Caramel Cereal Mix {microwave snack mix}

Caramel Cereal Mix is normally a Christmas holiday snack for my family, but with all the fun holiday M&Ms and colors out there, it would be a fun one to have at any holiday gathering.  Once you bring the butter, syrup and sugar to a boil on the stove, you toss it all in a grocery sack and microwave it to finish.  This one is fast and not super messy to make or eat.   

Caramel Cereal Mix

recipe by Stella B's Kitchen

printer friendly version

1/4 cup light corn syrup

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp vanilla

12 ounces Crispix Cereal
1 bag Peanut M&M candies, optional
4 cups mini pretzels, optional

Heat corn syrup, brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium saucepan until liquid comes to a boil.  When mixture reaches a boil, remove from heat.  Add vanilla and baking soda, stir to combine.


Pour hot liquid over cereal.  Fold down bag at the top to close it, near the level of the cereal and gently turn/flip/shake bag around to thoroughly mix and coat all cereal pieces.


Place grocery sack in microwave {high power} for 1 1/2 minutes.  It probably won't turn in the microwave because it's so large.  Don't worry, it will be fine!  Without opening the bag, turn/flip/gently shake bag to 'stir'.  Microwave for 1 minute.  Shake bag.  Microwave for 30 seconds.  Shake bag.  Place hot cereal on wax paper to cool and discard grocery sacks.    Add your favorite candies or pretzels to the Caramel Cereal Mix and store in zip top bags or an airtight container.


Note:  Crispix-like cereal seems to hold up best in this recipe.  If you choose to substitute a 'Chex' or similar type cereal, I suggest Corn Chex rather than Rice Chex for a 'stronger' cereal.




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