This ooey gooey sweet chex mix is the snack that disappears before the party even starts. Buttery Chex is tossed with shredded coconut and sliced almonds, and coated in a sweet, glaze that sets into the perfect crispy, chewy crunch.

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Coconut Sweet Chex Mix Recipe
Warning: this sweet chex mix is one of those treats, like muddy buddies, that you just can’t stop eating. It satisfies sweet and salty cravings, and I love the way the glaze hardens just enough to give every piece a crackly snap before it turns chewy is irresistible.
This coconut almond Chex mix is another fabulous recipe from my grandma. :) As a little girl, I remember her making this gooey sweet chex mix every holiday season to gift to family and friends.
The first time I made it on my own, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Take one bite and you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients
- Chex cereal: You’ll need one full box to make this recipe. I typically use the rice Chex cereal, but the corn Chex would work too.
- Nuts: I like to use a mix of sliced almonds and cashews. You could use one or the other, or use peanuts instead.
- Coconut: Make sure it’s shredded and sweetened.
- Butter: I used salted butter. If using unsalted, add 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar works best.
- Karo syrup: This helps give it that delicious ooey gooey consistency. Karo is just a brand of corn syrup, so if that’s what you have, use light corn syrup.
- Vanilla: A bit of vanilla extract is added for extra flavor.
How to Make Sweet Chex Mix
Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Pour chex in bowl and mix in the coconut and nuts. Set aside.

Cut the cube of butter into small pieces and place in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar and karo syrup and stir together. Bring to a boil and then continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in vanilla and stir until combined.

Remove pan from heat and pour mixture over chex and stir until the mix is coated. Then spread the mixture out on wax paper and allow to cool. Store in an air tight container.
Tips and Variations
- As is this recipe is gluten-free. Just double-check your other mix-ins are GF too.
- Nut-free. The nuts add a great salted touch, but you can leave them out if preferred.
- Add-ins. Pretzel pieces add a nice salty crunch, and a few cups of golden grahams are a fun sweet addition too.
- For a hint of chocolate, add in some mini chocolate chips once the mix has cooled completely, so they don’t melt.
- Holiday: Add in your favorite holiday candy for a variation of Halloween chex mix, harvest fall Chex mix, Valentine chex mix, or this Christmas chex mix recipe.
- Coconut swap: If you’re not a huge fan of coconut, you can omit it. I’d recommend adding some dried cranberries (or dried fruit of choice) to still give it a little sweetness.
Make-Ahead and Gifting Tips
This sweet chex mix is made for giving. It keeps well for several days, so you can make a big batch ahead of time and not worry about it going stale before the party or the gift exchange.
To make ahead, let the mix cool completely on the parchment so the glaze sets and the pieces don’t clump. Once it’s fully cooled and crisp, store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to bag it up.
For gifting, scoop it into cellophane treat bags or small mason jars and tie them off with ribbon. Clear bags are nice here because the coconut and almonds peeking through look so pretty. It’s an easy, inexpensive homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, and coworkers all through the holidays.

More snack recipes we love include kettle corn, this Chex mix recipe and at Easter we make bunny bait!
More Snack Recipes

Sweet Chex Mix Recipe
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Chex cereal (1 box)
- 1 cup nuts (I used 1/2 cup sliced almonds and 1/2 cup cashews)
- 2-2 ½ cups sweetened coconut
- 2 sticks butter (I used salted)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups karo syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray. Pour chex in bowl and mix in the coconut and nuts. Set aside.
- Cut the cube of butter into small pieces and place in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add sugar and karo syrup and stir together. Bring to a boil and then continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in vanilla and stir until combined. Remove pan from heat and pour mixture over chex and stir until the mix is coated.
- Then spread the mixture out on wax paper and allow to cool. Store in an air tight container.
Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.


Chelsea
I absolutely love this recipe and have made it tones of times! But every time I don’t really know how long to tell people it will keep for as a gift. (It never really lasts long enough to worry about because we eat it up) but I am just curious if you could tell me about how long to keep it.
I Heart Naptime
Good question! I run into that too!
I usually say a week or two, but we always eat it up within two or three days. :)
Marilyn
Mine turned out very “clumpy” and gooey; way too sweet. I reread the directions and I seemed to have done it right. Don’t know what happened
Jamielyn
Hi Marilyn! It isn’t supposed to be clumpy, but definitely has a gooey texture. You could add less karo syrup if you don’t like it as gooey. The texture is kind of similar to the texture of caramel corn. :)
Lucy
I have some kids that are allergic to coconut. What could I use to replace that ingredient?
Jamielyn
Hi Lucy! I think this recipe would work the same if you left the coconut out. You will just probably need to add more chex mix! :)
wildwildrose
0 MY! I just made your Heavenly Chex Mix. I followed the recipe exactly with the exception of adding 1 cup of Cashews and 1 cup of Organic Hemp Hearts as I only had a 12 oz box of Chex. I really did NOT think it would be THIS delicious! I can’t stop sampling :) As soon as it cools, it will be bagged up to share with friends first thing in the morning as I can see I will not be able to resist it if it stays here! Would be wonderful for gifts or bake sales! It literally took less than 10 minutes to make! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jamielyn
I’m so glad you liked it! It really is an addicting recipe. I give most of it away but make sure to keep a little stash to snack on! :)
Pam
would honey work instead of Karl syrup?
Jamielyn
I’ve never tried it, but it could work. It will have a different taste, but it will probably keep the same texture!
wanda cox
Looks great gonna,share with my friends
Jamielyn
Thanks Wanda! :)
Monica Gribbins
These recipes look really good can not wait too try some of these
Becky
My friend makes this and they call it pigeon poop! Don’t ask me why. All I know is it it soooo good. She also uses a mix of cereal. Yummy, Yummy
Jamielyn
Haha love it! I have a few recipes handed down where I have no clue where the name came from, but that’s what makes it fun! :)
Joann
What I though was Rice Chex on my shelf was Cinnamon Chex. I used them anyway, and it turned out delicious!
Jamielyn
Yummy, cinnamon chex would be amazing in this recipe! I’ll have to give it a try!
Cara
I love to make this as well but I substitute almond extract for the vanilla or sometimes I do half and half. Then it kicks it up a notch and adds more addicting flavor!
Kristyn
YUM! This really does look heavenly!!
Jenn
I just made this and it is sooo yummy! I usually make a similar recipe but instead of the nut, coconut combo I do raisins, sunflower seeds, and a container of mixed nuts. I think I like your combo better! Perfect Christmas treat!
Jamielyn
Yum, your recipe sounds good too! I love chex mix recipes!
Katrina @ In Katrina’s Kitchen
Such a sweet gift and perfect for giving :)
Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Ummm hello yummy!
Kelly
What is a cube of butter?
Jamielyn
A cube of butter is the same as a stick of butter or 8 Tablespoons! :)
Amber Farnham
How much is 2 cubes of butter?
Jamielyn
16 Tablespoons or 4 oz!
christy b.
My family makes something like this, too, but it includes Golden Grahams cereal. So good!
Jamielyn
Yum, this would be delicious with Golden Grahams too!!
Desiree @ The36thAvenue
Love it… I am pinning :)