Better Than Sex Chex Mix Recipe Video

Indulge in the Ultimate Sweet & Salty Experience: The Best Chocolate Chex Mix Recipe

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary journey with this incredible Better Than Sex Chex Mix! It truly offers it ALL: a harmonious blend of rich milk and creamy white chocolate, the delightful crunch of Chex cereal, gooey marshmallows, irresistible caramel, and a hint of peanut butter goodness from Reese’s cups. Each bite is perfectly finished with a delicate sprinkling of sea salt, creating an addictive sweet and salty sensation that’s simply unparalleled. Is it truly better than sex? You be the judge!

Decadent Better Than Sex Chex Mix featuring chocolate, marshmallows, and caramel

The Irresistible Allure of a Sweet Chex Mix

This particular Sweet Chex Mix Recipe with Chocolate made its debut back in 2013, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Since then, it has become an annual tradition, a must-make treat that rarely gets swapped out, except perhaps for our Puppy Love Chow or Valentine’s Trash Mix. While those alternatives are undeniably delicious, there’s something uniquely captivating about this particular mix. It’s more than just a snack; it’s an experience of pure indulgence, a testament to what happens when classic cereal meets a symphony of delectable sweet and salty elements. Every year, it brings smiles and satisfied sighs, cementing its place as a cherished favorite.

Close-up of chocolate-coated Chex Mix with mini peanut butter cups and marshmallows

Crafting the Ultimate Better Than Sex Chocolate Chex Mix

It’s almost scandalous how much sweetness and flavor are packed into this one irresistible snack mix. Imagine crispy chocolate Chex cereal, generously coated and perfectly baked, forming the crunchy foundation. This delightful base is then showered with miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, adding a creamy peanut butter swirl, and soft mini marshmallows that contribute a delightful chew. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. A luscious drizzle of melted caramel weaves through, followed by cascades of both rich milk and smooth white chocolate. To cut through the sweetness and elevate every flavor, a final dusting of coarse sea salt is applied. And if you’re feeling extra festive, a scattering of colorful sprinkles makes it perfect for any celebration. The beauty of this mix lies in its versatility and ability to cater to whatever your sweet heart desires!

Overhead shot of a large batch of Better Than Sex Chex Mix on a baking sheet

Exploring the Name: “Better Than Sex” in Desserts

For generations, the evocative phrase “better than sex” has been playfully adopted to describe dishes of exceptional decadence, particularly in the realm of desserts. This catchy moniker instantly conveys a sense of ultimate indulgence and pleasure. In fact, this playful naming convention has even inspired entire establishments, like the famous “Better Than Sex” dessert restaurant we visited in Key West last year. There, every dessert and cocktail bears a delightfully risqué name, and each offering is crafted to be incredibly rich, luscious, and utterly unforgettable. It’s a culinary experience designed to evoke pure sensory delight.

The concept isn’t new; the classic Better Than Sex Cake, a rich chocolate cake often layered with ooey-gooey whipped cream and decadent caramel, has been a beloved favorite for ages. Its popularity has spawned countless variations, including Better Than Sex pies and various dessert bar recipes, all promising an experience that transcends the ordinary. Even outside the culinary world, the phrase has found its way into pop culture, with a well-known line of makeup boasting mascara that claims to be “better than sex” for its superior performance.

It’s a testament to the power of a name that captures immediate attention and sets high expectations. While some might take offense or question the comparison, it’s largely understood as a hyperbolic expression of extreme deliciousness. Whenever this recipe is shared on social media, there’s always a playful comment about whether one is “doing it wrong” if a snack mix truly surpasses other experiences. But let’s be clear: it’s just a name, a fun way to describe something so incredibly good, so utterly addicting, that you simply can’t stop at just one bite. Call it what you will, but its irresistible nature remains undeniable.

Plate of chocolate Chex Mix with mini peanut butter cups and marshmallows
Close-up of Chex Mix pieces

“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: A Nod to Pop Culture Decadence

Who could forget that iconic scene from “When Harry Met Sally”? That line, delivered with perfect comedic timing, has become a cultural touchstone for moments of profound and undeniable pleasure. I must have seen that movie at least a hundred times, and it never fails to elicit a chuckle. When I first discovered this recipe years ago on Pinterest, it was described using that very phrase, and it immediately clicked. Every time I prepare this delectable mix, I can’t help but think of that memorable scene, recognizing the same level of over-the-top, unabashed enjoyment it inspires. This Chex mix truly embodies that spirit, promising a flavor experience so satisfying that everyone around you will undoubtedly want a taste of what you’re having.

