Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix: Your New Favorite Sweet & Salty Snack
Prepare for an explosion of flavor and texture with this incredible Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix. It’s the quintessential sweet, salty, and crunchy snack that combines all your favorite elements into one irresistible treat. This recipe takes the classic snack mix to new heights, blending the rich, nutty notes of peanut butter with decadent chocolate, all balanced with a delightful salty crunch. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy movie nights to bustling holiday gatherings, this peanut butter snack mix is guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
What makes this particular Chex mix truly special is its thoughtfully curated combination of ingredients. We start with Peanut Butter Chex cereal, doubling down on that beloved peanut butter flavor. This forms the foundational crunch. Then, we layer in savory pretzels for a salty counterpoint, vibrant Reese’s Pieces for extra peanut butter candy goodness, classic chocolate chips for a melty, sweet touch, and mini peanut butter cups for a rich, chewy surprise. Every single handful delivers that coveted sweet-salty equilibrium, punctuated by satisfying pops of crunch and pockets of smooth, melty chocolate. Whether you’re aiming to whip up a fun Chex mix dessert for a lively movie night or simply need a quick, indulgent treat to curb a sudden craving, this chocolate peanut butter creation consistently hits the spot, leaving you reaching for more.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter and Chocolate Snack Mix
I’ve ventured through countless variations of snack mixes, including numerous renditions of classic puppy chow, but this Chex mix, featuring its harmonious blend of chocolate and peanut butter, truly stands out as a personal favorite. It’s generously loaded with all the delightful chocolate and peanut butter candies I adore, yet it strikes a perfect balance without ever becoming overly sweet. The secret lies in the buttery sugar coating that adheres to the cereal and pretzels, creating a perfectly crisp and utterly snackable texture that lasts for days. This particular Reese’s Chex mix isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition. I find myself making it every fall, then again throughout the festive holiday season, and perhaps even when I need a whimsical excuse to enjoy candy for dinner. Its versatility and deliciousness make it a staple in my kitchen, a go-to for satisfying both casual snack attacks and celebratory cravings alike.
Pro Tip: Freeze Your Mix-ins for Hot Weather Enjoyment
When the warmer months arrive and my kitchen inevitably heats up, I employ a clever trick to ensure my candy mix-ins remain pristine: I freeze them beforehand. This simple step is surprisingly effective in helping the candies maintain their structural integrity and prevent any unwanted melting or smudging, even if the chocolate peanut butter Chex itself is still slightly warm from the oven. This technique is particularly beneficial for delicate ingredients like mini Reese’s cups, which are prone to losing their shape in heat. By freezing them, you guarantee that each piece of candy retains its distinct form and flavor, contributing to a perfect, mess-free snack mix experience, regardless of the ambient temperature.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted (½ stick)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups Peanut Butter Chex cereal *
- 2 cups pretzel twists
- 1 cup Reese’s Pieces **
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini Reese’s Cups
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Baking Sheet
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set this aside.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, rich brown sugar, and aromatic vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Then, introduce the Peanut Butter Chex cereal and crunchy pretzel twists, tossing everything gently until the cereal and pretzels are uniformly coated with the butter-sugar mixture.4 tablespoons salted butter, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 4 cups Peanut Butter Chex cereal, 2 cups pretzel twists
- Carefully transfer the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a single, even layer. This ensures optimal crisping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After the initial baking time, gently stir the Chex and pretzel mixture on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispness, then return it to the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow the baked mix to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet before breaking it into delightful, bite-sized pieces. Once cooled, add the Reese’s Pieces, luscious chocolate chips, and charming mini Reese’s Cups. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine them thoroughly. It is crucial to ensure the mix is entirely cool before adding the candies to prevent them from melting and losing their shape.1 cup Reese’s Pieces, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup mini Reese’s Cups
Notes
**For a slight variation on the peanut butter candy, feel free to substitute Reese’s Pieces with an equal amount of peanut or peanut butter M&M’s. This will introduce a different chocolate-to-peanut butter ratio and a slightly varied texture.
Expert Tips for the Best Chex Mix:
- Customize Your Crunch: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional mix-ins! Great options include roasted peanuts for extra protein, regular Cheerios for another cereal texture, or even peanut butter baking chips for an intense peanut butter burst.
