Cocoa Cereal (Chex) Mix 🍫🥣
Overview:
Looking for a delectable snack that won’t pack on the pounds? Dive into this homemade Cocoa Cereal (Chex) Mix, inspired by the holiday favorite but with a healthier twist! With its delightful cocoa flavor and crunchy texture, this snack is perfect for satisfying your cravings without guilt. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for those busy days when you need a tasty treat on the go. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 cups | Chex cereal (choose your favorite variety for a personalized touch) |
| 2 cups | Cinnamon Crispix cereal (for an extra flavor boost) |
| 1 cup | Mini pretzels (adds a satisfying crunch) |
| 3 tablespoons | Unsweetened cocoa powder (for that rich chocolatey taste) |
| To taste | Equal sugar substitute (for sweetness without the extra calories) |
| To taste | Splenda sugar substitute (for added sweetness) |
| Cooking spray | (for light coating) |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.
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Mixing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Chex cereal, Cinnamon Crispix cereal, and mini pretzels. Gently toss them together until they’re evenly distributed. Set aside for now.
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Cocoa Coating: In a gallon-sized resealable bag, add the unsweetened cocoa powder and the desired amount of Equal and Splenda sugar substitutes. Seal the bag tightly, then shake it vigorously to mix everything together. This will ensure that the cocoa coating is well-combined and evenly distributed.
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Coating the Cereal: Lightly spray the mixed cereals and pretzels with cooking spray. This will help the cocoa coating adhere to the cereal mixture. Stir gently to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the cooking spray.
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Adding the Cocoa Mixture: Once the cereal mixture is lightly coated, add it to the bag with the cocoa mixture. Seal the bag tightly, then toss it gently to coat the cereal mixture evenly with the cocoa mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious chocolatey flavor in every bite!
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Spreading onto Pan: Pour the coated cereal mixture onto a large 15×11-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly to ensure that it bakes evenly in the oven.
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Optional Baking: At this point, you have the option to bake the cereal mix in a preheated oven set to 200°F (93°C) for 5-10 minutes. Baking it briefly will help to lock in the cocoa coating and enhance the crunchiness of the cereal mix.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked (or if you prefer it unbaked), your Cocoa Cereal (Chex) Mix is ready to enjoy! Scoop it into bowls or store it in airtight containers for snacking later. Each cup of this delightful mix packs only about 110 calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 68.9 per serving
- Fat Content: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 155.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 15.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.7g
- Sugar Content: 5.4g
- Protein Content: 1.5g
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this Cocoa Cereal (Chex) Mix as a midday snack, a movie night treat, or a delicious on-the-go snack.
- Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for a delightful flavor combination.
- Get creative with your mix-ins by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even mini marshmallows for a fun twist!
Final Thoughts:
With its irresistible cocoa flavor, satisfying crunch, and guilt-free nutritional profile, this Cocoa Cereal (Chex) Mix is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this easy-to-make snack is bound to impress. So go ahead, indulge your taste buds with this homemade delight—you won’t be disappointed! 🍫🥣
