Addicting Toffee Chex Mix (Crispy Caramel Brittle) Recipe

Introduction

This Addicting Toffee Chex Mix is a delightful snack combining crispy caramel brittle with crunchy cereal and nuts. Its airy, sweet coating makes it irresistible for munching anytime or sharing as a gift. Perfect for holiday treats or casual snacking.

Ingredients

• 8–9 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex or mix of Rice & Corn)
• 1 1/2 cups nuts (pecan halves or walnuts)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g / 2 sticks)
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda (crucial for toffee texture)
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper. In a very large heatproof bowl, combine the Chex cereal and nuts. To help prevent premature toffee setting, warm the bowl by rinsing with hot water, then dry it.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and continue boiling without stirring for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately whisk in vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam, lighten in color, and expand, creating the airy brittle texture.
4. Step 4: Quickly pour the foaming toffee over the cereal and nuts. Using a silicone spatula, fold and toss the mixture thoroughly to coat every piece evenly, scraping from the bottom to avoid dry pockets.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to redistribute the syrup and ensure crisping. The mix is done when pieces feel dry and light, not tacky.
6. Step 6: Allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet for 30–45 minutes; it will harden as it cools. Break into bite-sized shards before storing.

Tips & Variations

• Use mixed nuts or add pretzels and coconut flakes after baking for extra texture and flavor.
• Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a savory contrast.
• If your pieces remain tacky after cooling, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, stirring once to crisp them fully.

Storage

Store the cooled toffee Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To refresh crispness, you can briefly warm it in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts or cereal?

Yes, mixed nuts like almonds or cashews work well, and you can mix Rice Chex with Corn Chex or use only one type, depending on your preference.

Why is baking soda important in the recipe?

The baking soda causes the toffee to foam and create tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle a light, crisp texture instead of a dense candy coating.

Addicting Toffee Chex Mix (Crispy Caramel Brittle) Recipe

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Addicting Toffee Chex Mix is a crispy caramel brittle snack featuring crunchy Chex cereal and nuts coated in a buttery toffee glaze. This irresistible treat combines a rich caramel flavor with a light, airy texture created by baking soda in the toffee, resulting in an addictively crisp and glossy mix perfect for snacking, gifting, or parties.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: About 10 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cereal & Nuts

• 8–9 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex or mix of Rice & Corn)
• 1 1/2 cups nuts (pecan halves or walnuts)

Toffee Coating

• 1 cup unsalted butter (226 g / 2 sticks)
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine salt

Instructions

1. Preheat & Set Up: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet or two with parchment paper. In a very large heatproof bowl, combine 8–9 cups of Chex cereal and 1 1/2 cups of nuts. Set the bowl near the stove, and if possible, warm the bowl under hot water and dry it to slightly warm it, which helps prevent the toffee from seizing.
2. Boil the Toffee: In a medium saucepan, melt together 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup over medium-high heat, stirring until smooth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then let it boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Use a saucepan with high sides as the mixture will expand later when baking soda is added.
3. Create the Toffee Reaction: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, and 1 teaspoon baking soda. The mixture will foam, lighten in color, and expand due to carbon dioxide bubbles, creating the airy and crisp brittle texture. Be cautious of hot sugar burns during this step.
4. Coat the Mix (Work Quickly): Pour the foaming toffee syrup over the cereal and nuts. Using a silicone spatula, fold and toss quickly until every piece is glossy and fully coated. Be sure to scrape from the bottom and rotate the bowl to prevent any dry pockets.
5. Bake the Addicting Toffee Chex Mix: Spread the coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake in the preheated oven for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to redistribute the syrup and ensure even crisping. The mix is done when pieces feel dry and light, without any tackiness.
6. Cool, Break & Store: Allow the Chex mix to cool completely on the pan for 30–45 minutes; it will harden as it cools. Once cooled, break into bite-sized shards. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For gifting, pack into cellophane bags and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: The mix stays crisp for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container.
• Variations: Substitute mixed nuts or add pretzels or coconut flakes after baking. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
• Troubleshooting: If pieces remain tacky after cooling, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, stirring once during baking.

Keywords: toffee chex mix, caramel brittle snack, Chex cereal recipe, crunchy caramel mix, holiday snack mix, homemade snack