Crispy Caramel Crunch Snack Mix
Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and salty with this Crispy Caramel Crunch Snack Mix. Crafted with love, this recipe combines the rich flavors of buttery caramel with the satisfying crunch of cereals, pretzels, and peanuts. No corn syrup here! Instead, enjoy the wholesome goodness of brown sugar and real butter, creating a delectable treat that will keep your taste buds dancing. Perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or just satisfying those mid-afternoon cravings, this smaller batch recipe yields a perfectly portioned snack for everyone to enjoy without overwhelming leftovers. Once you try this delicious mix, you won’t want to go back to store-bought varieties!
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Butter
1/3 cup (Unsalted, melted)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (Packed)
Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (Pure)
Crispix Cereal
4 cups (Unprepared)
Pretzels
1 cup (Mini or regular)
Salted Peanuts
1 cup (Whole)
M&M's (plain chocolate)
1 cup (Unprepared)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal, pretzels, and salted peanuts, mixing well to ensure an even distribution.
3
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter carefully, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4
Once melted, add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble slightly, creating a rich caramel sauce.
5
Pour the caramel mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
6
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the coated mixture evenly across it.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and stir the mixture carefully to ensure even baking.
8
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes, or until the mix is lightly golden and fragrant.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately transfer the mixture to a large piece of waxed paper to cool.
10
Stir and break apart any clumps as it cools to achieve the desired texture.
11
Once completely cooled, fold in the M&M's (or any chocolate candies of choice) for a finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
15g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Caramel Crunch Snack Mix?
It is a delightful sweet and salty blend of Crispix cereal, pretzels, and peanuts coated in a homemade buttery caramel sauce.
Does this recipe use corn syrup?
No, this recipe is crafted without corn syrup, using brown sugar and real butter to create the caramel instead.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the snack mix.
How much Crispix cereal is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of unprepared Crispix cereal.
How long does the snack mix need to bake?
The total baking time is 16 minutes, divided into two 8-minute intervals with a stir in between.
When should the M&Ms be added?
Fold in the M&Ms or your choice of chocolate candies only after the mixture has completely cooled.
What kind of sugar is used for the caramel coating?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of unsalted, melted butter.
Are the peanuts salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of whole salted peanuts.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
What type of pretzels are best for this mix?
You can use 1 cup of either mini or regular sized pretzels.
Is there cinnamon in this snack mix?
Yes, the caramel sauce includes 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What should I line the baking sheet with?
It is recommended to line the baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking and easy cleanup.
How do I prevent the mix from clumping?
Stir and break apart any clumps as the mixture cools on waxed paper.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 125 calories per serving of this snack mix.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 6 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this snack provide?
This snack mix provides 2 grams of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients required for this recipe.
Why do I need to stir the mixture halfway through baking?
Stirring after 8 minutes ensures that the caramel coating bakes evenly across all the ingredients.
Where should the mix be placed immediately after baking?
Immediately transfer the baked mixture to a large piece of waxed paper to cool.
Can I use different chocolate candies?
Yes, while the recipe suggests M&Ms, you can use any chocolate candies of your choice.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until the mixture bubbles slightly.
Is this a large batch recipe?
This is a smaller batch recipe designed to provide a perfect portion without overwhelming leftovers.
What are the flavor profiles of this snack?
The mix features a rich buttery caramel flavor combined with sweet chocolate and salty peanuts and pretzels.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a homemade snack suitable for beginners.
What type of saucepan should I use?
A medium saucepan over low heat is ideal for melting the butter and creating the caramel sauce.
When is this snack mix best served?
It is perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or as a mid-afternoon craving satisfy-er.
What is the preparation for the cinnamon?
The cinnamon should be ground before being added to the caramel mixture.
What happens if I don't stir the mix while cooling?
If not stirred while cooling, the mix may form large clumps rather than the desired individual crunchy pieces.