This Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix is a delightful blend of sweet, nutty, and crunchy textures that’s impossible to resist. With just 15 minutes of prep and 6 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a treat that’s perfect for snacking or sharing. The rich almond butter and toasted coconut create a luscious, gooey coating, while the Chex cereal adds a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Packed with hints of caramel-like sweetness and a touch of saltiness, this mix is a flavor explosion that feels indulgent yet balanced. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix
- 14 ounces Rice Chex Cereal (1 standard box)
- 7 ounces sweetened coconut, shredded (unsweetened can be used for a less sweet version)
- 5 ounces slivered almonds (sliced almonds or chopped nuts can be substituted)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup butter (unsalted preferred, but salted works with reduced added salt)
- 1 ¼ cups light corn syrup (dark corn syrup or honey can be alternatives)
- Dash of salt
Instructions for Making Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix
- Prepare a large bowl by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine Rice Chex cereal, shredded coconut, and slivered almonds in the bowl. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a medium saucepan, mix together sugar, butter, light corn syrup, and a dash of salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium/high heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a full boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cereal mixture in the bowl. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated cereal onto wax paper to cool.
- Once cooled, transfer the mix into cellophane bags for sharing or store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for personal enjoyment. It keeps fresh for a couple of days.
Creative Serving Suggestions
This Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix is perfect for sharing! Serve it in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful gift, or pile it into a festive bowl for parties. For a fun twist, layer it with vanilla ice cream or yogurt for a crunchy dessert topping. It’s also a great addition to a snack board alongside dried fruit, chocolate, and cheese.
Storage and Freshness Tips
Store your Chex Mix in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to keep it fresh and crunchy. It will last for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. If you live in a humid climate, consider adding a small packet of silica gel to the container to prevent the mix from becoming sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks—just let it come to room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using Corn Chex or Wheat Chex instead of Rice Chex for a different texture. Add a handful of mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or swap the almonds for pecans or cashews. For a tropical vibe, mix in dried pineapple or mango pieces. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, measure out your ingredients ahead of time and keep them ready to go. Use a large silicone spatula to mix the cereal and syrup—it’s easier to clean and ensures even coating. If you’re short on cooling space, spread the mix on multiple sheets of wax paper or parchment paper to speed up the process. And don’t forget to enlist a helper for stirring—it’s a great way to involve kids or friends!
Common Questions Answered
Can I use unsweetened coconut? Yes, but the mix will be less sweet. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the sugar slightly. What if I don’t have corn syrup? You can substitute honey or maple syrup, but the texture may be slightly different. Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Just store it properly and avoid exposing it to moisture to keep it crunchy.
Gooey Almond and Coconut Chex Mix
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Rice Chex Cereal
- 7 ounces sweetened coconut, shredded
- 5 ounces slivered almonds
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup butter
- 1 ¼ cups corn syrup
- dash salt
Instructions
- Spray a LARGE (the biggest you can find) bowl with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pour in the entire box of Chex cereal, coconut, and almonds. Gently mix together.
- Mix together the sugar, butter, light corn syrup, and dash of salt in a medium saucepan over med/high heat.
- Bring to a full boil, turn heat down to medium, and cook for three minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour over the cereal mixture in the big bowl and stir evenly.
- Spread cereal evenly on wax paper and let cool.
- Once it cools, I bag it up in little cellophane bags and share with neighbors and friends. Or put it in a bowl and dig in!
- You can also store it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag and it lasts for a couple of days.