Description
Cashew Crunch is a delightful sweet snack mix combining Crispix cereal, crunchy cashews, and sweetened flaked coconut coated in a buttery, caramel-like sugar syrup. Baked low and slow to achieve a crispy texture, this treat is perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups Crispix cereal
- 1 (8-oz) can cashews
- 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Syrup Mixture
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250ºF to prepare for the slow baking process that will crisp up the cereal mixture evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Crispix cereal, canned cashews, and sweetened flaked coconut ensuring an even distribution.
- Make Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, light brown sugar, and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda to add flavor and help create a light texture.
- Toss Mixture: Pour the hot syrup over the cereal, cashew, and coconut mixture. Toss quickly but gently to coat all pieces evenly with the syrup coating.
- Bake Mixture: Spread the coated mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent clumping or burning.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, spread the mixture onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely. Break into pieces once cooled and store in an airtight container or serve immediately.
Notes
- Stirring every 20 minutes during baking is essential to prevent burning and to promote even crispiness.
- Allow the Cashew Crunch to cool fully on parchment or wax paper to ensure it hardens properly and breaks into crunchy pieces.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- For a nut-free version, omit cashews and replace with extra cereal or seeds.