- Coat Thoroughly: The key to a perfectly crispy mix is ensuring every piece of Chex and every pretzel is thoroughly coated in the butter-sugar mixture. Take your time tossing in the large bowl; this even coating is essential for achieving that desirable crisp texture during baking.
- Even Baking is Key: Do not skip the crucial step of stirring the Chex mix halfway through the baking process. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents certain areas from becoming over-baked while others remain soft, ensuring a uniform crispness throughout.
- Cool Completely Before Adding Candies: This tip is paramount! Always allow the Chex mix to cool down entirely to room temperature before incorporating the Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, and mini Reese’s Cups. Adding them to a warm mix will cause them to melt, distort, and potentially create a sticky mess.
- Proper Cooling for Optimal Texture: Similarly, ensure the Chex mix is completely cool before transferring it to storage. Storing warm Chex mix can trap moisture, leading to a soggy texture that diminishes its irresistible crunch.
Storage Instructions: To maintain its freshness and delightful crunch, store your chocolate peanut butter Chex mix in an airtight container. It will remain delicious at room temperature for up to 5 days, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or frozen for an extended period of up to 3 months. If frozen, allow it to thaw gently at room temperature before indulging to restore its perfect texture.
Calories from Fat 99
@easydessertrecipes
for a chance to be featured.
Crafting Your Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Chex Mix is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly crispy, sweet, and salty snack that everyone will adore. Precision and patience ensure the best results!
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to use parchment paper to line a large baking sheet; this prevents the mix from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Set the lined baking sheet aside for later use. Next, melt the salted butter. You can do this easily in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it in 20-second increments. Stir after each interval until the butter is completely melted and smooth, typically taking about 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Snack Mix Base
In a generously sized mixing bowl—the bigger, the better, as it provides ample space for thorough coating—add the 4 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ¼ cup of rich brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and form a smooth, fragrant mixture. Once the wet ingredients are ready, add 4 cups of Peanut Butter Chex cereal and 2 cups of pretzel twists to the bowl. Gently, but thoroughly, toss the cereal and pretzels until every piece is evenly coated with the butter-sugar mixture. This coating is essential for achieving that irresistible crispness and flavor saturation during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Once your Chex and pretzel mixture is beautifully coated, carefully transfer it from the mixing bowl to the prepared baking sheet. Spread the mixture into a single, even layer, making sure there is as little overlap as possible between the pieces. This optimal spacing allows for consistent air circulation and ensures each piece bakes to a uniform crispness. Place the baking sheet into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 10 minutes. After this initial baking period, gently remove the sheet, stir the Chex and pretzel mixture with a spatula to redistribute the pieces, and then return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes of baking. This mid-bake stir is crucial for preventing burning and promoting even golden-brown perfection.
Step 4: Incorporate Candies and Serve
After the Chex mix has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet. This cooling period is vital; resist the urge to add your candies prematurely! Once fully cooled, gently break the mix into individual, bite-sized pieces. Now it’s time for the fun part: add 1 cup of colorful Reese’s Pieces, 1 cup of rich chocolate chips, and 1 cup of charming mini Reese’s Cups. Toss all these delightful additions together until they are evenly distributed throughout the Chex mix. Remember, it is absolutely essential that the baked mix is entirely cool before any candies are added. Introducing them to a warm mix will cause them to melt, deform, and potentially create a sticky, unappetizing result. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy!
Optimal Storage and Freezing for Lasting Freshness
To ensure your delectable chocolate peanut butter Chex mix remains as fresh and irresistible as the day you made it, proper storage is key. Once the mix has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Stored this way, it will maintain its delightful crunch and flavor at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you wish to extend its shelf life, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For even longer enjoyment, this snack mix freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the cooled mix in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen batch, simply allow it to thaw at room temperature for a few hours. The flavors and textures will return to their peak, ready for your next snack craving.
More Irresistible Snack Mix Recipes to Try!
Birthday Cake Puppy Chow
Christmas Crack Chex Mix
Caramel Puppy Chow
4th of July Snack Mix
Discover All Our Sweet & Savory Snack Recipes