Addicting Toffee Chex Mix (Crispy Caramel Brittle) Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
