Chocolate Candy Cane Chex Mix Recipe – Easy Holiday Snack

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chocolate Candy Cane Chex Mix Recipe – Easy Holiday Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the holidays just scream for easy, festive snacks. And honestly, what’s more festive than chocolate and candy canes? This Chocolate Candy Cane Chex Mix is a total crowd-pleaser, takes minutes to whip up, and is seriously addictive. I first made this for a Christmas party years ago, and it disappeared within the hour – I’ve been making it every year since! It’s the perfect sweet and crunchy treat to share (or, let’s be real, enjoy all by yourself!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit. The combination of crunchy Chex cereal, smooth chocolate, and refreshing candy cane is just chef’s kiss. It’s also super customizable – I’ll share some fun variations later on!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical mix:

• 4 cups Chex cereal
• 8 oz melting chocolate or candy melts (about 225g)
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (about 60g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Choosing the right chocolate makes a big difference. I usually go for milk chocolate candy melts because they melt beautifully and have that classic holiday flavor. But feel free to experiment! White chocolate or dark chocolate would also be delicious.

As for the Chex cereal, you can use any variety you like – Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even a mix! If you’re looking for alternatives, you could try using other similar cereals like Crispix or even puffed rice.

And finally, the candy canes! Freshness is key here. Slightly older candy canes can be a little brittle and don’t crush as nicely. Plus, the peppermint flavor is best when they’re nice and potent.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get mixing! It’s so easy, you won’t believe it.

1. First, pour those 4 cups of Chex cereal into a large mixing bowl. You want a bowl big enough to comfortably coat everything in chocolate.
2. Now, it’s chocolate time! Melt your 8 oz of chocolate candy wafers in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Alternatively, you can melt it on the stovetop using a double boiler. The goal is smooth, luscious chocolate!
3. Pour that gorgeous melted chocolate over the Chex cereal. Gently fold everything together until every single piece is coated. Don’t be too rough – we want to keep those Chex pieces intact!
4. Transfer the chocolate-covered cereal to a large ziplock bag. Add in your ½ cup of crushed candy canes. Seal the bag tightly and shake, shake, shake! This distributes the candy cane pieces evenly.
5. Finally, spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Let it dry completely before serving – usually about 30 minutes to an hour.

Expert Tips

Okay, a few little secrets to make this recipe even better:

• Melting Chocolate: Low and slow is the way to go! When microwaving, stir frequently. If using a stovetop, keep the heat low and stir constantly. Burnt chocolate is no fun.
• Even Coating: Folding gently is key. You want everything coated without crushing the cereal.
• Preventing Sticking: Parchment paper is your best friend! Seriously, don’t skip it.
• Crushing Candy Canes: Place candy canes in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer to crush them. Don’t go too fine – you want some texture!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use vegan chocolate melts! There are some fantastic options available now.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Chex cereal is generally gluten-free, but always double-check the packaging to be sure.
• Spice Level: N/A – this is a sweet treat!
• Festival Adaptations: For Diwali, you could use colorful sprinkles instead of candy canes. For a general holiday party, try using a mix of festive sprinkles and crushed peppermint bark. My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom to the chocolate for a unique flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This Chex mix is perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or just a cozy afternoon treat. Serve it in a festive bowl or package it up in cellophane bags for gifting. It also makes a great addition to a holiday snack board!

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It might lose a little of its crunch over time, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this snack make-ahead friendly? Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly in an airtight container.
• Can I use different types of candy canes – peppermint, fruit flavored? Definitely! Fruit-flavored candy canes would add a fun twist.
• How do I prevent the Chex mix from becoming soggy? Make sure the chocolate is completely cooled and the mix is stored in an airtight container.
• What’s the best way to crush candy canes? A ziplock bag and a rolling pin work wonders!
• Can I add other mix-ins like pretzels or nuts? Yes! Feel free to add a handful of pretzels, nuts, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.

Enjoy! I hope you and your loved ones enjoy this easy and delicious Chocolate Candy Cane Chex Mix as much as we do. Happy Holidays!