Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a delightful twist on a classic snack mix, combining crunchy Chex cereal with a rich salted caramel coating. This sweet and salty treat is perfect for satisfying your snack cravings or sharing at parties.

Ingredients

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, let it boil for 1 minute without stirring.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
4. Step 4: Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and gently stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Spread the coated cereal on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let it cool for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cooled, caramel-coated cereal to a large resealable bag or bowl. Add the powdered sugar, seal it, and shake gently to coat the cereal evenly.
7. Step 7: For serving, sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the cereal lightly before coating for an extra crunchy texture.
• For a flavor twist, add cinnamon or cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before coating.
• Store in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• Check to ensure your cereal is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

Storage

Store leftover Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To re-crisp them, you can spread the snack on a baking sheet and warm in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, while Chex cereal is traditional, you can substitute with other crispy cereals of similar size and texture, such as Rice Krispies. Just make sure they hold up well to the coating process.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Choose gluten-free Chex cereal varieties and verify that all other ingredients, especially corn syrup and powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire snack is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 91 reviews

Salted Caramel Muddy Buddies are a deliciously sweet and salty snack that combines crispy Chex cereal coated in homemade salted caramel and dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for movie nights, holiday parties, or gifting, these treats offer a delightful crunch with a rich caramel flavor and a hint of sea salt for balance.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: About 12 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Snack Mix

• 9 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)

Caramel Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling

Finishing

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare Cereal: Place 9 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl and set aside, ensuring you have enough space to coat the cereal with the caramel.
2. Make Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter, and ¼ cup light corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, let it boil for 1 minute without stirring to reach the desired caramel consistency.
3. Add Flavor: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon sea salt to infuse the caramel with rich flavor and a hint of saltiness.
4. Coat Cereal: Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the prepared cereal. Gently stir with a spatula to ensure every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the caramel.
5. Cool and Toss: Spread the caramel-coated cereal evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes so the caramel can set slightly.
6. Add Powdered Sugar: Transfer the cooled cereal mixture to a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Add 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, seal the bag or cover the bowl, and shake or toss gently to coat the cereal evenly with powdered sugar.
7. Serve: Optionally, sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top for a perfect smoky salty finish before serving. Enjoy immediately or store for later.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Store the Muddy Buddies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Flavor Variations: Consider adding cinnamon or cocoa powder to the powdered sugar for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Texture Tip: Toast the cereal lightly before coating to add extra crunchiness to the snack.
• Serving Suggestion: These treats are perfect for movie nights, holiday parties, or packaged in gift jars for friends and family.
• Allergy Note: If gluten sensitivity is a concern, ensure your Chex cereal is certified gluten-free.

Keywords: muddy buddies, salted caramel snacks, caramel popcorn, sweet and salty snacks, party snacks, easy snack recipe, caramel treats