Dessert

Sweet and Salty Caramel Crispix Mix Recipe

ByLily Monroe November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Crispix Mix is a sweet and crunchy treat that combines crispy cereal with a buttery caramel coating. This easy-to-make snack balances sweetness with a hint of sea salt, perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you want a delightful crunch.

The image shows a white bowl filled with golden orange waffle-textured snack pieces stacked in layers, each piece having a crunchy and ridged surface. A metal scoop rests in the bowl, partially buried in the pieces. Around the bowl, the same snack pieces spread out, covering the white marbled surface beneath. The snack pieces are small, round, and have a crisp wafer-like texture that creates a uniform, closely packed appearance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups Crispix cereal
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.
Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam; let it settle briefly.
Step 3: Pour the caramel mixture over the Crispix cereal in a large bowl. Stir gently with a rubber or wooden spatula to coat the cereal evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the coated cereal to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then remove and stir gently. Repeat this heating and stirring process three more times for a total of 4 minutes.
Step 5: Spread the caramel-coated cereal evenly onto prepared baking sheets. Generously sprinkle sea salt over the top. Allow the mixture to cool completely, breaking it into pieces or chunks with your hands or spatula as it sets.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty twist, add peanuts, cashews, or pecans to the cereal before mixing in the caramel.
Fold in M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, or candy-coated chocolates once the mix has cooled for extra color and flavor.
Add pretzel sticks or broken pretzel rods for a salty crunch; Dot’s brand pretzel sticks work great.
Try substituting Crispix with Rice Chex or Corn Chex for a slightly different texture but equally delicious result.
If the mix feels too sticky, microwave it in short bursts until the coating dries completely.
To avoid a hard caramel coating, reduce the boil time or lower the heat during boiling.
Stir or shake the mix gently to ensure even coating without crushing the cereal.
If your microwave is less powerful, increase heating intervals to 1 minute and 15 seconds per burst.

Storage

Store the cooled Crispix Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps the cereal crunchy and fresh. If the mix softens, you can briefly microwave it in 10-15 second bursts to restore crispness.

How to Serve

A full baking tray covered with small, golden brown, crunchy cereal pieces that have a waffle-like grid texture. The cereal is evenly spread out, showing a shiny, glazed surface. Next to the tray, part of another tray filled with the same cereal is visible. Below the tray, a small white bowl contains coarse sea salt. The setting is on a white marbled texture surface, giving a clean and bright look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Crispix?

Yes, Rice Chex or Corn Chex are good alternatives, though the texture will change slightly. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cereals.

How do I prevent the caramel from getting too hard?

A shorter boil time or lower heat when cooking the caramel helps keep the coating soft and chewy. Avoid overcooking the caramel mixture to maintain the desired texture.