This Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is the perfect combo of sweet and crunchy! With tasty Chex cereal coated in cinnamon and sugar, it makes a fun snack for all ages.
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking a handful when I make this. It’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 I love serving it in a big bowl while watching movies. So good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex Cereal: This is the base of the Chex Mix and gives it a great crunch. If you can’t find Rice Chex, use Corn Chex for a slightly different flavor. Just keep the texture in mind.
Pretzels: I used regular pretzels for that added crunch and saltiness, but you can swap these for pretzel sticks or even bagel chips! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, make sure to select gluten-free pretzels.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re out, you can use coconut oil or margarine instead. Just know it might change the taste slightly.
Granulated Sugar: The sweetness is essential here, but you can replace it with brown sugar for a richer flavor or use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar if you want a healthier twist.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice is what makes the mix aromatic! If you don’t have cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice can work in a pinch. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
How Do I Ensure the Chex Mix is Evenly Coated?
Coating your Chex Mix so each piece gets that delicious cinnamon sugar is key! Here’s a few tips to help you out:
- Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before mixing with the sugar and spices. This helps with easier coating.
- After pouring the mixture over the cereal and pretzels, use a large spatula to gently fold and lift the mix. This method prevents breakage and ensures even coverage.
- Don’t rush the baking process! Stirring every 15 minutes helps the mix bake evenly and prevents any pieces from burning.
Let the mix cool completely before storing. It will crisp up nicely during this time, giving you the perfect munchable snack!
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Cereal and Snacks:
- 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 1 cup pretzels
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes to bake. You’ll be enjoying your Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix in about an hour! Plus, it’s super easy, so it’s perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make clean up a breeze.
2. Mix the Cereal and Pretzels:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal and pretzels. Give it a gentle mix to ensure they are somewhat evenly distributed. Set this aside while you prepare the cinnamon sugar mixture.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is well mixed.
4. Coat the Cereal Mixture:
Now carefully pour the cinnamon sugar butter mixture over the Rice Chex and pretzels. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently stir, ensuring every piece gets coated with that delicious mixture.
5. Spread on Baking Sheet:
Spread the coated mix evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This step is important as it will help it bake evenly!
6. Bake the Chex Mix:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Don’t forget to stir the mix every 15 minutes to help it evenly cook and avoid burning.
7. Cool it Down:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, it will crisp up beautifully!
8. Store and Enjoy:
After it’s cool, transfer your Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix to a serving bowl or store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for snacking whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and crunchy!
Enjoy your delicious homemade Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix while watching a movie, at a party, or just whenever you want a tasty treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Chex Cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex works great, you can substitute with Corn Chex or even Wheat Chex for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. This will help maintain its crunchiness. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just let it thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Sure! You can mix in nuts, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it may affect the overall coating.
What If I Don’t Have Unsalted Butter?
No worries! You can use salted butter instead. Just reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