Bowl of Better Than Sex Chex Mix ready to be served

Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Better Than Sex Chex Mix

Creating this decadent Chex mix is surprisingly straightforward, and much of the magic happens right in your microwave! Here’s a detailed look at the simple yet powerful ingredients you’ll need to assemble this sweet and salty masterpiece, along with why each one is essential for achieving that “better than sex” flavor:

  • Chocolate Chex Cereal: The crunchy foundation of our mix. Its light, crispy texture and inherent chocolate flavor provide the perfect base for all the added goodness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and contributes to the chewy, caramelized coating.
  • Butter: Essential for creating that rich, buttery caramel coating that adheres all the delicious elements together.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Helps to prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glossy, and perfectly chewy caramel coating.
  • Baking Soda: A secret ingredient that reacts with the other coating components, making the caramel light and airy, creating that signature crisp-but-chewy texture.
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini’s: These miniature delights bring a creamy, irresistible peanut butter flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the chocolate and adding an extra layer of richness.
  • Miniature Marshmallows: Introduce soft, pillowy pockets of sweetness that melt slightly into the warm mix, providing a wonderful textural counterpoint to the crunchy cereal.
  • Caramels or Caramel Bits: The heart of the gooey caramel drizzle. Using caramel bits (if available) makes melting even easier and more consistent. This adds another layer of buttery, rich flavor.
  • Cream: A splash of cream helps to thin the melted caramel, making it perfectly drizzly and ensuring a smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Milk Chocolate Chips: Provide a classic, sweet, and comforting chocolate flavor for drizzling, adding another layer of smooth chocolatey goodness.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Offer a sweet, vanilla-infused contrast to the milk chocolate and peanut butter, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a distinct creamy note.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: The crucial finishing touch! A sprinkle of coarse sea salt balances the intense sweetness, elevates all the flavors, and creates that highly addictive sweet-and-salty dynamic.
  • Valentine Sprinkles (optional): For a touch of festive flair, especially if you’re making this for a holiday or special occasion, these add color and fun.

Simple Steps to Make This Better Than Sex Chocolate Chex Mix Recipe

Creating this incredibly decadent snack mix is simpler than you might imagine, with most steps utilizing the convenience of your microwave. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve sweet and salty perfection:

Step One: Prepare Your Workspace. Begin by pouring 8 cups of chocolate Chex cereal into a very large microwave-safe bowl. Set this bowl aside for now. Next, line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or waxed paper. This will prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Chocolate Chex cereal in a large bowl, ready for coating

Step Two: Craft the Caramel Coating Base. In a two-cup microwave-safe measuring cup, combine the ¾ cup of packed brown sugar, 6 tablespoons of butter, and 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup. Microwave this mixture on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has dissolved, yielding a smooth, cohesive syrup. Carefully stir in ¼ teaspoon of baking soda until it is fully dissolved. This will create a light, airy texture in your coating.

Caramel coating ingredients in a measuring cup

Step Three: Coat and Bake the Cereal. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the chocolate Chex cereal in the large bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated. Place the bowl back into the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes, making sure to stop and stir the cereal after each minute. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning, creating a perfectly crisp and chewy texture.

Chocolate Chex cereal being stirred in a bowl after coating

Step Four: Cool and Prepare the Base. Spread the coated cereal evenly onto your prepared cookie sheet. Allow it to cool slightly. Once the cereal is cool enough to touch, gently break it into bite-sized clusters. This makes it easier to handle and ensures consistent portioning.

Step Five: Add the Peanut Butter & Marshmallow Goodness. Evenly sprinkle the 1 cup of miniature marshmallows and 1 cup of mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups over the cooled cereal clusters. Distribute them well so every serving gets a taste of these delightful additions.

Marshmallows and mini peanut butter cups sprinkled over Chex Mix

Step Six: Drizzle with Caramel and Chocolate. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the ½ cup of caramel bits (or caramels) and 1 tablespoon of cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Drizzle this rich caramel over the entire Chex mix spread. Next, melt the ½ cup of milk chocolate chips in the microwave using 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle this over the caramel layer. Finally, melt the ½ cup of white chocolate chips in the same manner, being extra vigilant to avoid burning the white chocolate. Drizzle this last layer over the mix.

Melted caramel being drizzled over the Chex Mix

As you add the chocolate drizzles, create a beautiful contrasting pattern.

Milk and white chocolate being drizzled over the Chex Mix

Step Seven: Finish with Sea Salt and Sprinkles. While all the chocolate and caramel drizzles are still wet, generously sprinkle 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt over the entire mixture. This crucial step enhances all the sweet flavors and provides that addictive sweet and salty crunch. If desired, add your Valentine sprinkles or other festive candies for an extra pop of color and celebratory touch.

Sea salt being sprinkled over the wet chocolate and caramel drizzles

Step Eight: Set and Store. Carefully place the cookie sheet with your finished Chex mix into the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel and chocolate drizzles are completely set and firm. Once set, break the mixture into smaller, manageable pieces. Store this delectable treat in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, or in the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture.

Finished Better Than Sex Chex Mix in a heart-shaped bowl

This incredible snack mix is perfect for any occasion! Box it up in charming gift boxes or package it in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon to create fantastic, heartfelt Valentine’s or Galentine’s gifts!

Better Than Sex Chex Mix, presented as 'An Affair from the Heart'

Love This Recipe? Don’t Forget to Pin It!

Are you already dreaming of trying this mouthwatering Better Than Sex Snack Mix, with its perfect blend of caramel and chocolate? We bet you are! Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away. Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board today so you can easily find it whenever that irresistible craving strikes!

