Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix
Transform leftover cereal into a delightful snack that even the pickiest of eaters will love! This Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix is the ultimate sweet and salty treat, combining your choice of cereals with crunchy pretzels and roasted peanuts, all enveloped in a rich caramel coating. Perfect for movie nights, lunch boxes, or satisfying that afternoon munchies craving, this versatile recipe allows you to use any cereal you have on hand, such as Kix, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, Cheerios, or Cocoa Puffs. Feel free to experiment with various pretzel types, including the big sourdough varieties—just give them a gentle crush for added texture. Remember, safety first: handle the boiling syrup carefully to avoid burns. Have an ice bath at the ready just in case. Enjoy this indulgent mix as a treat, and watch it disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 cup (unsalted)
Brown Sugar
1 cup (packed)
Light Karo Syrup
2 tablespoons
Rice Chex
1 cup
Cheerios
1 cup (toasted oat cereal)
Pretzels
1 cup (stick or mini)
Dry Roasted Peanuts
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, and Karo syrup. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Allow the mixture to boil for 6 minutes without stirring—keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
2
While the caramel mixture is boiling, take a large mixing bowl and combine your choice of cereals, pretzels, and dry roasted peanuts. Feel free to use a combination that best suits your family's preferences.
3
Once the syrup has boiled for 6 minutes, carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal mixture in the bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the caramel.
4
Lay out a sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Pour the sticky mixture onto the waxed paper and spread it out into a thin layer to cool. Once cooled, break it into small chunks.
5
Store the Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. This mix can also be frozen for longer storage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix?
Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix is a sweet and salty snack made by coating a variety of cereals, pretzels, and peanuts in a rich, homemade caramel glaze.
What types of cereal can I use in this recipe?
This recipe is very versatile; you can use Rice Chex, Cheerios, Kix, Apple Jacks, Rice Krispies, or Cocoa Puffs depending on what you have on hand.
What kind of pretzels work best for this mix?
You can use stick or mini pretzels, or even large sourdough varieties if you crush them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
How much butter is needed for the caramel coating?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of unsalted butter.
What type of sugar is used for the caramel?
You should use 1 cup of packed brown sugar to create the caramel.
Is corn syrup necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of light Karo syrup to help create the right consistency for the glaze.
How long should I boil the caramel mixture?
The butter, brown sugar, and syrup mixture should be boiled for exactly 6 minutes.
Should I stir the caramel while it is boiling?
No, you should allow the mixture to boil for 6 minutes without stirring while keeping a close eye on it.
What kind of peanuts should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of dry roasted peanuts.
How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
Use medium heat and monitor the saucepan closely throughout the 6-minute boiling process.
Why is an ice bath recommended?
Boiling syrup can cause severe burns; having an ice bath ready is a safety precaution in case of accidental contact with the hot mixture.
How do I combine the caramel with the dry ingredients?
Pour the hot syrup over the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts in a large bowl, then stir gently with a spatula until everything is evenly coated.
What is the best way to cool the snack mix?
Spread the sticky mixture into a thin layer on a sheet of waxed paper and let it cool completely.
How do I break the mix into pieces?
Once the mixture has cooled and set, you can easily break it into small chunks by hand.
How should I store Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix?
Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy.
Can I freeze this snack mix?
Yes, this mix can be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, the mix sets at room temperature on waxed paper and does not require an oven.
Can I use Rice Chex for this recipe?
Yes, 1 cup of Rice Chex is one of the primary ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I use toasted oat cereal like Cheerios?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 cup of Cheerios or a similar toasted oat cereal.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly treat that is perfect for lunch boxes or after-school snacks.
Can I use Apple Jacks in this mix?
Yes, Apple Jacks are explicitly mentioned as a great cereal option for this recipe.
What if I want a more chocolatey flavor?
The recipe suggests that using Cocoa Puffs as your cereal choice is a great way to experiment with the flavor.
How many ingredients are in the Crunchy Caramel Bliss Mix?
There are 7 main ingredients: butter, brown sugar, Karo syrup, Rice Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, and peanuts.
What is the flavor profile of this snack?
It is a sweet and salty treat featuring a rich caramel glaze over crunchy, salty components.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is often referred to as a 'party mix' and is ideal for movie nights or gatherings.
What heat setting should I use for the syrup?
The syrup should be prepared over medium heat.
Can I use Kix cereal?
Yes, Kix is suggested as a suitable cereal for this bliss mix.
What tools do I need?
You will need a medium saucepan, a large mixing bowl, a spatula or wooden spoon, and waxed paper.
Should the peanuts be salted?
The recipe calls for dry roasted peanuts, which typically provide the salty element needed for the sweet and salty balance.
Can I substitute the light Karo syrup?
The recipe specifically calls for light Karo syrup; while other syrups might work, it may change the final texture of the caramel.