Churro Cinnamon Crunch

Homemade Churro Chex Mix: The Ultimate Sweet & Crunchy Snack Recipe

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible Churro Chex Mix – a delightful fusion of classic crunchy snack mix and the beloved cinnamon-sugar flavors of traditional churros. This easy-to-make treat is incredibly satisfying, offering a perfect balance of crispy texture and warm, sweet spice. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a festive party treat, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a unique topping for your favorite desserts, this Churro Chex Mix is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly!

Growing up, savory snack mixes like the famous “Party Mix” were a staple at family gatherings and holidays. There was always a large bowl brimming with salty, spiced goodness. However, as culinary creativity evolved, so did the world of snack mixes. We discovered delightful sweet variations, such as Sugar Cookie Chex Mix and Patriotic Party Mix, proving that there’s definitely room for both savory and sweet versions in our snack repertoire. This Churro Chex Mix brings a whole new level of dessert-inspired deliciousness to the table, transforming simple cereal into an addictive, sweet and crispy sensation.

churro chex mix in a serving bowl, perfectly coated with cinnamon sugar
A generous serving of our homemade Churro Chex Mix, ready to be enjoyed.

The beauty of this Churro Chex Mix recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It primarily uses your favorite Chex cereal – I personally recommend Rice Chex for its neutral flavor, which allows the churro-inspired cinnamon sugar coating to truly shine. However, if you’re a serious cinnamon enthusiast, you could opt for Cinnamon Chex to amplify that spiced flavor even further! Corn Chex also works wonderfully, adding a subtle, hearty base.

The magic happens with a luscious, buttery, and sweet coating. A warm mixture of butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar is meticulously cooked to the perfect consistency before being poured over the cereal. This sweet glaze is then baked to achieve an incredible crispness, transforming each piece of Chex into a miniature churro-like bite. It’s downright addictive on its own – you might find yourself reaching for just “one more handful” countless times. Beyond snacking straight from the bowl, this Churro Chex Mix makes an exceptional topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or even a fun addition to a dessert charcuterie board.

churro chex mix ingredients laid out on a table: Chex cereal, sugars, butter, corn syrup, cinnamon
All the key ingredients for your Churro Chex Mix, ready to be combined.

Essential Ingredients for Churro Chex Mix

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. For precise measurements, please refer to the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Chex Cereal: The foundation of our mix! Rice Chex offers a neutral canvas, allowing the cinnamon-sugar flavor to dominate. Corn Chex adds a slightly heartier, subtle corn flavor, while Cinnamon Chex will give you an extra burst of spice. Feel free to use your favorite variety or a mix of them for varied textures.
  • Brown Sugar (Light): This contributes to the rich, caramel-like sweetness of the coating and helps create a chewy yet crisp texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Used in both the coating mixture and the final cinnamon-sugar sprinkle, providing that classic sweet crunch reminiscent of a traditional churro.
  • Unsalted Butter: Essential for both flavor and creating a smooth, even coating that adheres beautifully to the cereal.
  • Corn Syrup: A crucial ingredient for achieving the perfect crispy texture. It helps prevent crystallization of the sugars, ensuring a smooth, non-gritty coating that stays crunchy after baking.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The star spice! This provides the unmistakable warm, aromatic flavor that defines a churro. Don’t skimp on this!
churro chex mix on a baking sheet being stirred with a spatula during baking
Evenly spreading the mix on a baking sheet and stirring during baking is key for a perfect crunch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Churro Chex Mix

Creating this delicious Churro Chex Mix is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfectly crunchy and flavorful snack:

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a large baking sheet (or two if needed to avoid overcrowding) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
  2. Craft the Sweet Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is fully melted and the sugars are dissolved. Once the mixture comes to a full boil, let it continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring occasionally. This precise timing is crucial for achieving the ideal crunchy texture later on.
  3. Coat the Cereal: Carefully pour the hot butter mixture over the Chex cereal in a very large mixing bowl. Using a sturdy spatula or a large spoon, gently but thoroughly mix until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the sweet syrup. Take your time to ensure full coverage.
  4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Blend: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. This is your signature churro seasoning!
  5. Season and Spread: Sprinkle the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the coated cereal. Mix again, ensuring that the cinnamon sugar adheres evenly to all the sticky cereal pieces. Once seasoned, spread the Chex mix in a single, even layer onto your prepared baking sheet(s).
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the Chex mix in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s essential to stir the mixture every 10 minutes during baking. This prevents sticking, promotes even toasting, and ensures that every piece becomes uniformly crispy.
  7. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the Churro Chex Mix from the oven. Spread it out on the baking sheet (or transfer to another parchment-lined surface) and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. As it cools, it will harden and develop its signature crunchy texture. Resist the urge to snack too soon – patience is key for maximum crispness!
looking down on a bowl of churro chex mix with cinnamon sugar visible
The final product: a perfectly coated and crunchy bowl of Churro Chex Mix.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Churro Chex Mix

