Contents

Decadent Better Than Sex Chex Mix: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Chocolate Peanut Butter Caramel Treat

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience with this **Better Than Sex Chex Mix**! It truly has it ALL: a symphony of milk and white chocolate, creamy peanut butter, fluffy marshmallows, rich caramel, all perfectly coating crisp sweet **Chex cereal**. Each bite is finished with a delicate sprinkling of coarse sea salt, creating the quintessential sweet & salty snack that is utterly irresistible. “Better Than Sex,” you ask? Well, you’ll simply have to taste it and be the judge!

Better Than Sex Chex Mix, a sweet and salty snack featuring chocolate, peanut butter, caramel, and marshmallows.

I originally shared this incredibly indulgent **Sweet Chex Mix Recipe with Chocolate** back in 2013, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Since then, it has become a beloved tradition in my kitchen, a recipe I whip up almost every year. While I sometimes venture into variations like my Puppy Love Chow or my festive Valentine’s Trash Mix, this particular blend remains a timeless favorite. Both alternatives are delightful, but there’s just something profoundly special about this mix. It’s not just a snack; it’s an experience of pure, unadulterated indulgence that you absolutely have to try for yourself.

Close-up of Better Than Sex Chex Mix with melted chocolate and caramel drizzle.

Better Than Sex Chocolate Chex Mix Recipe: An Unforgettable Treat

It’s almost scandalous how much delightful sweetness is packed into every bite of this unique mix. Our journey begins with crispy **chocolate Chex cereal**, which is coated in a sticky-sweet caramel mixture and baked to perfection. Once cooled, this crunchy base is generously adorned with delightful additions: miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and soft mini marshmallows are scattered throughout, adding pockets of creamy peanut butter and chewy sweetness. Then comes the glorious drizzle – melted caramel, followed by luscious melted white chocolate, and finally, smooth milk chocolate, creating layers of decadent flavor. To balance the sweetness and elevate the entire experience, a subtle dusting of coarse sea salt is applied. If you’re feeling extra festive, a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles can be added to make it truly pop. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; let your heart guide you to whatever sweet additions you desire!

Better Than Sex Chex Mix spread on a baking sheet, showcasing all the ingredients.

The Playful Origin of the “Better Than Sex” Name

For many years, the provocative phrase **”better than sex”** has been playfully adopted to describe truly decadent desserts, implying a level of blissful enjoyment that is second to none. In fact, this moniker is so popular that there’s even a renowned **dessert restaurant** in Key West named “Better Than Sex.” My visit there last year was an unforgettable experience; their desserts and cocktails, all bearing wonderfully risqué names, were indeed incredibly rich, luscious, and absolutely divine. The concept behind the name is to convey an extreme level of pleasure and satisfaction derived from the food, a sensation so profound it almost defies description.

The classic “Better Than Sex Cake,” a chocolate cake drenched in ooey-gooey whipped cream and caramel, has graced countless dessert tables for ages. Its popularity has spawned numerous variations, including “Better Than Sex Pie” and a plethora of dessert bar recipes. It’s not just the culinary world that uses this catchy phrase; there’s even a “Better Than Sex” line of make-up, with its mascara famously claiming to be the absolute best. This playful use of hyperbole simply highlights something that delivers exceptional satisfaction, whether it’s a beauty product or, in our case, an unbelievably good snack mix.

Hand reaching for a piece of Better Than Sex Chex Mix, highlighting its addictive quality.

I suppose using a name like “Better Than Sex” for a recipe is akin to calling something “crack” – it’s a shorthand to describe something so incredibly delicious and addicting that you simply cannot stop eating it! Of course, every time I post this recipe on social media, there’s always someone who playfully (or perhaps genuinely!) suggests that if Chex mix is truly better than sex, I must be “doing it wrong.” It’s all in good fun, though. Ultimately, it’s just a name, meant to evoke a sense of extreme pleasure, and you are welcome to call this amazing treat whatever you desire. The most important thing is the joy it brings with every delightful bite.

Close-up of the textured, chocolate-coated Chex cereal pieces.

“I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Unforgettable Allure of This Snack

Who could possibly forget that iconic scene from “When Harry Met Sally,” a movie I’ve likely seen well over a hundred times? When I first stumbled upon this recipe on Pinterest years ago, its description immediately brought that hilarious and memorable moment to mind. The sheer indulgence suggested by the name and ingredients made me chuckle, and ever since, that classic line from the movie has popped into my head each time I’ve prepared this incredible mix. This snack truly evokes that kind of undeniable desire, making everyone around you want a piece of what you’re enjoying. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a conversation starter, a mood lifter, and an instant hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Better Than Sex Chex Mix laid out.

