Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix – The Ultimate Irresistible Snack

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between something sweet and something salty, this Sweet & Salty Toffee Chex Mix is here to end that inner snack struggle once and for all. Crunchy, buttery, and delightfully addictive, it’s a golden toffee-coated mix of cereal, pretzels, and nuts — the perfect balance of sweet caramel notes and savory saltiness. Every handful is a delightful contrast of textures: crispy, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

This recipe is pure cozy snacking bliss. It’s the kind of treat you make “just to have a little,” and suddenly the bowl’s empty before the movie even starts. Great for the holidays, gifting, or munching during game day, this mix has that homemade magic that packaged snacks can never quite match. The aroma of warm brown sugar and butter bubbling into toffee will fill your kitchen with pure joy — and your friends and family will beg you for the recipe.

Let’s grab a mixing bowl and make the most irresistible snack mix you’ll ever taste.

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Ingredients:

• 8 cups Chex cereal (Rice, Corn, or a mix)
• 2 cups mini pretzels
• 1 cup mixed nuts (optional – pecans, almonds, or cashews work great)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup light corn syrup (or honey)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp sea salt, plus more for garnish
• ½ cup chocolate chips or M&Ms (optional for extra sweetness)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare:
   Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine Chex cereal, pretzels, and nuts (if using). Gently toss to mix evenly.
3. Make the toffee sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it bubble for 3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up — that’s what makes the coating light and crisp!
4. Coat the mix:
   Pour the warm toffee sauce over the cereal mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Bake for the perfect crunch:
   Spread the coated mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even coverage.
6. Cool and add final touches:
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the pans. Once cooled, break into clusters and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. For extra indulgence, stir in chocolate chips or M&Ms once the mix is completely cool.
7. Serve or gift:
   Store in airtight containers or portion into decorative jars or bags for gifting.

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Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t skip the baking soda: It helps the toffee expand and coat evenly, giving that signature crisp texture.
• Avoid soggy mix: Make sure the toffee boils for at least 3 minutes before removing from heat — that’s what ensures it hardens properly.
• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup to the toffee mixture for a cozy autumn twist.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pretzels and Chex cereal varieties.

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Variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the top and let it harden before breaking into pieces.
• Holiday Version: Mix in red and green M&Ms, white chocolate chips, or crushed peppermint for a festive touch.
• Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and use sunflower seeds or extra pretzels for crunch.
• Spicy Sweet: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the toffee for a subtle, surprising kick.

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Serving Suggestions:
This mix is perfect for every occasion — from casual movie nights to holiday parties. Serve it in a large bowl for gatherings, pack it into jars for homemade gifts, or take it on road trips for an easy snack. It also makes a wonderful addition to dessert charcuterie boards — imagine small clusters alongside chocolate bark, candied nuts, and cookies.

Pair it with hot cocoa in the winter or lemonade in summer — it’s a snack that truly works year-round.

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Storage Information:
Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you’re making it ahead for gifting, let it cool fully before sealing to preserve the crunch. For longer storage, freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

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FAQ:

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Yes! Honey gives a slightly softer texture and adds a floral note to the flavor — perfect if you like your toffee a little chewier.

Why does the toffee foam up?
That’s the baking soda reacting — it aerates the toffee, giving it that light, crispy texture when cooled.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use two large baking sheets so it bakes evenly.

Can I add popcorn?
Yes, popcorn is a fun addition! Just reduce the Chex slightly to balance the mix.

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History / Fun Facts:
Chex mix first appeared in the 1950s, when General Mills featured it on cereal boxes as a party snack idea. Over the decades, creative cooks took that idea and ran with it — experimenting with sweet versions, spicy versions, and everything in between.

The toffee version gained popularity during the holidays because it combined the nostalgia of caramel corn with the simplicity of cereal mix. Today, “toffee Chex mix” recipes are viral hits every Christmas season, often gifted in mason jars or festive tins. It’s a modern classic that proves sometimes, the simplest combinations — butter, sugar, and salt — really are the most irresistible.