September 26, 2024
Review RecipeChurro Chex Mix
Table of Contents
- Churro Chex Mix Ingredients
- Substitutions and Additions For Cinnamon Churro Chex Mix
- How To Make Churro Chex Mix
- Troubleshooting
- How To Serve Churros Chex Mix
- How To Store Homemade Churro Chex Mix
- Why This Churro Chex Mix Is The Best
- Churro Chex Mix Frequently Asked Questions
- Snack Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Churro Chex Mix is the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and cinnamon that’s impossible to resist. This snack takes the classic cinnamon-sugar flavor you love from churros and transforms it into a bite-sized treat. What makes this recipe unique is the blend of cereal with butter and brown sugar that caramelizes everything for a crispy, golden coating, all topped off with plenty of cinnamon.
What You Need To Know
MAIN INGREDIENTS: Rice Chex cereal, Corn Chex cereal, thin stick pretzels, honey-roasted peanuts, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, table salt, pure vanilla extract, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon.
QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet, combine Chex cereals, pretzels, and peanuts in a bowl, melt butter and brown sugar mixture and pour over the cereal mix, stir to coat, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, bake, let cool.
TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes, Yield: Serves 12
WHY THIS RECIPE: This churro Chex Mix recipe stands out because of its caramel addition, which takes the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating to the next level. While many similar recipes stick to a basic sweet coating, adding quartered caramels after baking introduces a chewy texture that perfectly complements the crunch of the cereal and pretzels.
The balance of buttery, sweet, and salty flavors combined with the rich caramel creates an irresistible snack mix that’s a far more indulgent and satisfying.
Churro Chex Mix Ingredients
Creating your churro Chex recipe is easy, especially when the ingredient list is simple. Gather your ingredients, and let’s begin making your cinnamon Chex Mix!
You’ll need:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups thin stick pretzels
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 20 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped and sliced into quarters (optional)
Substitutions and Additions For Cinnamon Churro Chex Mix
Rice Chex cereal: You can swap this with Wheat Chex or another type of crispy cereal for a different texture.
Corn Chex cereal: Feel free to replace with Crispix or another similar cereal if you prefer.
There are plenty of flavors of Chex Mix. Flavors that we think might taste good with this recipe include Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex, and Vanilla Chex.
Thin stick pretzels: Use mini pretzels or pretzel twists instead.
Honey roasted peanuts: Swap with regular peanuts, almonds, or cashews for a different nutty flavor.
Unsalted butter: If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added table salt slightly to balance the flavors.
Light brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used for a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Powdered sugar can be a substitute, but it may slightly alter the texture of the coating. Use a bit less than the recipe calls for.
Ground cinnamon: Feel free to mix in some nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of spice.
Caramels: Chocolate chips or butterscotch chips can be used as an alternative to add a different kind of sweetness. For even more cinnamon flavor, add in up to 2 cups cinnamon chips (Hershey’s).
How To Make Churro Chex Mix
Cinnamon Sugar Chex Mix is so easy to make. Just combine cereal, pretzels, and nuts, coat with a yummy, buttery, sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, bake, and enjoy!
Here’s how to make it:
STEP ONE: Preheat your oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
STEP TWO: In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex cereal, Corn Chex cereal, stick pretzels, and honey-roasted peanuts. Set this mixture aside.
STEP THREE: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the light brown sugar and salt. Cook and whisk until the brown sugar dissolves completely.
STEP FOUR: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
STEP FIVE: Pour the melted butter and sugar mixture over the Chex mix in the bowl. Gently stir and toss to coat the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts evenly.
Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
STEP SIX: In a small mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Stir to combine. This will give your Chex Mix that classic churro taste.
STEP SEVEN: Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
PRO TIP: If your mixture is too crowded, divide it between two large baking sheets instead of one.
STEP EIGHT: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the coated Chex mixture. Stir gently to combine, making sure the cinnamon sugar is evenly distributed.
STEP NINE: Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to make sure the Chex Mix cooks evenly, and turns golden brown. This low and slow baking process helps the coating to caramelize and adhere to the cereal.
STEP TEN: Remove the churro mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
PRO TIP: If you prefer a bit more crunch, you can bake the mix for an additional five to ten minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
STEP ELEVEN: Once cooled, sprinkle the quartered caramels over the mix. The caramels add an extra burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.
PRO TIP: Make sure the mixture is totally cool before you add the quartered caramels, otherwise the caramels will melt and make your Chex Mix sticky.
Troubleshooting
The instructions for this recipe should be followed closely to avoid common mistakes with homemade Chex Mix recipes. Here are some extra tips from our recipe developers to help make sure your snack bakes up to have the perfect crunch and flavor.
- Avoid a soggy mixture: Measure the ingredients carefully (especially the butter)! Make sure you bake your mixture at the right temperature for the right amount of time.
