Description
This easy homemade Chex Mix features a sweet, caramelized praline coating, crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, and toasted pecans. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties, gifting, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or Wheat Chex)
- 2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup unsalted butter (226g)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (120ml)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: mini marshmallows
- Optional: chocolate chips
- Optional: shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, and pecan halves. Toss gently to mix.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the mixture is glossy and smooth (about 4-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam up; stir until fully combined.
- Immediately pour the hot praline mixture over the cereal mixture. Toss quickly and thoroughly to coat all pieces.
- Spread the coated mix onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Break up any large clumps.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, tossing gently halfway through. Look for a golden brown color and caramel aroma.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for at least 30 minutes. The mix will crisp up as it cools.
- Once cool, fold in optional mix-ins like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut if desired.
- Serve at room temperature or store in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Notes
For gluten-free, use only Rice and Corn Chex and gluten-free pretzels. For nut-free, substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds for pecans. Vegan adaptation: use plant-based margarine and maple syrup instead of butter and corn syrup. Stir halfway through baking for even crispness. Let cool completely before storing for maximum crunch. Add-ins like marshmallows or chocolate chips should be added after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: chex mix, praline, sweet snack, caramel, pecans, homemade, party food, easy recipe, southern, crunchy, holiday, gifting