Christmas Crack Chex Mix
A sweet and salty Christmas Crack Chex Mix made with crunchy cereals, pretzels, peanuts, and a smooth white candy coating. A festive, no-bake holiday treat that is quick, giftable, and irresistibly addictive.
24 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups corn cereal squares
- 4 cups rice cereal squares
- 2 cups plain toasted oat cereal O-shaped
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1 cup red and green chocolate candies
- 24 oz white candy coating almond bark or vanilla candy melts, chopped if using large blocks
- 2 tablespoons holiday sprinkles optional
Instructions
Prepare the baking sheets.
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
Combine the dry ingredients.
- In a very large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal squares, rice cereal squares, toasted oat cereal, mini pretzels, and peanuts. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Melt the white candy coating.
- Place the chopped white candy coating into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the coating is completely melted and smooth. This typically requires 2–3 minutes in total. Avoid overheating.
Coat the cereal mixture.
- Pour the melted white candy coating over the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, fold the mixture gently until all components are evenly coated.
Incorporate the chocolate candies.
- Add the red and green chocolate candies to the coated mixture and fold them in carefully to prevent melting.
Spread the mixture to set.
- Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spreading it into an even layer. If desired, sprinkle holiday sprinkles across the top before the coating sets.
Allow to cool and set.
- Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or chill briefly to accelerate the setting. Once firm, break the mixture into clusters and serve.
Notes
To prepare a gluten-free version of this recipe, ensure all components are certified gluten-free. This includes gluten-free corn and rice cereal squares, gluten-free toasted oat cereal, gluten-free mini pretzels, and gluten-free chocolate candies. Most white candy coating is naturally gluten-free, but always confirm by checking manufacturer labels.