The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Gluten-Free Treat You Need to Try!
Craving that irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy? This salted caramel Chex mix recipe is your golden ticket to a supremely satisfying snack. It’s a flavor explosion that’s also wonderfully gluten-free! Imagine an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it the perfect companion for cozy evenings, movie marathons, or as a standout star at your next get-together. Plus, with an easy dairy-free option, everyone can join in on the deliciousness!
For those navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, finding truly exciting snacks can sometimes feel like a quest. That’s where this delightful Chex mix shines. It starts with Rice Chex cereal, a beloved and readily available gluten-free pantry staple. We then elevate it with the fantastic addition of crunchy nut crisp bar pieces and a generous drizzle of rich chocolate, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. If you’re on the lookout for more simple yet stunning gluten-free desserts, our Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies are always a crowd-pleaser.
The secret to this snack’s magic lies in its homemade salted caramel sauce – and don’t worry, it’s incredibly easy to make without needing a candy thermometer! This golden caramel lovingly coats each piece of Chex, which is then baked for a short stint to achieve that perfect, addictive chewy-crunch. It’s this attention to texture that makes every handful a pure delight. If rich, chocolatey goodness is your weakness, you’ll find a similar decadent satisfaction in our Flourless Chocolate Cake Bites.
One of the standout features of this salted caramel Chex mix is its versatility. Need a dairy-free version? Simply use your favorite plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips, and it’s just as scrumptious. For more guidance on adapting recipes, our guide to Top Gluten-Free Alternatives for Common Ingredients can be a great resource. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself after a busy day or share a bowl of joy with loved ones, this mix is sure to hit the spot. And if you happen to have any leftovers (a big “if”!), a small sprinkle over your morning gluten-free oats or yogurt is a delightful secret.
Why This Salted Caramel Chex Mix Recipe Works
Creating delicious snacks that are naturally gluten-free can sometimes feel challenging, but this Salted Caramel Chocolate Chex Mix proves just how effortless and rewarding it can be! This recipe shines because it utilizes ingredients that are inherently gluten-free, focusing on layering flavors and textures rather than relying on traditional gluten-containing components like wheat-based cereals.
The foundation of this amazing snack mix is Rice Chex™. This crispy cereal is a fantastic choice for gluten-free baking and snacking because it maintains its light, crunchy texture even when coated with the rich, gooey caramel. Unlike some gluten-free flours or mixes that can become dense or crumbly, Rice Chex provides a consistent, airy crispness that is absolutely essential for a satisfying snack mix.
The homemade salted caramel is another hero here. By combining simple pantry staples like brown sugar, butter (or a dairy-free alternative), and honey, you create a sweet, sticky coating that gets a wonderful depth from the salt and a helpful lift from the baking soda. The baking step after coating the Chex is crucial – it transforms the sticky caramel into a delightful crunchy-chewy coating that adheres perfectly to the cereal without making it soggy. This process locks in that irresistible sweet and salty flavor combination everyone loves in a great < khóa>salted caramel chex mix</ khóa>.
Adding chopped Nature Valley™ Nut Crisp Bars (or their suggested dairy-free alternatives like Roasted Nut Crunch Bars or Simple Nut Bars) is pure genius! These additions provide extra layers of texture and flavor – the nuts offer a satisfying crunch and richness, while the bars themselves contribute another dimension of sweetness and substance. They break up the uniformity of the Chex, making every handful a delightful surprise of textures and tastes.
Finally, the drizzle of melted chocolate ties everything together, adding a touch of decadent richness and visual appeal. The sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the chocolate ensures that iconic sweet-and-salty balance is present in every bite. This recipe masterfully combines readily available gluten-free ingredients to create a snack that is incredibly flavorful, wonderfully textural, and completely satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how going gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence or deliciousness!
🎁 33 Gluten-Free Breakfasts
Start every day with a smile and flavor. Get our FREE recipe eBook!
Instructions
- Begin by measuring the Rice Chex into a large mixing bowl. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, and butter (or a dairy-free stick). Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined and begin to bubble.
- Once bubbling, set a timer and allow the mixture to boil for exactly 4 minutes. Continue to stir occasionally during this time.
- Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in ½ to ¾ teaspoon of sea salt (using finer granules here), the baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will fizz slightly due to the baking soda.
- Pour the hot caramel mixture directly over the Rice Chex in the mixing bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold and stir until every piece of cereal is thoroughly coated in the caramel.
- Spread the coated cereal in a single, even layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the sheet. Once cool, break the large caramel clusters into smaller, snackable pieces.
- Chop the Nature Valley Nut Crisp Bars (or your chosen dairy-free alternative bars) into bite-sized chunks. Add these chopped pieces to the cooled caramel Chex mix and toss gently to distribute them throughout.