Close-up of Better Than Sex Chex Mix, with a piece being pulled

Explore More Irresistible Snack Mix Recipes to Drool Over

Nothing captures the attention and delight of a crowd quite like a delicious snack mix! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, popcorn and snack mix recipes are always a guaranteed hit. But you don’t need a party invitation to whip up a batch of something amazing. The mood can strike anytime, making it the perfect excuse to create a batch of classic Chex Mix, indulgent Muddy Buddies, or the ever-popular Puppy Chow. These mixes are fantastic for family game nights, movie marathons, or simply for satisfying that afternoon snack craving!

White Chocolate Strawberry Muddy Buddies

Here are some other fantastic sweet Chex Mix recipes you absolutely must try:

  • White Chocolate Strawberry Muddy Buddies (as pictured above, a sweet, fruity delight!)
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Mix (for those who love a hint of spice with their chocolate)
  • Caramel Churro Chex Mix (a cinnamon-sugar coated dream with caramel notes)
  • Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies (for the ultimate peanut butter lover!)
  • Crack Corn a.k.a. Candy Coated Popcorn (an addictively crunchy and colorful treat)
  • Lemonade Chex Mix (a surprisingly refreshing and tangy twist)
  • Valentine Trash Snack Mix (another festive and delightful mix for the season)
  • Winter Wonderland Snack Mix (perfect for chilly evenings and holiday gatherings)
  • Candy Coated Crispix Mix (a fun and vibrant mix with an extra crispy bite)
We adore noshing on all sorts of snack mixes and popcorns so much that we’ve curated a massive round-up featuring some of the absolute best recipes you can find. Don’t miss out – click the image below to explore a treasure trove of snacking delights!

POPCORN AND SNACK MIXES – PERFECT FOR SNACKING AND SHARING! There’s truly nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade snack mix or popcorn to delight any gathering. This extensive collection offers something for absolutely EVERYONE – whether you crave sweet, spicy, chocolate-covered, healthy options, or mixes bursting with fruits, nuts, and everything imaginable in between. These recipes are perfect for thoughtful gift-giving or throwing the ultimate party! Find your next favorite treat and make every snack time special.

Hero shot of Better Than Sex Chex Mix in a festive bowl

That famous line, “I’ll have what she’s having!” perfectly captures the essence of this delightful treat. This Better Than Sex Chex Mix is guaranteed to be the undisputed hit of your next Valentine’s or Galentine’s party, or any gathering where a truly decadent snack is called for. It’s a crowd-pleaser that sparks conversation and satisfies every sweet and salty craving.

We’ve talked enough about its amazing qualities; now, it’s truly time to dive into the recipe and start creating your own batch of this irresistible indulgence, don’t you think?

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overhead of Better Than Sex Chex Mix in a heart shaped bowl
4.69 from 16 votes

Print Recipe

BETTER than SEX CHEX Mix

This Chex Mix has it ALL!! Milk and white chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, caramel, over sweet Chex cereal, and sprinkled with sea salt. It’s the perfect sweet & salty snack. Better than Sex? Well, you can be the judge! 😉

Prep Time3 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Additional Time30 mins
Total Time41 mins
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BETTER than SEX CHEX Mix, caramel, Chex cereal, chocolate chex mix, marshmallows, milk chocolate, peanut butter cups, recipe, sweet chex mix, white chocolate
Servings: 10 cups
Calories: 536 kcal
Author: An Affair from the Heart

Equipment

  • Rubber Spatulas
  • Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper
  • Glass Batter Bowl
  • Oggi Mixing Bowl, 4 Quart
  • 13×18 Half Sheet Pan

Ingredients

  • 8 cups chocolate Chex cereal
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Mini’s
  • 1 cup miniature marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup caramel bits
  • 1 Tablespoon cream
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Instructions

  1. Pour cereal into a large microwaveable bowl, set aside.
  2. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
  3. In a two-cup microwavable measuring cup, combine sugar, butter and corn syrup.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until melted and smooth. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour mixture over the cereal and stir to coat.
  5. Place bowl in microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes, stopping after each minute to stir.
  6. Spread onto cookie sheet and cool. When cereal is cool to the touch, break into bite sized pieces.
  7. Evenly sprinkle marshmallows and mini peanut butter cups over the cereal.
  8. Melt the caramel and cream in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the top.
  9. Next comes the milk chocolate, melt in 20-second intervals and stir until smooth. Drizzle over the top.
  10. Lastly, the white chocolate. Watch closely, so the chocolate doesn’t burn. Drizzle over the top.
  11. Sprinkle with sea salt while still wet.
  12. Add sprinkles if desired.
  13. Place in the fridge to set.
  14. Break into smaller pieces and store in an air-tight container.

Notes

Recipe source

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 536kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 676mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 59g
This Better Than Sex Chex Mix recipe was originally posted on February 6, 2013. It has been updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and was re-shared on February 4, 2022.
Better Than Sex Chex Mix from An Affair from the Heart, full serving on a tray