- Make sure the mixture is flavorful: Stir the butter mixture and the cinnamon-sugar mixture to fully coat the cereal, nuts, and pretzels. This will ensure every bite is as full of churro flavor as the one before.
- Don’t burn the mixture: Set a time for every 15 minutes so you don’t forget to stir while it’s baking.
How To Serve Churros Chex Mix
Your party guests will be thrilled to see a big bowl of churro Chex Mix on the snack table. Creating easy to grab snacks are one of our specialties! You’ll also love our chocolate peanut butter Puppy Chow Mix, spicy Firecrackers, and Dill Pickle Chex Mix.
Holiday Treat: This sweet cinnamon sugar treat is a wonderful addition to holiday season gatherings. For more holiday-inspired snacks, try our Christmas Chex Mix or Gingerbread Chex Mix.
Ice Cream Topping: Sprinkle Churro Chex Mix over a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an extra crunch and a burst of cinnamon-sugar flavor.
Breakfast Parfait: Layer the Churro Chex Mix with Greek yogurt and fresh berries to create a delicious breakfast parfait.
Movie Night Snack: Elevate your movie night by serving Churro Chex Mix alongside popcorn and a selection of candies. The sweet and salty combination makes for a perfect movie-watching treat.
Dessert Garnish: Use churro Chex Mix as a garnish for desserts like churro cupcakes, banana brownies, or even cheesecake bars.
Cocktail Party Nibble: Serve Churro Chex Mix in small bowls alongside complementary cocktails like our Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cocktail or Fireball Eggnog.
Churro Chex Mix fits in at so many outings and events. Take it along to a family picnic or summer party, or serve up a big bowl at your next Super Bowl celebration. Take it to a potluck, or bring it to your next office party. It will be eaten up before you know it.
This Mexican Chex Mix recipe is of course a welcomed addition at a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or a fun snack on Taco Tuesday.
MORE CHEX MIX RECIPES
How To Store Homemade Churro Chex Mix
Storing your churro Chex Mix properly will keep it fresh and crunchy! Here’s how you can enjoy it for days or even weeks to come:
MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare churro Chex Mix a few days ahead of time. Once it has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh and maintain its crunchy texture until you’re ready to serve.
AT ROOM TEMPERATURE: Your snack mix is best stored at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container in a cool spot in your kitchen. It should last for one to two weeks.
IN THE FRIDGE: While churro Chex Mix doesn’t need to be refrigerated, if you prefer to store it this way, keep it in an airtight container. It will last up to a week in the fridge, but it may lose some of its crunch.
IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze churro Chex Mix. Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to two months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Why This Churro Chex Mix Is The Best
This delightful treat was adored by our recipe development team. There are so many reasons to love this great recipe.
Great for Sharing: Sweet and crunchy, it’s a hit with everyone at parties, gatherings, or family nights.
Customizable: Add nuts, different cereals, or chocolate chips. Make it your own!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for parties, picnics, or office snacks. No refrigeration needed!
Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for weeks in an airtight container. Perfect for making ahead!
Churro Chex Mix Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure the mix is still slightly warm from the melted butter when you sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, so it adheres better.
You can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and light brown sugar to make the mix less sweet.
Stir the mix every 15 minutes during baking and ensure your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer.
Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container once it has cooled completely
When stored in an airtight container, Churro Chex Mix can stay fresh for one to two weeks.
Yes, you can use Wheat Chex or Crispix as alternatives to Rice and Corn Chex for a different texture and flavor.
Churro Chex Mix is a simple and delicious snack that combines sweet, crunchy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this easy treat with friends and family!
Snack Recipes You’ll Love
Churro Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups thin stick pretzels
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 20 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped and sliced into quarters (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 275°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- In a large heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the Rice and Corn Chex cereal, thin-stick pretzels, and honey-roasted peanuts. Set this mixture aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the light brown sugar and table salt. Cook and whisk until the brown sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the butter and sugar mixture over the Chex mix in the bowl. Gently stir and toss to coat the cereal, pretzels, and peanuts evenly.
- Add the granulated sugar and cinnamon to a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the coated Chex mixture. Stir to combine.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the Chex Mix cooks evenly.
- Remove the Churro Chex Mix from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the quartered caramels over the Churro Chex Mix to combine.
Notes
- Avoid a soggy mixture: Measure the ingredients carefully (especially the butter)! Make sure you bake your mixture at the right temperature for the right amount of time.
- Make sure the mixture is flavorful: Stir the butter mixture and the cinnamon-sugar mixture to fully coat the cereal, nuts, and pretzels. This will ensure every bite is as full of churro flavor as the one before.
- Don’t burn the mixture: Set a time for every 15 minutes so you don’t forget to stir while it’s baking.
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