Irresistible Caramel Apple Chex Mix: Your Ultimate Sweet & Salty Fall Snack

As the leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of red, orange, and gold, and the crisp autumn air replaces summer’s warmth, there’s an undeniable call for comforting flavors and cozy moments. This season brings with it a yearning for delicious, easy-to-make treats that perfectly capture the essence of fall. Look no further than this incredibly addictive **Caramel Apple Chex Mix** – a sweet and salty sensation that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it the quintessential fall snack for any occasion!

This delightful Chex mix takes a beloved classic and infuses it with all the comforting tastes of autumn. Imagine crisp apple chips and rich, chewy caramel pieces melding with the familiar crunch of Rice Chex, salty peanuts, and perfectly seasoned pretzels. It’s a flavor explosion that truly elevates your snacking experience, making every bite pop with irresistible fall flavor. The hint of vanilla in the caramel coating rounds out this incredible concoction, ensuring it’s a snack that will be requested again and again.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Caramel Apple Chex Mix

There are countless reasons why this particular Chex mix stands out as the ultimate autumn indulgence:

• Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The classic pairing of sweet caramel and tart apple is a timeless fall favorite. When combined with the savory crunch of peanuts and pretzels, it creates a perfectly balanced taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
• Quick & Easy: Forget complicated baking! This recipe is entirely microwave-based, meaning you can whip up a batch in just 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when a sudden craving strikes.
• Perfectly Portable: Whether you’re heading to a tailgate party, a school event, a potluck, or just need a delicious snack for a family road trip, this Chex mix travels beautifully.
• Kid-Friendly & College-Dorm Approved: Its simplicity makes it a fantastic recipe for younger chefs to help with, fostering a love for cooking. For college students, it’s the perfect easy dorm room treat that doesn’t require an oven.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From Halloween parties to Thanksgiving appetizers, casual Sunday football games, or fueling up for a brisk fall hike, this snack fits right in. It’s a unique recipe that is guaranteed to impress without demanding hours in the kitchen.

The Magic Behind the Flavor: Key Ingredients Explained

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the irresistible taste and texture of this Caramel Apple Chex Mix:

• Rice Chex Cereal: This provides the perfect light, crispy, and subtly sweet base for our mix. Its square shape is ideal for holding onto the delicious caramel coating.
• Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts: The peanuts bring a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. The “salted” aspect is key here, contributing to the irresistible sweet and salty contrast that makes this snack so addictive.
• Mini Pretzel Twists: Pretzels are essential for that savory, salty bite and a different kind of crunch. Their twisted shape adds visual appeal and helps distribute the caramel coating evenly. If you love pretzels, consider trying my Apple Cider Seasoned Pretzels for an extra fall twist in other recipes!
• Butter & Packed Brown Sugar: These two form the base of our quick caramel sauce. The butter adds richness, while the brown sugar brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and that characteristic caramel flavor. Packing the brown sugar ensures you get the right amount for a perfectly gooey coating.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other sweet flavors and adds a warm, aromatic depth that makes the caramel truly shine. Don’t skip it!
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt in the caramel mixture balances the sweetness and brings out the complexities of all the flavors, making the entire mix more vibrant.
• Dried Apple Chips: These are the star of the “apple” in Caramel Apple Chex Mix! They provide a delightful chewiness and a concentrated, natural apple flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart. Look for unsweetened apple chips for the best balance.
• Caramel Bits: These small, soft caramel pieces melt slightly when added to the still-warm mix, creating pockets of gooey, intense caramel flavor. They also add another layer of chewiness and sweetness that is simply divine.

What Do I Need To Make This Recipe?

• 5 Cups Rice Chex Cereal
• 1 cup dry roasted and salted peanuts
• 1.5 cups mini pretzel twists
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cup dried apple chips
• ½ cup caramel bits

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a generously sized microwave-safe bowl, gently mix together the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzels, and dry roasted and salted peanuts. Ensure they are evenly distributed, as this will help with coating later.

2. Prepare the Caramel Coating: In a separate, medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces. Add the packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat this mixture in the microwave at 50% power for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the butter is completely melted and the sugar starts to dissolve. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and smooth, forming a fragrant, syrupy caramel sauce.

3. Coat the Mix: Pour the warm, melted brown sugar and butter mixture evenly over the cereal, peanuts, and pretzels in the large bowl. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir gently but thoroughly. Make sure every piece is lovingly coated with the sweet caramel. Take your time to ensure an even distribution for the best flavor in every bite.

4. Microwave & Cool: Return the coated mixture to the microwave (uncovered) and cook on High for 4 to 5 minutes, making sure to stir it thoroughly every 2 minutes. This step helps the caramel set and toast the mixture slightly, adding depth of flavor and crispness. Once cooked, spread the hot cereal mixture in a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or cookie sheet pan to cool completely. This cooling process is vital for achieving that perfect crunchy texture.

5. Add Apple & Caramel Bits: Once the cereal mixture has completely cooled and hardened (this typically takes about 5 minutes, but can vary), transfer it back to a large bowl. Add the caramel bits and dried apple chips. Toss everything together gently until well combined. The residual warmth from the cooling process can slightly soften the caramel bits, allowing them to adhere beautifully to the mix. Serve immediately or store for later!