- Melt the chocolate chips (ensure they are dairy-free if needed) and coconut oil together. This can be done in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until smooth. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate generously over the entire Salted Caramel Chex Mix. A simple way to do this is to put the melted chocolate in a small plastic bag and snip off a corner for neat drizzling.
- Immediately after drizzling the chocolate, sprinkle ¼ to ½ teaspoon of coarse or flaky sea salt over the mix for that perfect finishing touch of saltiness.
- Allow the chocolate drizzle to set and harden completely. This may take a little time, but it’s essential for the final texture. Once the chocolate is firm, your Salted Caramel Chex Mix is ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
For individuals following a dairy-free diet, you will need to omit the Nature Valley Nut Crisp Bars in step 7. You can substitute them with dairy-free options such as Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Bars or Nature Valley Simple Nut Bars to maintain a similar crunchy, nutty texture in your mix.
To make the entire recipe dairy-free, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips for the drizzle in step 8 and a suitable non-dairy butter alternative when making the caramel in step 2.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Chex Mix
Getting that addictive balance of sweet and salty crunch is easy with this recipe, but here are a few tips to ensure your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chex Mix turns out perfectly every time, especially when working with gluten-free ingredients.
- Watch Your Caramel Closely: Making the caramel coating is simple, but sugar can burn quickly. Keep your heat at medium and stir occasionally while it bubbles for the specified time. It should turn a rich amber color, but not dark brown.
- Coat Gently and Evenly: Pour the warm caramel over the Rice Chex in a large bowl. Use a spatula to fold and stir the cereal gently. You want to coat as many pieces as possible without crushing the delicate gluten-free cereal.
- Don’t Skip the Bake Time: Baking the caramel-coated Chex for 10 minutes at a low temperature sets the caramel, giving each piece a wonderful crispy chew that is essential for Chex Mix. This step prevents it from being sticky or soggy.
- Cool Completely: Spread the baked Chex Mix in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces and adding the chopped bars and chocolate drizzle. Proper cooling ensures the caramel hardens properly.
- Finishing Touches Make a Difference: Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled, mixed Chex and bars. Then immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt before the chocolate hardens. This layering of flavors and textures is key to the ultimate snack experience!
One common mistake to avoid is overheating the caramel or baking the Chex too long, as this can lead to a bitter taste or burnt cereal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex™
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter (I used non-dairy)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1- 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt (coarse or flaky for sprinkling on top, finer for adding to the caramel.)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 4 Nature Valley™ Nut Crisp Bars (I used 2 Almond Dark Chocolate and 2 Salted Caramel Peanut)
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 (Yields 16 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 512 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 23mg |
| Sodium | 589mg |
| Carbohydrates | 74g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Protein | 7g |
Please note: This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients listed and can vary depending on the specific brands you use. This delicious gluten-free snack mix is a wonderful indulgence!
Tips for Your Perfect Gluten-Free Salted Caramel Chex Mix
Crafting this delightful sweet and salty snack is surprisingly simple, and it’s naturally gluten-free! Here are a few pointers to ensure your batch of homemade salted caramel Chex mix is absolutely perfect:
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this snack dairy-free to accommodate dietary needs. Simply use a plant-based butter substitute in the caramel and opt for certified dairy-free chocolate chips for the drizzle.
- Nut Crisp Bar Alternatives: If you need to skip the Nature Valley™ Nut Crisp Bars for any reason, you can substitute them with other certified gluten-free crunchy bars. Options like Nature Valley’s Roasted Nut Crunch Bars or Simple Nut Bars offer a similar satisfying texture. Always double-check product labels to ensure they meet your specific gluten-free requirements.
- Achieving the Perfect Crunch: Don’t skip the short baking step after coating the cereal in caramel. This is essential for developing that signature crunchy-yet-chewy texture that makes this sweet treat so addictive. Using parchment paper on your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze.
- The Importance of Salt: The final sprinkle of coarse or flaky sea salt at the very end is not just for looks; it’s crucial for balancing the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, creating that irresistible sweet and salty contrast.
- Mixing Bowl: Ensure you use a large mixing bowl to comfortably toss and coat the Rice Chex™ evenly with the warm caramel mixture without crushing the cereal.
- Storage: Once fully cooled and the chocolate drizzle has set completely, store your Salted Caramel Chocolate Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its delicious crunch and flavor for several days. Keep in mind that humidity can affect the texture, so a truly airtight container is best!
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of good mixing bowls is crucial for preparing ingredients separately and combining them later.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accuracy is key in baking! Ensure you have a reliable set.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Essential for baking your treats to perfection.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Perfect for whipping eggs and creating light and airy mixtures.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Use to fold ingredients together gently and scrape bowls clean.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – To smoothly blend ingredients, a food processor is a must-have!
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – Needed for heating liquids and creating sauces.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A sharp knife will make chopping vegetables a breeze.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your counters and make prepping food easier.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon
