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Turtle chex mix with browned butter caramel, toasted pecan halves, and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt flakes.

Turtle Chex Mix

Rebecca Blumer
A sweet and salty holiday favorite featuring chocolate Chex cereal coated in a rich brown butter caramel, combined with toasted pecans, chocolate chips, and crunchy pretzels.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

  • Large microwave-safe bowl
  • 2-cup glass measuring cup
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pkg. 12.8 oz. chocolate Chex cereal
  • 1 cup pecan halves toasted
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsp. butter cubed
  • 3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 12 caramel squares chopped or 1 cup toffee bits
  • 1 1/2 cups miniature pretzels

Instructions
 

Prep the Base

  • Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and pour in the chocolate Chex cereal with the toasted pecan halves. Toss them together now so the nuts get coated evenly later, not stranded at the bottom.

Cook the Caramel Syrup

  • In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, add the cubed butter and microwave it until it melts and turns foamy. Watch for a golden-amber tint and a nutty aroma for a brown butter flavor.
  • Stir in the packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Microwave the mixture on high until it is smooth and bubbling, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  • Whisk in the baking soda immediately. The syrup will puff and foam, creating an airy texture that help the coating dry crisp.

Coat, Microwave, and Set the Clusters

  • Pour the hot caramel over the cereal and pecans, then fold gently with a spatula until lacquered. Microwave the bowl on high for 2 minutes, stirring every minute.
  • Spread the mix onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in an even layer. While hot, sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped caramel squares over the top without stirring.
  • Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm. Break into clusters by hand, stir in the miniature pretzels, and store in an airtight container once cool.

Notes

Flavor Boost: Toast the pecans in a dry pan for 3 to 5 minutes until they smell warm and nutty to enhance the sweet caramel flavor.
Crunch Protection: Add the miniature pretzels only after the mixture has completely set and cooled to ensure they maintain their salty snap.
Setting Secret: Let the chocolate chips sit on the hot cereal mix for 5 minutes before moving the tray so they cling to the clusters without smearing.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 110IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 5mg
Keyword caramel snack, chocolate chex, party mix, turtle chex mix
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