Indulge in the irresistible delight of Caramel Churro Chex Mix – a sweet and salty party mix infused with cinnamon and sugar that promises to be an absolute crowd-pleaser. This remarkably simple recipe creates a light, crispy, and utterly delicious snack that no one will be able to resist!
About a year ago, my dear friend Gail shared the secret to this amazing Caramel Churro Chex Mix with me. The recipe card found its cozy spot in my collection of “recipes to make,” constantly calling my name. Despite numerous mental notes to whip up a batch, life often got in the way, and I found myself postponing this delightful creation. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer you today, it’s this: **DO NOT delay making this incredible sweet snack mix!**
Seriously, this sweet Chex mix quickly soared to the top of my all-time favorite homemade treats. And if you’re a long-time reader of this blog, you know I have a vast collection of delicious snack mix recipes. For a new one to claim such a high rank truly speaks volumes about its undeniable appeal and addictiveness. This isn’t just another snack; it’s a game-changer for parties, gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. The perfect blend of sweet caramel, warm cinnamon, and a hint of salt creates a flavor profile that echoes the beloved churro, transformed into a convenient, crunchy party mix.
Crispix Cereal vs. Chex Cereal: The Best Base for Your Churro Mix
Despite its popular moniker, “Churro Chex Mix,” this particular recipe actually calls for Crispix cereal. So, technically, one might argue it should be called a “Crispix Mix!” This distinction is important because while both are excellent choices for snack mixes, Crispix offers unique qualities that truly elevate this churro-inspired treat. Its hexagon shape and airy center, with one side made of rice and the other of corn, provide a delightful dual texture and a robust crispness that holds up beautifully to the sweet caramel coating.
I often gravitate towards Crispix cereal for my party mix creations. For instance, I have another fantastic recipe called Candy Coated Crispix Mix, which features a luscious caramel coating studded with peanuts and M&Ms. The reason Crispix works so well is its slightly larger size and distinctive texture compared to traditional Chex cereals. While Chex comes in various flavors and a square shape, Crispix provides that signature light yet sturdy base, absorbing the caramel without becoming soggy.
However, I understand that Crispix can sometimes be a little tricky to find in certain grocery stores. If you encounter this challenge, fret not! There’s a simple and equally delicious solution: use a combination of half corn Chex and half rice Chex cereals. This blend will replicate the flavor profile and crisp texture of Crispix, ensuring you achieve the same fantastic outcome for your Churro mix. Ultimately, Crispix cereal was developed to compete with Chex, making them highly interchangeable for many recipes, especially when coated in a rich, flavorful caramel. Don’t let cereal choice deter you from making this mouthwatering sweet snack!
Effortless Perfection: How to Make Caramel Churro Chex Mix
You’ll be delighted by just how straightforward this recipe is – another reason I feel a touch of embarrassment for not sharing it with you sooner! My original intention was to debut this recipe for Cinco de Mayo, imagining it as the ultimate festive party food. Wouldn’t it have been a fantastic addition to any celebration? But alas, as a self-proclaimed procrastinator (or “procrastinador” in Spanish!), I let time slip away. Thankfully, this incredibly easy snack mix is perfect for any occasion, year-round.
The process begins with a simple yet essential step: mixing cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl. This fragrant blend will be sprinkled over the caramel-coated cereal, creating that signature churro flavor. Next, in a saucepan, you’ll melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, well-combined caramel base. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. This magical ingredient is crucial; it reacts with the caramel to create a light, crunchy candy coating that adheres perfectly to the cereal, preventing it from becoming overly sticky and giving it that satisfying snap.
Carefully pour the warm caramel mixture over your chosen cereal in a large bowl, then stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. This ensures maximum flavor and crunch in every bite. Spread the coated cereal in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet, then generously sprinkle half of your cinnamon-sugar mixture over it. After baking for a few minutes, you’ll flip the mix and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar to ensure full coverage and a consistent churro-like experience. Bake until golden brown and aromatic, then let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling is vital for the caramel to fully harden and become delightfully crispy. Once cooled, store your Caramel Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch. This delightful cinnamon Chex mix makes excellent homemade gifts for the holidays, thoughtful teacher appreciation gifts, or a sweet gesture for hostesses any time of the year. Simply package it in a charming jar with a festive tag and a pretty ribbon for a personalized touch.
LOVE IT? Pin it for Later!
Don’t want to forget this fantastic recipe? Be sure to pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest! This way, you can easily access it whenever you’re ready to whip up a batch of this crowd-pleasing snack. You’ll also find a convenient printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for easy reference in your kitchen.
Beyond Churros: Other Irresistible Party Mix Snack Ideas and Recipes
Whether I’m hosting a lively party, enjoying a casual game night with friends, or simply relaxing by the pool, a delicious snack mix is always a perfect choice. These versatile treats offer convenience and immense satisfaction, allowing guests to grab a handful and continue mingling or playing without interruption. The beauty of party mixes lies in their diverse appeal – whether sweet or savory, they consistently hit the spot and leave everyone wanting more. The communal aspect of a large bowl of snack mix fosters a sense of sharing and enjoyment, making them indispensable for any social gathering.
For those who adore snack mixes as much as I do, here are some of my all-time favorites that are guaranteed to delight any crowd and cater to a spectrum of tastes:
Some of my Favorite Snack Mix Recipes:
- Better Than Sex Chex Mix: An undeniably decadent and rich mix that lives up to its name, perfect for chocolate and peanut butter lovers.
- Chocolate Raspberry Puppy Chow: A fruity and chocolatey twist on a classic, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Crock Pot Chex Mix: The ultimate savory mix, made effortlessly in your slow cooker, bursting with a savory, garlicky flavor.
- Lemonade Chex Mix: A bright, zesty, and refreshing sweet-tart mix that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Mix: A unique blend of sweet chocolate, warming spices, and a hint of heat for an exciting flavor adventure.
- Winter Wonderland Chex Mix: A festive, white-chocolate-coated mix adorned with sprinkles, ideal for holiday celebrations.
- Buckeye Snack Mix: Inspired by the classic peanut butter and chocolate treat, this mix is a dream for candy enthusiasts.
For even more inspiration, explore a treasure trove of delicious popcorn and snack mixes in this comprehensive Snack Mix Recipe Round-Up. This collection is regularly updated, so be sure to pin it for easy access to new favorites!
Whether you choose this amazing Caramel Churro Chex Mix or any of the other fantastic options, a handful of these delicious treats is sure to make your tummy incredibly happy!
It’s time to dive into this sensational Churro Chex recipe! A heartfelt thank you to my dear friend, Gail, for sharing this amazing recipe and bringing so much sweetness into our lives. Enjoy every crispy, cinnamony, caramel-coated bite!
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Print Recipe
Caramel Churro Chex Mix Recipe
5 mins
15 mins
20 mins
Equipment
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 9 cups Crispix Cereal
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 stick salted butter
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and 2/3 cup sugar. Set aside.
- Pour the Crispix cereal into a very large bowl.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue boiling for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Remove the caramel mixture from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up, creating a light and airy texture.
- Pour the warm caramel mixture over the cereal in the large bowl and carefully stir until all the cereal pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cereal.
- Bake for 5 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, gently flip the mixture over, and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Bake for an additional 3 minutes. The cereal should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for the caramel to crisp up properly. Once fully cooled, store your Caramel Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 218 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 41g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 6g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 16mg |
Sodium: 191mg |
Sugar: 27g