Sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive—this Caramel Churro Chex Mix is the ultimate snack for cozy movie nights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need something sweet and snackable. It brings together the cinnamon-sugar warmth of churros with a buttery caramel glaze that clings to every crunchy bite of cereal and pretzels.


What makes this treat irresistible is its balance of textures and flavors. You get the satisfying crunch from Chex cereal, the salty bite from pretzels, and creamy little surprises from white chocolate chunks. Toss it all in a caramel-cinnamon coating, and you’ve got a snack that’s both nostalgic and new.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Churro Chex Mix
- It comes together quickly with simple pantry staples.
- Perfect for gifting, snacking, or parties.
- Offers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy cinnamon warmth.
- Easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
What Kind of Cereal Should I Use?
For the best crunch and texture, stick with a mix of Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Cinnamon Chex. The combination holds up well to the caramel coating and gives variety in each bite. You can also experiment with Wheat Chex for a heartier crunch, but be sure it doesn’t overpower the sweetness.
Ingredients

- Rice Chex: Light and crisp, ideal for soaking up the caramel coating without getting soggy.
- Corn Chex: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and balances the mix.
- Cinnamon Chex: Reinforces the churro flavor and brings extra spice.
- Mini Pretzels: Provide a salty contrast that keeps the sweetness in check.
- White Chocolate Chunks: Creamy bites that complement the cinnamon sugar.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the rich base of the caramel.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses sweetness to the coating.
- Corn Syrup: Keeps the caramel smooth and prevents crystallization.
- Ground Cinnamon: The key spice that delivers the churro vibe.
- Granulated Sugar: Used for the final cinnamon-sugar dusting.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the caramel to create a lighter texture that coats evenly.
How To Make the Caramel Churro Chex Mix
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Cinnamon Chex, mini pretzels, and white chocolate chunks. Toss gently to evenly distribute.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and baking soda. The mixture will foam up—this is normal!
Step 3: Coat the Cereal Mix
Immediately pour the caramel over the cereal mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Bake for Crispiness
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This helps set the coating and adds extra crunch.
Step 5: Finish with Cinnamon Sugar
While the mix is still warm, sprinkle with granulated sugar and a touch more cinnamon. Toss gently to coat. Let cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Caramel Churro Chex Mix
This recipe yields about 8 cups of mix, perfect for serving 8 to 10 people. Serve it in a big bowl for parties, portion it into jars for edible gifts, or pack it into zip-top bags for road trip snacks. It’s a hit anytime you want to add a festive, flavorful touch.
How to Store Caramel Churro Chex Mix
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep it extra crispy, avoid refrigeration. If needed, re-crisp by placing the mix on a baking sheet in a 250°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cereal brands?
Absolutely. Just aim for crisp, square cereals that hold their shape. Off-brand options or flavored Chex can work well.
Can I substitute honey for corn syrup?
You can, but the texture will be slightly different and may be stickier. Corn syrup gives a smoother finish.
How do I prevent clumps?
Toss thoroughly when adding the caramel and again after baking. Work quickly while it’s still warm to ensure an even coat.
Is this mix freezer-friendly?
It is! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp for 10 minutes before enjoying.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and skip the white chocolate or sub with a dairy-free version.
Want More Snack Ideas with a Twist?
If you love this churro twist on a classic snack, check out these delicious recipes too:
- Brownie Puppy Chow for a rich chocolatey crunch.
- Homemade Nougat Bars for a chewy and nostalgic treat.
- Candy Cane Cookies for holiday flair in every bite.
- Salted Caramel Fudge Truffles for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Mini Pecan Pies for bite-sized indulgence.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 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 mix in nuts? Skip the chocolate? Try dark brown sugar? I love hearing how others customize it. Questions welcome too—let’s make snack time extra sweet.
More sweet snack ideas on my Pinterest here: Life With Livia.
Print
Caramel Churro Chex Mix
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive—this Caramel Churro Chex Mix is the ultimate snack for cozy movie nights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you need something sweet and snackable. It brings together the cinnamon-sugar warmth of churros with a buttery caramel glaze that clings to every crunchy bite of cereal and pretzels. Perfect as a quick snack idea, holiday treat, or edible gift!
Ingredients
6 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
3 cups Cinnamon Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
1 cup white chocolate chunks
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for finishing)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for finishing)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex, Corn Chex, Cinnamon Chex, mini pretzels, and white chocolate chunks. Set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let simmer (without stirring) for 3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and baking soda. The mixture will foam.
6. Immediately pour caramel over cereal mix and gently fold with a spatula until fully coated.
7. Spread mixture evenly on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway.
8. While warm, sprinkle with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss to coat.
9. Let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Customize with nuts or candy pieces for a festive twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel chex mix, churro snack mix, holiday snack, sweet party mix


