This Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix is the perfect combination of crunchy, buttery, sweet, and salty flavors. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday gift bags, or just a snack to enjoy at home, this addicting treat is a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The toffee coating adds a rich sweetness, while pretzels and nuts provide a salty crunch.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for holiday treats, game nights, or snacking on the go.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit dietary preferences or taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rice Chex cereal
- Corn Chex cereal
- Pretzels
- Mixed nuts or almonds
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Light corn syrup
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts. Set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until smooth and bubbling.
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly.
- Pour the toffee mixture over the dry ingredients, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt while still warm.
- Let the mix cool completely before breaking into bite-sized pieces.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 10-12 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the toffee mixture for a warm spice.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in peanut butter chips or Reese’s Pieces after baking.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the nuts and use sunflower seeds or extra pretzels instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If the mix softens, bake for a few minutes at 250°F to crisp it up.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! You can use other cereal varieties like Wheat Chex or Honey Nut Chex for added flavor.
How do I prevent the toffee from getting too hard?
Be sure to stir frequently and don’t overcook the toffee mixture, as it can harden too much when cooled.
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes! You can mix everything in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until coated and crispy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free Chex cereal and pretzels to make this gluten-free-friendly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stays fresh for about a week when stored properly, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
What’s the best way to package this for gifts?
Use holiday-themed treat bags or mason jars for a festive and easy-to-share snack.
Can I double the batch?
Yes! Simply use a larger baking sheet and make sure everything is evenly coated and spread out.
Why is my Chex Mix sticking together?
It may not have been stirred enough during baking. Be sure to mix every 15 minutes to keep pieces separate.
Can I add popcorn to this mix?
Yes! Popcorn is a great addition and adds another layer of texture. Just mix it in after baking.
How do I keep the mix crunchy?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid humid environments.
Conclusion
This Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix is the ultimate combination of crunchy, buttery, sweet, and salty goodness. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a party treat, or a homemade gift, it’s sure to be a favorite. Try out different variations and share the love with family and friends!
Print
Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 8 cups 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This crunchy, sweet, and salty snack mix is packed with crispy Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts, all coated in a buttery toffee glaze. It’s an addicting treat that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or just snacking at home!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pretzels (mini twists or sticks)
- 1 cup pecans (or almonds, cashews)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or honey)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for drizzling)
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, pretzels, and pecans.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal!
- Immediately pour the toffee mixture over the Chex mix, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely. If using chocolate chips, melt them and drizzle over the cooled mix. Add M&M’s if desired.
- Once fully cooled, break into clusters and enjoy!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For extra crunch, add popcorn or crushed pretzel sticks.
- Swap the nuts for sunflower seeds to make it nut-free.
- White chocolate drizzle adds a festive touch for holidays!