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This Crispix mix is so addicting! You won’t be able to take just one handful of this caramel party mix. It makes a big batch to share with friends and family, especially during the holidays.
Looking for another delicious sweet snack made with cereal? Try puppy chow without peanut butter, protein puppy chow, or healthy scotcharoos next time.
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I first had this recipe about 3 years ago. We were visiting husband’s family in Iowa for the first time. We drove the 10 ish hours to spend the week with his family during the summer and it wouldn’t be a road trip without road trip snacks.
His mom sent us home with bags of nuts, popcorn and this caramel crispix party mix. We packed up the car and instantly opened the extra large freezer bags filled with the caramel crispix party mix.
We finished the entire bag before we even hit the Indiana border. And if I could take a savory snack on a road trip it would without a doubt be these buttery, garlicky Dot’s Pretzels.
Though not totally recommended to eat the entire batch in a couple hours with one other person, I am living proof it’s that addicting and it can be done.
That was the moment I knew I needed to get the recipe from my future mother in law. This was before I even started WMM but I needed this recipe in my life to eat and share (and eat).
Why this Crispix Mix is so good
Somehow, even though I don’t know how it’s possible, this caramel crispix party mix is crunchy and chewy at the same time. It’s crunchy from the crispix and chewy from the salted caramel coating.
The texture is AMAZING, but the taste might be even better. The caramel has this rich and nutty flavor and when you top it with sea salt it’s the perfect combo
The best part is it’s so simple to make.
How to Make Caramel Crispix Mix
To make caramel crispix party mix, start by getting all of your ingredients together. Put your crispix in a large bowl and melt all your caramel ingredients together over the stove until it starts to boil. Let it boil for about 2 minutes then pour it over the Crispix. You don’t want to let it boil too long or the caramel will become too crunchy.
Once mixed, microwave on high heat for one minute about 4 times, mixing between each round.
You’ll lay it out on a baking sheet to cool and set and then you’re done! No baking or oven required. It’s so so simple.
We brought this to Thanksgiving this year to snack on while we cooked and hung out and it disappeared so fast. My mom said, “this is like crack.” That’s how delicious and addicting it is.
It’s a great holiday recipe because it’s easy to make and you don’t have to have extra plates or bowls to serve it with, people just use their hands!
Hope you love this recipe as much as I do!
Caramel Crispix Mix
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Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 16 ounces or 1 large box Crispix
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Place the Crispix in a large microwave safe mixing bowl or large paper bag. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat mat and set aside.
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and allow to boil for 1 1/2 – 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Be careful not to boil too long or caramel will be too crunchy. Remove mixture from the stove and add the baking soda. The mixture will foam a bit then settle.
- Add the caramel mixture to the prepared Crispix and stir gently with a rubber or wooden spatula. Place the bowl of caramel Crispix in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minutes. Remove from microwave and stir gently. Repeat 3 more times to reach a total of 4 minutes. Spread mixture evenly onto prepared baking sheets and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Allow to cool completely, breaking pieces or chunks apart with your hands or spatula as it cools. Store in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I was wondering how this could be done without using the microwave? It just takes so long when you make a big batch… you have to separate it into a lot of small batches
Hey there! I haven’t tried this other than using the microwave, but plan to retest it this fall and will provide an oven option. Thanks!
My microwave is currently broken, and I’m wondering if I can just bake this in the oven for about 15 to 30 minutes turning it every 5 minutes or so? Have you ever done it in the oven? Thank you.
My mother made this for my husband and I (well really she made it for my fathers co workers but we stole a bag, or five) and we could not stop eating it! We call it “Christmas Crack.” My husband asked my mother to make some for his co-workers and they have all been begging for this mouth watering crunchy, ooey-gooey treat. I’m salivating just thinking about it! The second time around that my mother made it I believe she added too much caramel and boy was that the best mistake she could have ever made. It was even better! As if that was possible. The best part to me is getting that little piece of sea salt mixed into the caramel when you take a bite. Okay, now I am making this recipe today for my husbands work anniversary! It will be my first time making it, and I can’t wait to see how much is left from 2 batches once I eat handfuls of it haha. This is one recipe I’ll hold dear forever. Thank goodness my mother made this!
I got this recipe from my mother in law and we’re all obsessed too! It’s the best for the holidays!
I could not see where to leave a comment on the page, but I was looking at your buckeye candy apples and your recipe calls for xx sugar, but the directions don’t say when to add it. I assume it is with the peanut butter mixture, but I wanted to make sure. Can you let me know? Also, do you let the chocolate cool at all before dipping so that it’s not too runny or will it stay on fine if I dip them right away? Thanks!
Hey Tonya! Yes, you add the powdered sugar with the peanut butter. I updated the recipe to show that. The chocolate consistency shouldn’t be too thin so you should be good to dip right away without cooling. Thanks!