Caramel Crispix is a delightful treat that combines the light crunch of Crispix cereal with a rich, buttery caramel coating. This snack is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual get-together, a festive party, or a simple family movie night. Its irresistible combination of sweet and crunchy textures makes it a favorite among all ages.
Ingredients
- 12 cups Crispix cereal
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
- Begin by placing 12 cups of Crispix cereal into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy mixing without spilling.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent the caramel from burning.
Step 3: Combine the Caramel and Cereal
- Remove the caramel mixture from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will froth up and lighten in color as it expands into a fluffy texture.
- Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the prepared Crispix cereal. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold and toss the cereal, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with caramel.
Step 4: Bake the Cereal
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
- Spread the caramel-coated cereal evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the cereal is evenly crisped.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- After baking, remove the cereal from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheets. The cereal will continue to harden as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the cereal into bite-sized clusters. Transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.
Variations Consider adding any of the following to your Caramel Crispix after it cools:
- Mini chocolate chips
- M&M’s for a pop of color and chocolatey taste
- Pretzels for an extra salty crunch
- Nuts like pecans or almonds for a nutty flavor
Cooking Notes
- Ensure to stir the cereal mixture during baking to avoid uneven caramelization and to achieve an optimal crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions Serve Caramel Crispix as a party snack in a large bowl or distribute in individual cups or small bags for easy handling.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown.
- To prevent stickiness, ensure the caramel Crispix is completely cool before storing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 300 per serving
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
- How long can I store Caramel Crispix?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- Can I make Caramel Crispix gluten-free?
- Yes, use a gluten-free alternative to Crispix cereal if available.
Conclusion
Caramel Crispix is a versatile, easy-to-make snack that perfectly balances sweetness with a satisfying crunch. Its adaptability in terms of add-ins makes it a crowd-pleaser for any event or just as a delightful treat to enjoy at home. Simple ingredients, coupled with straightforward cooking steps, ensure that anyone can recreate this delightful snack. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
PrintCaramel Crispix: A Sweet & Crunchy Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 12 cups Crispix cereal
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal
- Begin by placing 12 cups of Crispix cereal into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy mixing without spilling.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent the caramel from burning.
Step 3: Combine the Caramel and Cereal
- Remove the caramel mixture from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will froth up and lighten in color as it expands into a fluffy texture.
- Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the prepared Crispix cereal. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold and toss the cereal, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with caramel.
Step 4: Bake the Cereal
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
- Spread the caramel-coated cereal evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the cereal is evenly crisped.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- After baking, remove the cereal from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheets. The cereal will continue to harden as it cools.
- Once cooled, break the cereal into bite-sized clusters. Transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.
Variations Consider adding any of the following to your Caramel Crispix after it cools:
- Mini chocolate chips
- M&M’s for a pop of color and chocolatey taste
- Pretzels for an extra salty crunch
- Nuts like pecans or almonds for a nutty flavor
Notes
- Ensure to stir the cereal mixture during baking to avoid uneven caramelization and to achieve an optimal crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions Serve Caramel Crispix as a party snack in a large bowl or distribute in individual cups or small bags for easy handling.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark brown sugar instead of light brown.
- To prevent stickiness, ensure the caramel Crispix is completely cool before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 per serving
- Sodium: 300mg
- Protein: 2g