Sweet and Spicy Caramel Snack Mix with Chili Powder
A crunchy party mix featuring Bugles, Chex cereals, Goldfish crackers, pretzels, and nuts coated in a homemade caramel glaze spiked with chili powder and cayenne. The sweet brown sugar caramel balances perfectly with the gentle heat, creating an addictive snack that's ideal for game day gatherings, holiday parties, or movie nights. The baking soda creates a light, airy coating that crisps beautifully in the oven, setting this mix apart from basic store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Bugles
- 4 cups Wheat Chex cereal
- 4 cups Honey Nut Chex cereal
- 2 cups Parmesan Goldfish crackersoyster crackers1:1neutral
less flavor
- 2 cups small pretzels
- 2 cups mixed nuts
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup butter
- 6 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray large roasting pan with non-stick cooking spray
- 2
Combine Bugles, cereals, Goldfish, pretzels and nuts in large bowl
- 3
Combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, salt and spices in medium saucepan
- 4
Bring mixture to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally
- 5
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda
- 6
Pour syrup mixture over cereal mixture and toss to coat evenly
- 7
Transfer mixture to prepared pan
- 8
Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes, until coating is set
- 9
Remove from oven and stir again
- 10
Spread mixture onto waxed paper to cool, then break into pieces
Tips
Stir the mix every 5-10 minutes during baking to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
Let mixture cool completely on waxed paper before breaking apart to achieve proper crunch.
Store in airtight container up to 1 week for best freshness and crispness.
Good to Know
covered airtight container up to 1 week
can be made 3-4 days ahead for parties
room temperature in bowls or individual bags
Common Mistakes
stir frequently during baking to avoid burning the caramel coating
add baking soda after removing from heat to prevent excessive foaming
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
less flavor
FAQ
Can I make this without the spicy ingredients?
Yes, simply omit the chili powder and cayenne pepper for a sweet-only version that's kid-friendly.
What if my caramel mixture crystallizes?
Add a tablespoon of water and reheat gently, stirring until smooth before proceeding.
How long does this keep fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for best crunch.