Easy Coconut Caramel Snack Mix

This Easy Coconut Caramel Snack Mix is the answer whenever you want a treat with layers of crunchy texture and gooey sweetness. Crisp cereal, crunchy nuts, and chocolate candies come together under a silky coconut caramel glaze. One bite and you will see why it disappears fast at every gathering or family movie night

When I first brought this to a backyard bonfire my friends could not stop grabbing handfuls and asked for the recipe before the night was over

Ingredients

• Rice Chex cereal: for ultimate light and crispy crunch choose a fresh box for best texture
• Cinnamon Cheerios cereal: adds a gentle warmth and sweet spice
• Honey roasted peanuts: a salty sweet nutty bite that complements the caramel
• Toasted coconut chips: a must for deep coconut essence try to pick unsweetened variety for balance
• Sliced almonds: these add buttery crunch and added nutrition look for plump even pieces
• Unsalted butter: for rich base flavor use good quality for the smoothest caramel
• Coconut sugar: brings out the caramel notes with a deeper toasty sweetness than granulated sugar pick soft and slightly moist coconut sugar for best melting
• Heavy cream: makes the caramel extra creamy select full fat for a glossy finish
• Vanilla bean paste or extract: delivers warm rich aroma opt for real vanilla for best results
• Salt: brings all flavors together and keeps sweetness in check pink Himalayan or fine sea salt both work well
• Mini Ms: for colorful chocolatey pockets use fresh for best snap and color
• Caramel Ms: little bursts of caramel fun in every bite choose a new pack for the freshest candy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cereal and Nut Mix:

In the biggest bowl you have combine Rice Chex Cinnamon Cheerios honey roasted peanuts toasted coconut chips and sliced almonds Toss gently to mix everything evenly this way every bite will have some of each ingredient

Make the Coconut Caramel Sauce:

Place unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat Once melted add coconut sugar and heavy cream Whisk slowly and constantly until the sugar melts into the cream and everything is steaming and smooth This should take a couple of minutes

Cook the Caramel to Perfection:

Continue cooking and whisking for about eight minutes Keep your eye on the mixture You want it to darken slightly become bubbly and smell exactly like caramel Go slowly If you rush you risk scorching the sugar and losing the glossy caramel you want

Add Vanilla and Salt for Flavor Depth:

Take the caramel mixture off the heat and stir in the vanilla bean paste and salt Watch for the caramel to get even more fragrant The coconut sugar makes it darker than classic caramel but that is exactly what you want for a punchy flavor

Coat the Snack Mix:

Pour the hot caramel sauce directly over the cereal and nut mixture Use a silicone spatula or big spoon to toss and turn everything until every bit is coated Caramel cools and firms up quickly so work fast but gentle to keep the cereal from breaking

Bake for Crunch:

Evenly spread the sticky mix onto two parchment lined baking sheets Try to keep it in a single layer Bake at two hundred fifty degrees for thirty to forty five minutes giving everything a gentle stir every fifteen minutes This sets that caramel shell and brings out the nutty toasted notes

Finish with Candy Fun:

Once out of the oven let it cool just five minutes on the tray Then scatter the mini Ms and caramel Ms over the warm mix and gently toss Together with the caramel scent and crunch this is when the magic happens Let the mix finish cooling ten more minutes so the candies set

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My favorite part is always the toasted coconut chips They bring a flavor I associate with family beach vacations When my nephew first found one in his handful his grin told me we made a snack memory

Storage Tips

Store your snack mix in a big airtight container at room temperature It stays crunchy and fresh for up to four days For even longer storage pop it in the freezer and enjoy straight from the freezer bag

Ingredient Substitutions

Any type of Chex cereal can be swapped for Rice Chex If you do not have Cinnamon Cheerios try plain or honey nut Any roasted nut works in place of peanuts If coconut sugar is unavailable light brown sugar can pinch hit Though you lose the toasted note it still tastes fantastic

Serving Suggestions

Pile the cooled snack mix into a big bowl for parties or movie nights Make mini snack bags for lunches or road trips When I bring this to potlucks I sprinkle extra mini Ms on top for that wow color pop

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Cultural and Historical Context

Snack mixes in America often star during holidays like Halloween or Christmas Families have put their twist on Chex mix for generations This coconut caramel version takes inspiration from southern caramel corn and tropical snack mixes I grew up with in Florida

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute regular sugar for coconut sugar?

Yes, you can use light brown sugar as an alternative, though it will yield a lighter flavor than coconut sugar.

→ How do I keep the snack mix crispy?

Ensure the mix is fully cooled before storing in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.

→ Can other cereals be used?

Absolutely. Try substituting Rice Chex or Cinnamon Cheerios with similar cereals of your choice.

→ Are there nut-free options?

Omit the peanuts and almonds, or use extra cereal or dried fruit to replace them for a nut-free version.

→ How long does it last?

This snack mix stays fresh for up to four days when sealed at room temperature.

→ Is it possible to freeze the snack mix?

Freezing is not recommended as it can affect texture, but storing in the fridge works for short-term freshness.