Name: Caramel Churro Chex Mix
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Chex cereal; 6 cups Corn Chex cereal; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

This Caramel Churro Chex Mix is the ultimate sweet snack mash-up! Think cinnamon-sugar churros, buttery caramel, and crunchy cereal all in one irresistible handful. It captures that warm, cozy churro vibe but skips the fryer and the mess. Whether you’re planning a party, packing a holiday tin, or just craving a unique treat, this snack mix delivers big-time.

What makes it even better? It’s oven-baked for extra crispiness, so every bite has that perfect crunch and warm cinnamon-caramel flavor. It keeps well, too, making it a great make-ahead option for gifting or snacking all week long.

What Kind of Cereal Should I Use for Caramel Churro Chex Mix?

Rice Chex and Corn Chex both work beautifully in this recipe. They soak up the caramel coating while staying light and crispy. For extra texture, you can add Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Golden Grahams for a churro-inspired twist.

Ingredients for the Caramel Churro Chex Mix

6 cups Rice Chex cereal
6 cups Corn Chex cereal
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

How To Make the Caramel Churro Chex Mix

Step 1: Prep the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex and Corn Chex cereals.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until the mixture is melted and starts to bubble. Let it boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda (the mixture will foam).

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.

Step 4: Bake for Crunch

Spread the coated cereal onto prepared baking sheets in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Add Churro Topping

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the mix is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the top and toss gently to coat.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Let the mix cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.

How to Serve and Store This Sweet Snack Mix

This Caramel Churro Chex Mix makes a fantastic party snack, road trip munchie, or edible gift. Serve it in festive bowls or small treat bags for parties. To keep it fresh and crunchy, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the mix from clumping?

Be sure to stir the cereal well when coating with caramel, and again when adding cinnamon-sugar. Also, spread it out evenly on the baking sheets for even baking.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Yes! Try pretzels, mini marshmallows, or roasted nuts for added variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free Rice and Corn Chex and ensure your other ingredients (like corn syrup) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make it ahead?

Definitely. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle and deepen.

How spicy is it?

Not at all! It’s purely sweet with warm cinnamon tones.

Want More Sweet Snack Ideas?

If you love this Caramel Churro Chex Mix, you might also enjoy these delicious snack creations:

Irresistible Funnel Cake Bites for a carnival-style sugar rush.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars for a flaky, creamy cinnamon treat.
Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe with cozy flavor in every slice.
Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for festive cheer.
Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies for a sweet crunch with a chocolatey twist.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in some pretzels or drizzle it with white chocolate? Did it disappear in one day like it usually does at my house?

I love hearing your variations and tweaks. Drop your questions, too—let’s make snack magic together!

For daily inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes

Caramel Churro Chex Mix

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet, crunchy, and spiced with cinnamon, this Caramel Churro Chex Mix is a delightful snack perfect for parties, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a cinnamon-sugar dusting, it’s a quick oven treat you’ll crave on repeat.

Ingredients

6 cups Rice Chex cereal

6 cups Corn Chex cereal

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Chex and Corn Chex cereals.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until the mixture is melted and starts to bubble. Let it boil for 1 minute without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.

3. Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.

4. Spread the coated cereal onto prepared baking sheets in an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, stir, and bake for another 5-8 minutes until golden.

5. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon. While the mix is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar evenly over the top and toss gently to coat.

6. Let the mix cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.