Sweet Maple Nut Crunch Mix
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweet Maple Nut Crunch Mix, a perfect treat for any festive occasion. This scrumptious twist on the classic Chex Party Mix brings together the rich sweetness of maple syrup, crunchy nuts, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels, mixed cereals, and oyster crackers. A blend of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Crispix cereal are generously coated in a caramel-like mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and maple flavoring, ensuring every bite is filled with flavor. It's a family favorite at our Thanksmas celebrations and is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. This mix is incredibly rich and delightful, making it an excellent addition to holiday parties or as a sweet snack to enjoy throughout the day.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 cups (Melted)
Brown Sugar
2 cups (Packed)
Maple Extract
1 (2 ounce) bottle (Liquid)
Mixed Nuts
2 cups (Unsalted, whole or chopped)
Pretzels
2 cups (Regular or bite-sized)
Corn Chex
14 cups (Cereal)
Rice Chex
14 cups (Cereal)
Crispix Cereal
14 cups (Cereal)
Oyster Crackers
2 cups (Whole)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
2
In a large roasting pan, melt the butter over low heat, stirring frequently.
3
Once melted, add the brown sugar and maple flavoring to the butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
4
Add the mixed nuts to the pan and stir to coat them completely in the buttery mixture.
5
Add the pretzels next, mixing until they are well coated as well.
6
Gradually stir in the Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Crispix cereal, making sure all the cereal pieces are evenly coated.
7
Finally, gently fold in the oyster crackers, ensuring everything is well mixed.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let the mix cool in the pan. If needed, break apart any large clusters.
10
Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Maple Nut Crunch Mix?
It is a sweet and crunchy twist on the classic Chex Party Mix that features maple syrup flavoring, mixed nuts, pretzels, and three types of cereal.
What cereals are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 14 cups each of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Crispix cereal.
What temperature should I set the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) for a low and slow bake.
How much butter is required for the mix?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of melted butter.
How do I get the maple flavor in this snack mix?
The maple flavor comes from a one 2-ounce bottle of maple extract added to the butter and sugar mixture.
How long does the mix need to bake?
Bake the mix in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes.
Do I need to stir the mix while it is baking?
Yes, you should stir the mix every 15 minutes to ensure an even coating and to prevent any pieces from burning.
What kind of nuts should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 cups of unsalted mixed nuts, which can be either whole or chopped.
Should the brown sugar be packed?
Yes, you should use 2 cups of packed brown sugar for the coating.
What type of pretzels are best for this recipe?
You can use 2 cups of either regular or bite-sized pretzels.
When do I add the oyster crackers?
Oyster crackers are folded in gently at the very end, after the cereal has been coated with the butter mixture.
How do I store the Sweet Maple Nut Crunch Mix?
Store the cooled mix in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
How many cups of oyster crackers are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whole oyster crackers.
Should I melt the butter on high heat?
No, you should melt the butter over low heat in a large roasting pan to avoid scorching it.
How do I know when the butter and sugar mixture is ready?
Stir until the mixture is smooth and the brown sugar has completely dissolved into the butter.
Is this a good recipe for holiday parties?
Absolutely, it is described as an excellent addition to festive occasions and holiday parties like Thanksmas.
Can I use salted nuts instead of unsalted?
While the recipe specifies unsalted, you can use salted nuts, though it may make the overall mix significantly saltier.
What should I do after the mix comes out of the oven?
Let the mix cool completely in the pan and break apart any large clusters before storing.
What kind of pan is recommended for this recipe?
A large roasting pan is recommended because of the high volume of cereal and crackers.
How many total cups of cereal are in this recipe?
There are 42 cups of cereal in total (14 cups each of Corn Chex, Rice Chex, and Crispix).
Is the coating similar to caramel?
Yes, the combination of melted butter and brown sugar creates a caramel-like mixture that coats the pieces.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, it is a family favorite and an easy recipe, though adults should handle the stovetop melting and oven baking.
What is the preparation for the maple extract?
The maple extract is used in liquid form and should be stirred into the butter and sugar mixture.
Is this mix a savory or sweet snack?
It is primarily a sweet snack, designed to satisfy a sweet tooth with its maple and brown sugar coating.
What order should I add the ingredients to the pan?
Melt butter first, add sugar and flavoring, then nuts, then pretzels, followed by cereals, and finally oyster crackers.
Can I use other types of Chex cereal?
While the recipe calls for Corn and Rice Chex, you could likely substitute Wheat Chex, though the flavor and texture will vary.
Does the recipe contain any fiber or protein information?
The nutritional values for fiber and protein are not specified in this particular recipe data.
How do I ensure the cereal pieces are evenly coated?
Gradually stir in the cereals and oyster crackers, making sure to mix thoroughly so every piece is covered.
What is 'Crispix' cereal?
Crispix is a dual-grain cereal (usually corn and rice) that has a hexagonal shape, similar to Chex, and adds great crunch to the mix.
Can I add chocolate to this mix?
The recipe doesn't call for it, but if you want to add chocolate, wait until the mix is completely cool so the chocolate doesn't melt.