Essential Ingredients for Your Better Than Sex Chex Mix

This extraordinary Chex mix dessert is surprisingly simple to create, and best of all, much of the magic happens right in your microwave! Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards this delectable snack. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need to bring this sweet and salty sensation to life:

**Chocolate Chex cereal:** The crunchy base that holds all the delicious flavors.
**Brown sugar:** Provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness for the coating.
**Butter:** Essential for the rich, buttery caramel coating.
**Light corn syrup:** Helps create that perfect sticky, glossy texture for the cereal coating and prevents sugar crystallization.
**Baking soda:** A small but mighty ingredient that gives the coating a slightly airy, crisp texture.
**Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini’s:** These add irresistible bursts of creamy peanut butter and chocolate.
**Miniature marshmallows:** For delightful pockets of soft, chewy sweetness that melt ever so slightly into the mix.
**Caramels or caramel bits:** The gooey, rich caramel layer that binds many flavors together. Caramel bits are often easier to melt.
**Cream:** A splash of cream ensures your caramel melts smoothly and is easy to drizzle.
**Milk chocolate chips:** For a classic, creamy chocolate drizzle that everyone loves.
**White chocolate chips:** Adds a beautiful contrast in color and a different dimension of sweetness.
**Coarse sea salt:** The secret ingredient that truly elevates the mix, providing that crucial sweet-and-salty balance.
**Valentine sprinkles (optional):** Perfect for making your mix festive for holidays or special occasions.

How to Craft this Irresistible Better Than Sex Chocolate Chex Mix Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this divine sweet Chex mix is a straightforward process, largely utilizing the convenience of your microwave. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly coated, wonderfully flavorful snack that will impress everyone.

Step One: Prepare Your Workspace and Cereal
Begin by pouring your chocolate Chex cereal into a large, microwave-safe bowl. Make sure the bowl is spacious enough to allow for easy stirring later. Set this aside. Next, prepare a large cookie sheet by lining it with either parchment paper or waxed paper. This crucial step will prevent your sticky mix from adhering to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step Two: Create the Caramelized Coating Base
In a two-cup microwave-safe measuring cup (or a smaller microwave-safe bowl), combine the brown sugar, butter, and light corn syrup. This mixture will form the luscious, crunchy coating for your cereal. Microwave this on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the butter is fully melted and the sugar has dissolved, resulting in a smooth, bubbling syrup. Be sure to stir it well to ensure everything is fully combined. Carefully stir in the baking soda until it is completely dissolved; this will give your coating a lighter, airier texture.

Step Three: Coat and Microwave the Cereal
Pour the warm, buttery mixture evenly over the chocolate Chex cereal in the large bowl. Stir meticulously with a sturdy spoon or spatula until every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated. Place the bowl back into the microwave and heat on high for 3 minutes. It’s crucial to stop and stir the mixture after each minute of heating to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. This process helps the coating set and adhere beautifully to the cereal.

Step Four: Cool the Coated Cereal
Carefully spread the hot, coated cereal onto the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer. This allows it to cool quickly and prevents clumping. Let it cool slightly at room temperature until it’s comfortable to touch. Once cooled, gently break the cereal into individual, bite-sized pieces.

Step Five: Add the Peanut Butter Cups and Marshmallows
Evenly sprinkle the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini’s and miniature marshmallows over the cooled, broken-up cereal. These will be added now so they don’t melt completely under the warm drizzles that are about to come.

Step Six: Drizzle with Caramel and Chocolates
First, melt your caramels (or caramel bits) with the cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring diligently after each interval, until the mixture is completely smooth and pourable. Drizzle this warm, gooey caramel generously over the entire Chex mix.

Next, melt the milk chocolate chips in the same manner – 20-second intervals in the microwave, stirring until perfectly smooth. Drizzle this rich milk chocolate over the caramel layer.

Finally, melt the white chocolate chips. White chocolate can be a bit more delicate, so watch it very closely and stir frequently during the 20-second intervals to prevent it from burning or seizing. Once smooth, drizzle the white chocolate over the mix, creating a beautiful contrast.

Step Seven: The Finishing Touch – Sea Salt and Sprinkles
While the chocolate and caramel drizzles are still warm and wet, generously sprinkle coarse sea salt over the entire mix. This is crucial for achieving that irresistible sweet and salty balance. If desired, now is also the time to add your festive Valentine’s sprinkles or any other candies to make your mix even more visually appealing.

Step 7: Sprinkling sea salt over the wet Chex mix.

Step Eight: Chill, Break, and Store
To set the caramel and chocolate drizzles and ensure everything holds together perfectly, place the entire cookie sheet into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate and caramel are firm. Once set, break the large slab of mix into smaller, manageable, bite-sized pieces. Store your finished Better Than Sex Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.

Better Than Sex Chex Mix in a heart-shaped bowl, ready to serve.

This delightful mix is not just for personal enjoyment; it also makes an outstanding gift! Box it up elegantly or package it in charming cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and much-appreciated Valentine’s gift, or a treat for any special occasion.

