This sweet and crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is perfect for snack time! It’s made with Chex cereal, butter, sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon to create a tasty treat.
Honestly, I can’t resist this mix when it’s around. It’s great for sharing or just keeping to yourself—no judgment here if you eat it all at once! 😂
Making this Chex Mix is super easy. Just mix everything and bake for a short time. The house will smell amazing, and you’ll have a snack ready for any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Chex & Corn Chex: These cereals create a perfect crispy base. If you don’t have them, you can substitute with other puffed cereals like Wheat Chex or even popped popcorn for a unique twist!
Mini Pretzels: I love the salty crunch they add. If you’re gluten-sensitive, look for gluten-free pretzels. Alternatively, you can skip them or substitute with nuts for a nutty flavor.
Cinnamon Cereal Squares: Cinnamon Toast Crunch is delicious, but don’t worry if you can’t find it. Any other cinnamon-flavored cereal will work well too, or you can even add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon to the mix.
Mixed Nuts: These are optional but add great crunch! If you’re nut-free, feel free to omit them, or try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine if you want a dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure Even Coating on My Chex Mix?
Getting that cinnamon sugar butter mixture evenly distributed is key for tasty bites. Start by melting the butter and slowly mixing in your ingredients while still on the stovetop. This allows for quicker incorporation.
- Once melted, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt in the butter until smooth.
- When pouring this mixture over your cereal, do it in sections. Drizzle some, then gently fold with a spatula. This helps ensure each piece is well coated without breaking.
- When baking, stir every 15 minutes. It helps redistribute the sugar mixture, so all the cereal pieces get that sweet cinnamon flavor!
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cereal Mix:
- 3 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzels
- 2 cups bite-size cinnamon cereal squares (like Cinnamon Toast Crunch)
- 1 cup mixed nuts (optional)
For The Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool completely before enjoying it — that helps the coating get nice and crisp!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). While that’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will help prevent the Chex Mix from sticking.
2. Combine the Cereal & Pretzels:
In a very large bowl, mix together the Rice Chex, Corn Chex, mini pretzels, bite-size cinnamon cereal squares, and mixed nuts if you’re using them. Give it a gentle stir and set aside while you prepare the coating.
3. Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s completely melted, add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep stirring until everything is combined and the sugar is melted. It should look smooth and creamy!
4. Coat the Cereal Mixture:
Pour the warm cinnamon sugar butter mixture over your cereal mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir everything together. Make sure all the pieces are coated evenly — this is the secret to delicious flavor in every bite!
5. Spread and Bake:
Spread the coated mix out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remember to stir the mix every 15 minutes to make sure it bakes evenly and all the pieces get that yummy cinnamon sugar coating.
6. Cool and Store:
Once baking is done, take the Chex Mix out of the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling time is important because it helps the coating set and become crispy. After it’s cooled, transfer your Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix to an airtight container for storage. Now it’s ready for snacking — enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cereal?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex and Corn Chex are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with other puffed cereals or even popcorn for a unique texture. Just make sure they are crispy to hold up to the coating!
Can I Make This Chex Mix Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free versions of the Chex cereals and pretzels to ensure the mix is safe for those with gluten sensitivities. There are plenty of delicious gluten-free options available on the market!
How Should I Store the Chex Mix?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain its crispness!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Chex Mix by adding mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even different nuts. Just adjust the proportions to ensure the texture and flavor balance remains right. Enjoy experimenting!
