Description
Irresistible sweet & salty toffee chex mix delights snack enthusiasts with its perfect balance of crunchy cereal and caramel goodness. Delectable clusters combine brown sugar, butter, and pecans for an addictive treat you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light corn syrup (or honey)
- 4 cups rice chex cereal
- 2 cups corn chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 1 cup pecans (or almonds, cashews)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
- ½ cup M&Ms (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack at center and preheat to 250°F (120°C), line large baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless release.
- Mixing Base: Thoroughly combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and pecans in expansive mixing bowl, ensuring uniform ingredient distribution.
- Toffee Creation: Melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup in heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously until mixture transforms into smooth, bubbling caramel.
- Flavor Enhancement: Remove toffee from heat and vigorously stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt, which will generate a light, airy foam.
- Coating Process: Gently cascade warm toffee over Chex mixture, meticulously folding to guarantee comprehensive ingredient coverage.
- Baking Technique: Spread coated mixture across prepared baking sheet in thin, even layer, then slide into preheated oven for 45 minutes, rotating pan every 15 minutes to promote consistent caramelization.
- Cooling and Finishing: Extract from oven, allow complete cooling at room temperature, then optionally drizzle melted chocolate and scatter M&Ms for additional complexity and visual intrigue.
- Serving: Fracture into rustic clusters and present as an irresistible sweet-savory snack.
Notes
- Prevent Burning Carefully: Stir the mixture every 15 minutes during baking to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching the delicate ingredients.
- Control Toffee Consistency: Watch the toffee closely when simmering to achieve the perfect golden color without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
- Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for alternative textures and to accommodate nut allergies or personal preferences.
- Maximize Cooling Process: Allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet to help clusters form naturally and develop a satisfying crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg