Churro Chex Mix

The sweet and crunchy charm of churros meets the bite-sized convenience of snack mix in this irresistible Churro Chex Mix. Coated in a buttery blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, every crispy piece delivers the nostalgic taste of fairground churros in every handful. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or just a quick treat, this recipe is delightfully easy to prepare and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. With just a few ingredients and a little oven time, you can whip up a bowl of cinnamon-sugar magic that’s crunchy, golden, and completely addictive.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

8 cups Rice Chex cereal
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved and bubbling slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture over the cereal and gently stir until evenly coated.
Spread the coated Chex mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through for even crisping.
Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 10 servings

A Crunchy Twist on a Classic Dessert Flavor

Churros the golden, crispy, cinnamon-sugar coated treats are a beloved snack around the world. Known for their deliciously warm flavor and slightly crispy texture, they’re usually enjoyed fresh from the fryer and dipped in chocolate or caramel. But what if you could enjoy that same sweet, cinnamony flavor in a quick, mess-free snack that’s perfect for parties, road trips, or movie nights? That’s exactly what you get with Churro Chex Mix.

This creative snack remix takes all the goodness of churros and transforms it into an oven-baked cereal mix that’s not only simple to make, but also incredibly addictive. With its light crunch, sweet coating, and comforting flavor, Churro Chex Mix is a game-changer for anyone who enjoys a sweet and salty treat with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love Churro Chex Mix

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this recipe, but here are a few that stand out:

1. Quick and Easy Preparation

This is one of those recipes you can throw together in under 20 minutes. It requires only a few basic pantry staples Rice Chex cereal, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. The simple stovetop coating combined with a short bake in the oven ensures that you get that perfect crispy texture without deep frying or complex steps.

2. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Whether you’re making snacks for a birthday party, a school event, or just a casual weekend at home, Churro Chex Mix is a guaranteed hit. Kids love it for its sweet flavor and finger-food format, while adults appreciate its nostalgic nod to fairground churros. Plus, it stores well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and always have a treat ready to go.

3. Customizable and Versatile

The base recipe is a great canvas for creativity. Want to add a little extra decadence? Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle white chocolate over the cooled mix. Looking for a nutty crunch? Add some roasted almonds or pecans. You can also try different cereal varieties for a twist on texture. This recipe works well as a foundation for creating your own personalized snack mix.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Churro Chex Mix is one of those magical recipes that fits into just about any situation. Here are some of the best times to whip up a batch:

Holiday Parties: A bowl of this on the dessert table is always a conversation starter. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds that holiday flavor without being overpowering.
Movie Nights: Forget the popcorn this sweet snack is the perfect movie companion. It’s not greasy, doesn’t require utensils, and you can keep munching without missing a scene.
Potlucks and Picnics: Churro Chex Mix is portable and shelf-stable, making it an ideal option for sharing. Just pack it in a resealable bag or airtight container and you’re good to go.
Lunchbox Treats: Surprise your kids (or yourself!) with a sweet midday treat. It holds up well and doesn’t crumble like cookies or cakes might.
Gifts and Party Favors: Fill small jars or treat bags with this mix, tie them with a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that feels personal and thoughtful.

Healthier Than You Think

While this recipe is definitely a treat, it has some surprising advantages compared to traditional churros:

Baked, Not Fried: By using the oven to crisp the mix instead of deep frying, you cut down on unnecessary oil and mess.
Portion Control: Because it’s a dry snack, it’s easy to control how much you eat. A handful here or there feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Gluten-Free Friendly: If you use a certified gluten-free cereal (many Rice Chex brands are), this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.

Tips for the Best Churro Chex Mix

To get the most out of this recipe, keep these tips in mind:

Stir Gently: When coating the cereal with the butter-sugar mixture, do it slowly and carefully to avoid crushing the pieces.
Don’t Skip the Bake: Even though it might look ready after coating, the short bake in the oven is essential for crisping and setting the flavor.
Cool Completely Before Storing: If you store the mix while it’s still warm, the trapped steam can make it soggy. Let it cool fully before sealing it up.
Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Flavor Variations to Try

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are some fun flavor twists:

Churro S’mores Mix: Add mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks after baking for a sweet campfire twist.
Pumpkin Spice Churro Mix: Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin spice to make a fall-inspired treat.
Spicy Churro Mix: Add a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon-sugar coating for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Once cooled, store your Churro Chex Mix in an airtight container or resealable bag. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week at room temperature if it lasts that long! You can also portion it into individual servings for snacks on the go, or freeze it for longer storage (just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn).

A Great Recipe for Beginner Cooks

This is an excellent “gateway” recipe for new or young cooks. There’s no advanced equipment required, no fancy techniques to learn, and it teaches basic skills like melting butter, stirring evenly, and baking. Plus, the payoff is immediate and delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that builds kitchen confidence.

Conclusion:

Churro Chex Mix is more than just a sweet treat it’s a joyful, simple, and highly customizable snack that captures the essence of everyone’s favorite cinnamon-sugar dessert in a way that’s convenient and fun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging solo, this mix checks all the boxes: quick, tasty, and universally loved.

If you’ve never tried transforming cereal into something magical, this is the perfect place to start. It’s easy to see why this recipe has taken off with families, food bloggers, and home bakers alike. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times.