Tips for the Perfect Sweet Chex Mix Every Time

Achieving the ultimate “Better Than Sex” Chex Mix is easy with a few simple tips. When melting your butter, sugar, and corn syrup, ensure it’s fully dissolved and smooth before adding baking soda, which creates a lighter texture. Don’t skip the stirring intervals during microwaving the cereal; this prevents hot spots and ensures an even, crispy coating. For melting chocolate, always use low power or short intervals to prevent scorching, especially with white chocolate which is prone to seizing. Finally, applying the sea salt while the drizzles are still wet is key to getting that perfect sweet and salty bite throughout the mix.

Variations to Make This Chex Mix Your Own

While the original recipe is perfection, feel free to customize your Better Than Sex Chex Mix!

**Cereal Choices:** Experiment with other Chex varieties like Rice Chex or Corn Chex for different textures, or even a mix!
**Chocolate Options:** Swap out milk or white chocolate for dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even peppermint-flavored candies for a holiday twist.
**Nutty Additions:** Incorporate other nuts like chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
**Candy Mix-ins:** Beyond Reese’s, consider M&Ms, chopped candy bars, or even chocolate-covered pretzels for more texture and flavor.
**Spices:** A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder (for Mexican Hot Chocolate vibes) can add an unexpected depth.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This extraordinary **Better Than Sex Chex Mix** is truly versatile and suits a multitude of occasions. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday parties, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Imagine serving it at a Valentine’s Day celebration, a “Galentine’s” party with your best friends, or as a decadent treat for game nights. It also makes for an incredibly thoughtful and cherished homemade gift when packaged beautifully. Whether you’re celebrating, sharing, or simply treating yourself, this sweet and salty delight is always the right choice.

Love It? Pin It for Later!

I’m sure your mouth is already watering, and you can’t wait to sink your teeth into this incredibly delicious Better Than Sex Snack Mix, bursting with caramel, chocolate, and peanut butter goodness. Don’t let this amazing recipe slip away! Make sure to save it for easy access by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, whenever the craving strikes, or you need an impressive treat, you’ll know exactly where to find it!

Other Irresistible Snack Mix Recipes to Drool Over

There’s nothing quite like a fantastic snack mix to become the undisputed hit of any party or gathering! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, popcorn and snack mix recipes are universally adored. But you don’t need a special occasion to whip up a batch. Indulge your cravings anytime with a delightful Chex Mix, a creamy Muddy Buddies, or a classic Puppy Chow. They are perfect companions for family game night, movie night noshing, or simply a cozy evening in!

White Chocolate Strawberry Muddy Buddies

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

White Chocolate Strawberry Muddy Buddies (as pictured above) – A delightful fruity and creamy twist.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Mix – For those who love a hint of spice with their sweet.
Caramel Churro Chex Mix – A crunchy, cinnamon-sugar sensation.
Double Peanut Butter Muddy Buddies – For the ultimate peanut butter lover.
Crack Corn a.k.a. Candy Coated Popcorn – Dangerously addictive popcorn.
Lemonade Chex Mix – A bright and tangy sweet treat.
Valentine Trash Snack Mix – Another festive and easy sweet mix.
Winter Wonderland Snack Mix – Perfect for snowy days and cozy evenings.
Candy Coated Crispix Mix – A colorful and crunchy alternative.

We adore snacking on a wide array of Snack Mixes and Popcorns so much that I’ve curated a massive round-up featuring some of the absolute best recipes I could discover. Dive into this extensive collection to find your next favorite snack! Just click the image below to explore them all!

**POPCORN AND SNACK MIXES – PERFECT FOR SNACKING AND SHARING!** There is truly nothing quite like a BIG BOWL of Snack Mix or Popcorn to thoroughly delight a crowd, large or small. This incredible collection boasts something for absolutely EVERYONE – and I mean E V E R Y O N E. You’ll find everything from gloriously sweet treats and enticingly spicy blends to rich chocolate-covered delights, surprisingly healthy options, mixes packed with fruits and nuts, and every imaginative combination in between. These recipes are perfect for joyful gift-giving, festive party throwing, or simply indulging in a delicious snack.

A large serving of Better Than Sex Chex Mix on a festive platter.

Just like in that classic movie scene, everyone will be exclaiming, “I’ll have what she’s having!” when they see this amazing **Better Than Sex Chex Mix**! It’s guaranteed to be the absolute star of your Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or any celebratory party.

I think we’ve talked enough about how incredible it is; don’t you agree? It’s time to stop reading and start making this heavenly recipe!

Signature of Michaela, the recipe author.

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overhead of Better Than Sex Chex Mix in a heart shaped bowl

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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 Time

3
minutes

Cook Time

8
minutes

Additional Time

30
minutes

Total Time

41
minutes

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

Cook Mode

Prevent your screen from going dark

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

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

Notes

recipe source

Nutrition

This Better Than Sex Chex Mix recipe was originally posted on February 6, 2013. It has been thoroughly updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and re-shared on February 4, 2022.