Kansas City Crunch (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
02 -
2 cups Rice Krispie cereal
03 -
2 cups Fritos chips
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1 cup cashews
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1 cup butter (2 sticks)
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3/4 cup corn syrup
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2 teaspoons cinnamon
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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Colored sugar sprinkles (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then set aside.
02 -
Pour cereal, chips and cashews into a large bowl (or two large bowls if you don't have a bowl big enough).
03 -
In a small saucepan, add butter, sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon powder, chili powder, and cayenne pepper and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes then remove from heat and stir in baking soda. Continue stirring until mixture fizzes and expands in size.
04 -
Pour the butter mixture over the cereal mixture and toss to combine.
05 -
Spread mix out on the prepared baking sheet. Top with colored sugar sprinkles if using.
06 -
Allow mix to cool for 1 hour, then break into bite-sized pieces.
07 -
Store in an airtight container.
# Notes:
01 -
This Kansas City Crunch is a unique sweet and savory snack mix with a spicy kick.
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The combination of cereals, chips and nuts creates a variety of textures, while the spiced caramel coating adds complex flavor.
03 -
You can adjust the level of heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper used.
04 -
Adding the baking soda to the hot caramel mixture creates tiny air bubbles that give the coating a lighter texture.