Achieving the perfect Churro Chex Mix is easy with a few insider tips:

  • Timing the Boil is Key: Treat the butter, sugar, and corn syrup mixture like candy. Using a timer when boiling is critical. If you boil it for too long, your mixture will become brittle and hard, potentially leading to a rock-hard Chex mix. If boiled for too short a time, the syrup won’t set properly, resulting in a soggy or sticky snack. Stick to that 1-minute boil for optimal results.
  • Customize Your Crunch Level: For a delightful crunch, bake for the recommended 30-35 minutes. If you prefer an extra crispy texture – perfect for crumbling over ice cream or yogurt – extend the baking time to 40 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning and stir frequently.
  • Choose Your Chex Wisely: While Rice Chex provides a wonderfully neutral base, allowing the churro flavor to shine, don’t hesitate to experiment! Corn Chex adds a slightly richer, more savory undertone, which can be a nice contrast to the sweetness. For an intensified cinnamon experience, Cinnamon Chex is an excellent choice. You can even mix different Chex varieties for a more complex texture.
  • Get Creative with Mix-Ins: Once the Chex mix has cooled, the possibilities for mix-ins are endless!
    • Sweet Additions: Consider adding sprinkles for a festive look, mini marshmallows for a chewy surprise, or various chocolate chips (white, milk, dark, butterscotch) for extra indulgence.
    • Sweet & Salty: For a delicious contrast, toss in small pretzels or mixed nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or cashews) after cooling.
    • Dried Fruits: Small dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots can add a touch of tang and chewiness.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For even baking and crisping, ensure your Chex mix is spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. If you have a larger batch, use two baking sheets. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which prevents the desired crunch.
  • Cool Completely for Crispness: This step cannot be stressed enough! The Chex mix will appear slightly soft when it first comes out of the oven. It will only achieve its true crunch once it has cooled down completely.

Storage Solutions for Your Churro Chex Mix

One of the best things about Churro Chex Mix is how well it stores, making it an excellent make-ahead snack or gift. Store your cooled Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It will maintain its delicious crunch and flavor for 1-2 weeks, though it’s often devoured long before then! For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze it. Place the completely cooled mix in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw on the counter for a few minutes before serving. Freezing can even enhance the crunch slightly!

churro chex mix spread out on parchment paper to cool
Allowing the Churro Chex Mix to cool completely on parchment paper ensures maximum crunch.

More Delightful Dessert Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of sweet treats, especially those with a cinnamon twist, you’ll love these other fun dessert recipes:

  • Frosted Churro Cookies
  • Cake Batter Cookies
  • Almond Joy Brownies
  • Apple Upside Down Cake
  • Churro Bars
cropped close up churro chex mix on parchment paper




2 from 1 vote

Churro Chex Mix

By

Erin Sellin
This delightful Churro Chex Mix combines cinnamon and sugar for an absolutely crunchy and delicious experience. Perfect as a snack, treat, or even a thoughtful gift.
Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

35 minutes

Servings:
10
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups Chex cereal
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350º F.
  • In a saucepan melt butter, brown sugar and corn syrup together. Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
    3/4 cup light brown sugar,
    1/2 cup unsalted butter,
    1/4 cup corn syrup
  • Pour butter mixture over Chex cereal and mix until everything is well coated.
    8 cups Chex cereal
  • Mix cinnamon and sugar together until evenly blended.
    1/2 cup granulated sugar,
    2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon over cereal and mix until combined. Spread onto a lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely before serving.

Nutrition


Calories:
379kcal
|

Carbohydrates:
74g
|

Protein:
5g
|

Fat:
10g
|

Saturated Fat:
6g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1g
|

Monounsaturated Fat:
3g
|

Trans Fat:
0.4g
|

Cholesterol:
24mg
|

Sodium:
294mg
|

Potassium:
210mg
|

Fiber:
6g
|

Sugar:
38g
|

Vitamin A:
813IU
|

Vitamin C:
6mg
|

Calcium:
127mg
|

Iron:
15mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin
Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes
Cuisine:
American
Servings:
10
Calories:
379




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