Name: Caramel Crispix Cereal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489892H32M53S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter; 2 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed); 1/2 cup Lite Corn Syrup; 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1/2 tsp Baking Soda; 18 ounces Crispix Cereal (approximately 13.5 cups, big family size)

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Introduction

Caramel Crispix is a simple yet irresistible treat that combines the light, crunchy texture of Crispix cereal with a rich, buttery caramel coating. Perfect for snacking or sharing, this homemade caramel popcorn alternative is a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.

The image shows a close-up of multiple bowls filled with different snacks on a wooden surface. In the foreground, there is a light blue bowl full of small, crunchy, square-shaped snacks with a ridged texture and an orange color. Behind this bowl, there is a white bowl with similar but slightly larger snacks of a light brown color. Other visible bowls have various snacks, including one with bright orange, yellow, and white candy corn, and another with round, light popcorn. All bowls are arranged closely together, and the surface underneath is wooden. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

18 ounces Crispix Cereal (The big family size; approximately 13.5 cups of cereal)
1 cup Butter
2 cups Light Brown Sugar (packed)
1/2 cup Lite Corn Syrup
1/2 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda

Instructions

Step 1: Line a baking sheet with wax paper or, if using parchment paper, spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Pour the Crispix cereal into a large bowl.
Step 3: Melt the butter in a tall saucepan or pot over medium-high heat. Use a pot with deep sides as the caramel will expand once the baking soda is added.
Step 4: Add the brown sugar to the melted butter and bring to a boil, whisking continuously.
Step 5: Once boiling, stir in the corn syrup and vanilla extract. Let the mixture come to a boil again while whisking constantly.
Step 6: Add the baking soda and continue whisking until the mixture becomes foamy, doubles in volume, and turns a light tan color.
Step 7: Pour the caramel mixture over the Crispix in the bowl and gently stir to coat evenly.
Step 8: Immediately transfer the coated cereal onto the prepared baking sheet to cool. After a few minutes, stir gently to prevent clumping but avoid stirring too vigorously to keep the cereal pieces intact.
Step 9: Allow the mixture to fully cool for at least one hour before storing. This helps the caramel set and reduces stickiness.
Step 10: If the caramel remains sticky, bake the cereal in the oven at 275°F for 15 minutes, stirring every 5 to 10 minutes to crisp it up and set the caramel.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier texture, don’t skip the optional baking step at 275°F. Stirring during baking prevents burning and promotes even crispness.
Try adding a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel twist.
Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor variation.
Ensure to use a pot with high sides to avoid caramel boiling over as it expands when baking soda is added.

Storage

Store Caramel Crispix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure the cereal is completely cooled and the caramel fully set before sealing to prevent sticking. To refresh crispness, you can briefly bake it in the oven at 275°F for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Serve

A round wooden board holds six bowls arranged in a loose circle, each filled with a different snack. The top dark blue bowl contains yellow and white popcorn with a fluffy texture. To the right, a light blue bowl is filled with shiny, brown pretzels that have a twist shape and visible salt grains. Below that, a small white bowl holds light brown, crunchy waffle-shaped snacks with a slightly rough texture. To the left of it, a light blue bowl contains a similar waffle-shaped snack but in a darker brown color. Above this, a square dark blue bowl is filled with bright candy corn, showing three color layers: yellow at the base, orange in the middle, and white tips. Finally, a small light blue bowl on the lower right side has a mix of small, square, and round cereal pieces in various shades of brown and light orange. The entire setup rests on a white marbled surface with a white towel underneath the wooden board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?

While Crispix works best for its light and sturdy texture, you can substitute with other puffed or square cereals, but the final texture may vary.

Why does the caramel foam and expand when I add baking soda?

The baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar mixture, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the caramel to foam and lighten in color, resulting in a lighter, crispier coating once cooled.