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Irresistible Caramel Churro Chex Mix: Your New Favorite Sweet & Salty Party Treat

Cinnamon and sugar, lightly salted with a delightful caramel crunch, this Homemade Churro Chex Mix is the ultimate party snack you won’t be able to put down. This incredibly simple recipe yields a light, crispy, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

About a year ago, my dear friend Gail shared her fantastic recipe for this Caramel Churro Chex Mix with me. Like many great recipes, it found its temporary home in my “recipes to make” folder, patiently awaiting its turn. I thought about it often, envisioning the perfect blend of cinnamon, sugar, and caramel, but for one reason or another, I kept putting off making it. A year later, here we are, and I can hardly believe I waited so long!

Take it from me: Do NOT make the same mistake! This sweet Chex mix is, without a doubt, one of the most delightful snack mixes I have *ever* created. And if you’ve been following my culinary adventures for a while, you know just how many delicious snack mix recipes I’ve shared. For me to crown one as an all-time favorite truly says a lot about its exceptional taste and texture.

What Makes This Caramel Churro Chex Mix So Irresistible?

The magic of this Churro Chex Mix lies in its incredible balance of flavors and textures. Each piece of cereal is coated in a golden, crunchy caramel, then dusted with a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar, mimicking the beloved taste of a classic churro. A hint of salt in the butter or from an optional sprinkle perfectly offsets the sweetness, creating a complex and highly addictive snack. It’s light, airy, and delivers that satisfying crunch with every bite, making it an ideal treat for parties, movie nights, or simply when you’re craving something deliciously sweet and slightly salty.

Crispix Cereal vs. Chex Cereal: The Heart of Your Mix

Despite its popular moniker, “Chex Mix,” this particular recipe actually calls for Crispix cereal. Technically, it might be more accurately dubbed “Crispix Mix,” but we won’t let semantics get in the way of deliciousness! I’ve even named another of my favorites the Candy Coated Crispix Mix, which features a luscious caramel coating with peanuts and M&Ms. Crispix cereal holds a special place in my heart for party mix recipes, and here’s why:

Crispix cereal is distinct from Chex in a few key ways. While Chex cereal is known for its iconic square shape and comes in various single-grain flavors (like Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex), Crispix boasts a unique hexagon shape with a more airy center. What makes Crispix truly special is its dual nature: one side is made from rice, and the other from corn. This combination provides a slightly larger surface area and a delightful textural contrast that truly shines when coated in caramel and cinnamon sugar. Its larger size also makes it easier to handle and ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.

I understand that sometimes Crispix can be a bit elusive on supermarket shelves. If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t fret! You can easily substitute with a combination of half corn Chex and half rice Chex. The result for this Churro mix will be remarkably similar, providing the same great flavor and satisfying crunch. When it comes down to it, Crispix was originally designed to compete with Chex, making them largely interchangeable in many snack mix applications. So, feel free to use whichever cereal is most accessible to you, ensuring your mix is just as delicious.

Crafting Your Caramel Churro Chex Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this Caramel Churro Chex Mix is surprisingly simple, which only adds to my playful chagrin about waiting so long to share it! My initial intention was to have it ready for Cinco de Mayo, as it would make a fantastic themed party food. But, as life often goes, I was a bit of a procrastinator. Or, as they say in Spanish, “¡soy un procrastinador!” But better late than never when it comes to a recipe this good!

The Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Mix:

**Crispix Cereal:** The crunchy foundation of our mix. Its rice and corn sides provide a unique texture.
**Brown Sugar:** Forms the base of our rich caramel, adding deep, molasses-like sweetness.
**Salted Butter:** Contributes flavor and richness to the caramel, with the salt helping to balance the sweetness.
**Corn Syrup:** A crucial ingredient for creating a smooth, glossy, and non-crystallizing caramel coating.
**Baking Soda:** The secret ingredient! It reacts with the caramel to create a foamy texture, resulting in a light, crunchy, and less sticky candy coating.
**Granulated Sugar & Cinnamon:** The dynamic duo that gives our mix its signature churro flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfection:

