Easy Churro Chex Mix
If you’ve ever been to Mexico or visited a county fair, you’ve probably experienced the delightful taste of churros. These sweet, fried dough treats coated in cinnamon sugar are incredibly addictive and wonderfully delicious. While making churros from scratch is surprisingly straightforward, we’ve drawn inspiration from their flavors to create a simpler, no-fry alternative. Introducing: Churro Chex Mix. This recipe offers all the sweet, crispy goodness of churros without the hassle of dough preparation. Perfect for fans of savory Chex mix who are ready to try a sweet twist, this snack combines cereals in a caramel-like sauce, topped with cinnamon sugar and baked to golden perfection. It’s sure to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Churro Chex Mix is incredibly easy to make and delivers all the delicious flavors of churros in a crunchy, snackable form. It’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying as a treat at home. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a classic snack mix that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Medium mixing bowl
- 1-2 large baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice Chex cereal
- 4 cups corn Chex cereal
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the rice and corn Chex cereals in a large bowl and set them near your workstation.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon, then set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously for 1 minute.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda. Pour this mixture over the cereal in the large bowl.
- Toss the cereal until it’s evenly coated with the caramel mixture. Transfer the cereal to the prepared baking sheet(s).
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cereal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Flip the cereal over and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool. Break up the cereal and store it in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to stir the caramel mixture continuously to prevent burning.
- For even coating, toss the cereal gently but thoroughly after adding the caramel mixture.
- Don’t skip the cooling step to ensure maximum crunchiness.
Additional Tips or Variations
Feel free to add in some pretzels or nuts for extra crunch. If you prefer a little heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can add an interesting twist. For a touch of chocolate, drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the cooled mix before breaking it into pieces.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 18g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! While rice and corn Chex are recommended for their texture, you can experiment with other cereals like wheat Chex or even add some Cheerios.
How long will this Chex mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, it should stay fresh for about a week. However, it’s so delicious that it rarely lasts that long!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating this Easy Churro Chex Mix as much as we do! It’s a delightful treat that brings the flavors of churros into a simple snack mix. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your creations and feedback in the comments below!