Tips for the Ultimate Caramel Apple Chex Mix

• Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring the Chex mix every two minutes during the microwave cooking step is crucial. This prevents burning, ensures even toasting, and helps the caramel set properly without getting too hard in one spot.
• Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue here! Spreading the hot mixture thinly on parchment paper and allowing it to cool completely is key for achieving that desirable crisp, non-sticky texture. If it’s still warm, it will be soft.
• Microwave Wattage Varies: Microwaves differ in power. The cooking times are based on a 1000-watt microwave. If your microwave is higher or lower wattage, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh butter and good quality apple chips and caramel bits will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your Chex mix.
• Gentle Mixing: Chex cereal can be delicate. Stir gently, especially when coating, to minimize breakage while ensuring everything is well-covered.

Creative Variations & Delicious Add-ins

While the classic Caramel Apple Chex Mix is perfect as is, feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking:

• Nutty Boost: Swap out some of the peanuts for other nuts like roasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, melt some white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the mix for an extra touch of decadence.
• Spiced Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the butter and brown sugar mixture for an even more pronounced fall flavor.
• Extra Crunch: Incorporate other cereals like Corn Chex or Wheat Chex for varied textures.
• More Dried Fruit: Beyond apple chips, consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for extra chewiness and a touch of tartness. Add them along with the apple and caramel bits at the end.
• Mini Marshmallows: For a s’mores-like twist, add mini marshmallows to the cooled mix for pockets of gooey sweetness.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

This versatile Caramel Apple Chex Mix is perfect for so many different moments:

• Fall Gatherings: Serve it in large bowls at Halloween parties, Thanksgiving get-togethers, or casual autumn potlucks.
• Game Day Snack: It’s an ideal companion for Sunday football games or any sporting event, offering a satisfying crunch and flavor.
• Movie Night Treat: Ditch the popcorn! This mix makes for a more exciting and flavorful movie night snack.
• Portable Energy: Pack small bags for school lunches, afternoon work snacks, or as an energy boost for fall hikes and road trips.
• Thoughtful Gift: Package it in decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for a homemade hostess gift or a holiday present.

Storage Tips to Keep it Fresh

Store this scrumptious Caramel Apple Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 1-2 weeks. Be warned, though – it’s incredibly addictive, so it might not last that long!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making Caramel Apple Chex Mix:

Can I make this Chex Mix in the oven instead of the microwave?

Absolutely! If you prefer oven baking, combine your dry ingredients in a large roasting pan. Melt the butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan on the stove. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir to coat. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Spread on parchment paper to cool before adding apple and caramel bits.

What kind of apple chips should I use?

Look for dried apple chips that are unsweetened or lightly sweetened to control the overall sweetness of the mix. Both crispy and slightly chewy varieties work well.

Can I use different types of Chex cereal?

Yes, you can! While Rice Chex provides a neutral base, feel free to use Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, or a combination for varied textures and flavors. Just ensure the total cereal amount remains the same.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Rice Chex cereal is typically gluten-free. However, ensure that your pretzels, peanuts, and caramel bits are also certified gluten-free if you need to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Always check ingredient labels.

How can I prevent the Chex Mix from getting too sticky?

The key to a non-sticky Chex mix is proper cooking and cooling. Ensure you stir thoroughly during microwaving to evenly distribute the caramel, and most importantly, spread it thinly on parchment paper and let it cool completely and undisturbed. This allows the caramel coating to harden and become crisp.

Ready for some more fun and simple snacks to try out? You might love my Caramel Apple Dump Cake for a comforting dessert and Apple Cinnamon Bars for another delightful apple treat. For other irresistible snack mixes, be sure to check out my Cranberry Almond Granola and Banana Cream Pie Muddy Buddies!

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Caramel Apple Chex Mix

Ready in only 15 minutes, this addictive sweet and salty caramel apple Chex mix with pretzels and peanuts is the perfect fall snack!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time:

2 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

7 minutes
minutes

Cooling Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

14 minutes
minutes

Servings:

12
servings

Calories:

327
kcal

Author:
A H

Ingredients

• 5
  Cups
  Rice Chex Cereal
• 1
  cup
  dry roasted and salted peanuts
• 1.5
  cups
  mini pretzel twists
• 6
  tablespoons
  butter
• 1/2
  cup
  packed brown sugar
• 2
  teaspoons
  vanilla
• 1/4
  teaspoon
  salt
• 1 1/2
  cup
  dried apple chips
• ½
  cup
  caramel bits

Instructions

• In a large microwaveable bowl add the rice chex cereal, pretzels and peanuts.
• Cut the butter into tablespoon sized pieces and add it to another microwaveable bowl along with the brown sugar, vanilla and salt. Heat for a minute or two at 50% power until the butter has completely melted. Stir to combine.
• Pour the brown sugar mixture over the cereal, peanuts and pretzels. Stir gently to make sure all of the pieces are coated.
• Microwave uncovered on High 4 to 5 minutes, thoroughly stirring about every 2 minutes. Spread the hot cereal mixture on a parchment-lined cookie sheet pan to cool.
• Once it has completely cooled (about 5 minutes) add the caramel bits and apple chips to the mixture and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Please note: This recipe has been tested in a 1000 watt microwave oven. Depending on the wattage of your microwave, this recipe might take more or less time to make.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
g

|

Calories:
327
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
50
g

|

Protein:
6
g

|

Fat:
12
g

|

Saturated Fat:
5
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
6
g

|

Cholesterol:
15
mg

|

Sodium:
287
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
22
g

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