If you are hosting a large gathering or just want to make a nice treat to share with friends, look no further! Caramel sweet chex is an addictive, buttery snack that will please everyone. It consists of rice chex cereal coated in a luscious caramel made from butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. It has a chewy yet crisp texture when set. You will find yourself going back for more and more and more! Plus, it is easy to make and requires no baking!
If you have followed my blog for a while, you know that I love cereal treats. I seem to have too many hobbies, so I love time-saving recipes that are fast but still taste delicious. As a stay-at-home mom of two, my personal free time is insanely limited. It doesn’t help that my two-year old rarely naps. He hasn't napped in the past 5 days! If you have suggestions, drop them in the comments below. Sometimes even going for a drive doesn’t work.
Here are some other great cereal treat recipes that you will want to check out on the blog!
About Caramel Sweet Chex
This caramel sweet chex is also known as simply sweet chex in my family. I figured “caramel” is a better descriptor of what this treat actually tastes like since “sweet” is pretty arbitrary. The instructions may seem a little odd since you cook the caramel mixture over the stove and then continue to “cook” it in the microwave. Trust me though, it works and it tastes absolutely amazing. The coating has some crunch but is still easy to eat and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth.
Common FAQs
This is one step that is critical for success. Over medium heat, you will need to melt the butter with the brown sugar and corn syrup. Once it comes to a full, steady boil, only then should you start timing 90 seconds. You should be stirring constantly and the mixture will be quite bubbly. After about 1 minute, you may need to decrease the stove slightly. The mixture should be like a pourable caramel when adding it to the chex.
For most microwaves, a total of four 1-minute increments should be adequate. It is important to stir after each minute to prevent scorching. This will help the caramel mixture firm up.
The margarine is an absolute no. I have not personally tested vegan butter but it should work as long as it is 80% fat (which is the same as butter).
Once it has completely cooled, you will want to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Chances are, you won't have many leftovers for long. You could also try freezing it to be enjoyed at a later date, if desired.
The nuts are completely optional but I highly recommend them since they add a nice texture and flavor. After the mixture has completely cooled, you can also add pretzels or M&Ms for some added color and crunch!
If you really want to make this recipe festive for fall, you could stir in some candy corn or candy corn pumpkins after the caramel chex has cooled completely. I personally do not care for candy corn, but I think it is cute and know that some people really enjoy it. Just a thought!
With that, I hope you can make some caramel chex soon!
Caramel Sweet Chex
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- 1 12.8-ounce rice chex cereal, see note below
- 1 cup salted cashews or peanuts, optional
Instructions
- Combine the cereal and nuts (if using) in a large, microwaveable bowl. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a rolling boil. Boil for 1½ minutes, stirring constantly. See FAQ section above.
- Immediately remove from heat and pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and nuts. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Microwave the caramel cereal mixture for 1 minute on full power. Stir well after heating and repeat this process 3 more times, stirring after each minute of heating. The mixture should be heated for a total of 4 minutes.
- Spread in an even layer on two large, rimmed trays lined with parchment paper. The caramel chex will harden as it cools. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Notes
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Nice snack!
This caramel Chex was such a hit at a party with friends! I will definitely be making this again!
Mine was good! The flavor was really good. I don't think mine "hardened" up right. It has a more gooey texture than a crunch. Don't know what I would of done wrong.
I'd say next time try boiling the mixture an extra 30 seconds. Otherwise, try microwaving for an extra minute. All microwaves vary, so I will be sure to add a note about this. Thanks for trying my recipe!
These turned out wonderfully! A definite keeper!