Toffee Chex Mix

Crunchy, buttery, sweet, and just the right amount of salty, this Toffee Chex Mix is downright hard to resist! Cheerios, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and mini pretzels are tossed in a rich brown sugar caramel coating, then baked low and slow until every bite is crisp and coated in a delicious toffee-like crunch. Made with simple pantry ingredients and dairy-free vegan butter, this homemade sweet and salty snack mix is perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, gifting, or keeping on the counter for when a little something sweet sounds good. Make a big batch because it disappears fast!

What you'll need: Makes 10 cups

Dry ingredients:

  • 2½ cups Original Cheerios

  • 2½ cups Rice Chex

  • 2½ cups Corn Chex

  • 2½ cups Pretzel Minis

Caramel coating:

  • ½ cup vegan butter (1 stick)

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

  • ¼ cup light corn syrup

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

How to make it:
Preheat oven to 250°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine Cheerios, Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and pretzels in a large mixing bowl.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt vegan butter. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. (Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization and gives the caramel a smoother, shinier finish.)

Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps create a smooth caramel coating.

Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam up.

Pour caramel over the cereal mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.

Spread onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and spread out to cool completely. The caramel will harden as it cools.

Tip: Sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt while warm for that extra sweet-and-salty finish. Store in an airtight container once completely cooled.

Best corn syrup substitutes:
Honey: Glossy coating, slightly softer set, will change to a honey flavor

Maple syrup: Good caramelization, more maple flavor, can be stickier

Brown rice syrup: Mild flavor, thick consistency, good glossy finish

Golden syrup: Probably the closest substitute for corn syrup; smooth, shiny caramel