Sweet & Crunchy Corn Cereal Delight Mix
Indulge in this Sweet & Crunchy Corn Cereal Delight Mix, a delightful combination of crispy corn and rice cereals coated in a rich, buttery glaze. Perfect for sharing at parties, enjoying as an after-school snack, or as a guilt-free treat during movie night, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it combines the nostalgia of childhood breakfasts with a tasty twist that will keep you coming back for more. Dive into this sweet snack, and elevate your gatherings with its delightful crunch and irresistible flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crunchy corn and crispy rice cereal
1 ((18 ounce) box)
Brown sugar
2 (cups, packed)
Butter
1 (cup)
Light corn syrup
1/2 (cup)
Salt
1 (pinch)
Baking soda
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
2
Lightly spray a large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
Pour the crunchy corn and crispy rice cereal into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
4
In a medium saucepan (about 3 quarts), combine the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil, about 8-10 minutes.
5
Once boiling, stir continuously for an additional minute, then remove from heat.
6
Quickly add the baking soda and a pinch of salt to the syrup mixture, stirring well to combine. The mixture will bubble; this is normal.
7
Pour the syrup mixture over the cereal in the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the cereal, ensuring each piece is well coated in the sweet syrup.
8
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating. The mix is done when the syrup is set and the cereal is golden brown.
9
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and spread the snack mix onto sheets of waxed paper to cool for about 10 minutes.
10
After cooling, break the mix apart into clusters and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet & Crunchy Corn Cereal Delight Mix?
It is a sweet snack mix consisting of crunchy corn and rice cereals coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze and baked until crispy.
What temperature should the oven be for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 250°F (120°C).
What type of cereal is required?
You will need one 18-ounce box of crunchy corn and crispy rice cereal.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of packed brown sugar.
How much butter do I need?
You will need 1 cup of butter for the syrup mixture.
What is the purpose of the light corn syrup?
The light corn syrup helps create a smooth, glossy glaze and prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
How long should I boil the sugar and butter mixture?
Heat the mixture over medium heat until it reaches a rolling boil, which takes about 8-10 minutes, then stir for 1 additional minute.
Why is baking soda added to the syrup?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar to create carbon dioxide bubbles, which makes the coating light and airy rather than hard and dense.
Should I grease the roasting pan?
Yes, lightly spray a large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cereal from sticking.
How do I coat the cereal with the syrup?
Pour the hot syrup over the cereal in the roasting pan and use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss until every piece is coated.
How long does the snack mix need to bake?
Bake the mix for 40-50 minutes in the preheated oven.
Do I need to stir the mix while it is in the oven?
Yes, stir the cereal every 15 minutes during the baking process to ensure an even coating and prevent burning.
How do I know when the cereal mix is done?
The mix is finished when the syrup has set and the cereal pieces appear golden brown.
What should I do after removing the pan from the oven?
Spread the snack mix onto sheets of waxed paper to cool for about 10 minutes.
When should I break the mix into clusters?
Once the mix has cooled on the waxed paper for about 10 minutes, you can break it apart into clusters.
What is the best way to store the snack mix?
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: cereal, brown sugar, butter, light corn syrup, salt, and baking soda.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
You can, but it will result in a deeper molasses flavor and a darker color for the final snack mix.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
A pinch of salt is used to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
What if the syrup bubbles when I add the baking soda?
This is normal and expected; the reaction between the ingredients causes the mixture to foam up.
Can I add nuts to this mix?
Yes, you can add nuts like pecans or peanuts to the cereal before pouring the syrup for extra crunch.
Is this recipe suitable for movie nights?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect guilt-free treat for movie nights or parties.
Can I use a different type of cereal?
While the recipe specifies crunchy corn and rice cereal, you can experiment with other sturdy cereals that hold up well to thick glazes.
How many cups of cereal are in an 18 ounce box?
An 18-ounce box typically contains about 10 to 12 cups of cereal depending on the brand.
Does the recipe require vanilla extract?
The base recipe does not require it, but you can add a teaspoon of vanilla when adding the baking soda for extra flavor.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe in smaller batches?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients, but ensure you adjust the saucepan size accordingly.
What should I do if the mix stays sticky?
If it is still sticky after 50 minutes, bake it for another 5-10 minutes. The sugars must reach the correct stage to harden properly.
Can I use parchment paper instead of waxed paper?
Yes, parchment paper works just as well for cooling the cereal mix without sticking.
Is this snack mix gluten-free?
It depends on the specific brand of corn and rice cereal you use; check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.