Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make snack that's both sweet and salty? Look no further! This chocolate Chex mix recipe is the perfect treat for movie nights, parties, or a simple afternoon pick-me-up. It's incredibly versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe offers a quick and simple approach to homemade cooking, resulting in a delicious dish perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave something special. It’s one of the best recipes for satisfying that sweet and salty craving.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Chex cereal (Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a mix)
- 6 cups pretzels (sticks or twists)
- 2 cups chow mein noodles
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional additions: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews), 1/4 cup dried cranberries or other dried fruit
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step makes all the difference in easy cleanup after baking.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzels, and chow mein noodles. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Melt the Butter & Peanut Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and peanut butter together. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Add Sweetness & Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This step gives the chocolate Chex mix its signature delicious sweetness.
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Chocolate Infusion: Add the chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture and stir until melted and incorporated. For extra smooth chocolate, you can briefly microwave the chocolate and peanut butter mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted.
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Coat the Mix: Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and pretzel mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.
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Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chocolate is set and the cereal is lightly toasted. Keep a close eye on it towards the end to prevent burning.
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Cool & Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chocolate Chex mix cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the chocolate to fully set and prevents the mix from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chex Mix:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaking can result in burnt cereal and a less-than-ideal texture. Keep a close eye on it during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Even Coating: Make sure to stir the mixture well after adding the melted chocolate to ensure even coating.
- Storage: Store your chocolate Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spicy Chocolate Chex Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the melted chocolate mixture for a spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Chex Mix: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- M&M's Chex Mix: Add a cup of your favorite M&M's candies to the mix for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities. Generally, expect a relatively high calorie, fat, and sugar content due to the ingredients used. However, the mix still delivers a satisfying snack.
This easy recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas or a simple yet delicious treat to share. Enjoy this homemade delight!