**Prepare Your Workspace:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet, preferably a 13×18 half sheet pan, with foil. This makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking. Give the foil a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray for extra insurance.
**Whip Up the Churro Dust:** In a small bowl, combine your granulated sugar and cinnamon. Stir them together until well blended. This fragrant mixture is what will give our Chex mix its authentic churro flavor. Set this aside.
**Cereal Ready:** Pour your Crispix cereal (or your Chex blend) into a very large heat-safe bowl. This bowl needs to be big enough to accommodate the cereal and allow for thorough stirring once the caramel is added.
**The Caramel Magic:** In a medium saucepan, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture comes to a full boil. Once boiling, continue to boil for precisely one minute, stirring constantly. This boiling time is crucial for achieving the right caramel consistency. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will magnificently foam up and lighten in color; this is exactly what we want, as it creates that light, crunchy, and less-sticky caramel coating.
**Coat the Cereal Evenly:** Pour the hot caramel mixture directly over the cereal in your large bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, carefully and gently stir until every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated. Work quickly but gently to avoid crushing the cereal.
**Sprinkle and Spread:** Spread the coated cereal evenly in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Now, generously sprinkle half of your reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cereal. Use your spatula to gently flip and toss the cereal, then sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar over the other side, ensuring a complete and even coating.
**Bake to Crispy Perfection:** Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven, gently flip the mixture over with your spatula, and return it to bake for another 3 minutes. The cereal should turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crisp. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
**Cool Completely:** Once baked, remove the Chex mix from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is vital! As it cools, the caramel will harden and become wonderfully crunchy. If you try to store it warm, it will become sticky. Once cooled, store your delicious Caramel Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunch.

This cinnamon-infused Chex mix makes for excellent, thoughtful gifts throughout the year. Think holiday treats, teacher appreciation gifts, or a lovely hostess gift. Simply package it in a charming jar or cellophane bag with a cute tag and a festive ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that everyone will adore!

LOVE IT? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save it for easy access whenever you’re ready to whip up a batch. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can revisit it anytime. You’ll also find a convenient printable recipe card with all the details at the very bottom of this post, making it even easier to keep this recipe handy in your kitchen.

Explore More Sweet and Salty Party Mix Recipes

Whether I’m hosting a big bash, having a casual game night with friends, or simply relaxing by the pool, a delicious snack mix is always my go-to recipe. They’re incredibly versatile – easy to grab by the handful, allowing everyone to enjoy and continue with their activities. From savory and spicy to sweet and indulgent, a well-made party mix is always a satisfying crowd-pleaser.

Some of My Favorite Snack Mix Recipes to Try:

Better Than Sex Chex Mix: A highly addictive savory and sweet combination that lives up to its name.
Chocolate Raspberry Puppy Chow: A fruity twist on the classic “Puppy Chow,” combining chocolate and raspberry flavors for a delightful treat.
Crock Pot Chex Mix: The easiest way to make a savory Chex mix, perfect for hands-off preparation.
Lemonade Chex Mix: A bright and zesty snack mix, offering a refreshing citrus burst that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex Mix: A warm and spicy chocolate mix with a kick, inspired by traditional Mexican hot chocolate.
Winter Wonderland Chex Mix: A festive, sweet, and white chocolate-coated mix perfect for holiday gatherings.
Buckeye Snack Mix: Inspired by the classic peanut butter and chocolate candy, this mix is a dream for nut butter lovers.

Discover even more incredible ideas in my comprehensive Snack Mix Recipe Round-Up, featuring a vast array of popcorn and snack mixes perfect for any mood or event. It’s constantly updated with new and exciting recipes, so be sure to pin it to your board to keep up with all the delicious additions!

There is nothing quite like a BIG BOWL of Snack Mix or Popcorn to delight a crowd! This collection truly has something for EVERYONE – sweet, spicy, chocolate-covered, fruity, nutty, and everything in between. Perfect for gift-giving or making your next party a hit!

Whether you choose this delightful Caramel Churro Chex Mix or any of the other fantastic recipes, you’re guaranteed to make your tummy incredibly happy!

It’s time to dive into this amazing Churro Chex Mix recipe! A huge thank you once again to my dear friend, Gail, for sharing this truly incredible and highly addictive creation with me. Enjoy every single crunchy, sweet bite!

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Print Recipe

Caramel Churro Chex Mix Recipe

Cinnamon and sugar lightly salted Caramel Churro Chex Mix is the party mix you won’t be able to leave alone. It’s light and crispy and oh so delicious!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Cuisine: American/ Mexican

Keyword: Chex mix, Churro, Cinco de Mayo, Cinnamon, Crispix, Easy party mix, Mexican Snack, Party Mix, Snack Mix, Sugar, Sweet Party Mix

Servings: 9 cups

Calories: 218kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

13×18 Half Sheet Pan

Cook Mode
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Ingredients

9 cups Crispix Cereal
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick salted butter
1/4 cup corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with foil, and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
In a small bowl combine cinnamon and sugar. Set aside.
Pour cereal into a large bowl.
In a saucepan over medium heat melt together butter, brown sugar and corn syrup until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for one minute stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
Pour mixture over cereal and carefully stir until cereal is well coated.
Spread the coated cereal evenly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, flipping it over halfway through the mixture, to coat the other side.
Bake for 5 minutes, flip the mixture over and bake for 3 minutes more. The cereal will be a golden brown.
Remove from oven, cool completely and store in an airtight container.

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