Description
Crispy Chex cereal coated in homemade salted caramel, milk chocolate, caramel bits, and powdered sugar. A sweet and salty treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel bits (like Werther’s Originals)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whisk well to combine.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and cook for 3 minutes without stirring. The mixture should turn amber.
- Remove from heat.
- Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble!). Stir until smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Let the caramel sauce cool for about 5 minutes.
- Pour the Chex cereal into a very large bowl.
- Pour the slightly cooled caramel sauce over the cereal.
- Gently toss to coat all the cereal evenly.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel-coated cereal.
- Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the caramel bits over the chocolate-covered cereal. Gently toss to distribute.
- Place the powdered sugar in a very large resealable plastic bag.
- Add the chocolate-covered cereal to the bag with the powdered sugar.
- Seal the bag tightly and shake vigorously until all the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar.
- Spread the Muddy Buddies out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely.
- While the chocolate is still slightly soft, sprinkle with a little extra sea salt.
Notes
- Cereal Choice: Use rice, corn, or wheat Chex cereal.
- Chocolate Variations: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate can be substituted for milk chocolate.
- Add-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts, pretzel pieces, or peanut butter (add 1/2 cup to the caramel sauce with the cream).
- Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, vegan chocolate chips, and coconut cream.
- Troubleshooting Caramel: If the caramel crystallizes, add a tablespoon or two of water and cook over low heat, stirring, until dissolved.
- Troubleshooting Chocolate: If the chocolate seizes, stir in a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening.
- Prevent Sticking: Spread the Muddy Buddies on a baking sheet to cool. If they still stick, toss with more powdered sugar.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes