels like a hug.
Let’s make it!
🧾 What You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 ½ cups roasted salted peanuts
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve been making this recipe since college, when my roommate’s mom sent us a batch in a care package. I begged for the recipe and never stopped making it since. Here’s why it’s still a favorite:
- That caramel crunch! Each bite is perfectly crisp and coated.
- Salty-sweet balance from the peanuts and pretzels.
- Perfect for gifting or snacking—just bag it up and go.
- Stays fresh for days, if you can resist finishing it.
👩🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Baking soda helps the caramel foam slightly and lighten in texture, making it coat the mix evenly.
- Corn syrup prevents sugar from crystallizing, giving you a smooth, glossy caramel.
- Oven baking dries out the coating and locks in the crunch.
🍿 Makes 10 servings
⏱️ Total time: 1 hour (15 minutes active, 45 minutes baking)
🧠 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the baking step – it’s tempting, but the oven sets the caramel so it’s crisp, not sticky.
- Overcooking the caramel – once it boils, don’t leave it alone!
- Not stirring during baking – you’ll end up with uneven clumps.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Hot apple cider or mulled wine
- Vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping
- Sharp cheddar cheese (trust me!)
- A good rom-com or board game night
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use almonds or cashews instead of peanuts
- Swap in honey for corn syrup (flavor will change slightly)
- Use gluten-free pretzels & Chex for a gluten-free version
- Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to spice it up
- Mix in chocolate chips after baking for a candy twist
⏳ Make Ahead Tips
You can make this up to 1 week ahead. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bags at room temp.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 1 ½ cups roasted salted peanuts
Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
Add: - 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
Stir constantly until it starts to boil. Let it bubble gently for 3 minutes, stirring often.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda & Vanilla
Turn off the heat. Quickly stir in:
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
The caramel will foam up a bit—totally normal.
Step 5: Coat the Mix
Pour the hot caramel sauce over the Chex mix. Use a rubber spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Bake and Stir
Spread the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250°F for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to coat evenly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break into chunks and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if using.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
- Keep in the fridge if it’s super humid—just let it come to room temp before serving.
- You can also freeze it! Just thaw in an open container so it doesn’t get soggy.
❓ FAQ
Can I use microwave popcorn instead of cereal?
Nope! It won’t hold the caramel the same way and gets soggy fast.
Do I have to stir it while baking?
Yes! It helps everything stay evenly coated and crunchy.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally—just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Caramel Nut Chex Mix is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, cozy, and makes your whole house smell like a dream. Give it a try, and if you do—drop a comment and let me know how it turned out or if you have any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy snacking! 🍯🥨💛
