Introduction

This Toffee Chex Mix is a delightful blend of crunchy cereal, toasted pecans, and rich caramel, all topped with a drizzle of smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for snacking or sharing during the holidays, this treat combines sweet and nutty flavors that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a snack mix. The mix has three main layers: a base layer with small square cereal pieces in light yellow and brown colors, scattered evenly. On top of that, there are pecans with a glossy texture, pretzels with a shiny, smooth surface shaped like knots, and round dark chocolate chips adding dark spots. Covering parts of the mix is a thick, sticky caramel sauce in a rich golden-brown color, dripping smoothly over the pieces. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

9 cups Chex cereal (any combination of Rice, Corn, or Wheat)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup caramel sauce
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal and chopped pecans. Set aside.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and salt until it begins to boil. Once boiling, let it cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat, and quickly stir in the caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up.
Step 5: Pour the hot caramel mixture over the Chex cereal and pecans. Gently stir until all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 6: Spread the caramel-coated Chex mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and baking.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 9: Once cooled, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth, stirring between each interval.
Step 10: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled Chex mix using a spoon or a piping bag.
Step 11: Let the chocolate set completely before breaking into pieces and storing it in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of Rice, Corn, and Wheat Chex to add varied texture and flavor.
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before mixing.
To speed up chocolate melting, chop the chips finely before microwaving.
Drizzle white chocolate along with the semi-sweet chocolate for a festive look.

Storage

Store the cooled and chocolate-drizzled Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you prefer it chilled, keep it in the refrigerator, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with a mix of crunchy cereals in light yellow and brown shades, pretzels with a golden brown color, whole pecans, and dark chocolate chips. The toppings are layered with thick, glossy caramel spread unevenly over the mixture, creating a sticky texture. The cereals cover the whole plate surface and are mixed with whole pecans and pretzels scattered throughout. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce, or should I make my own?

Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time, but homemade caramel adds a richer flavor if you prefer to make it from scratch.

What can I substitute if I don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips?

You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips as a substitute. Just choose your preferred sweetness level to match your taste.