Are you a Chex fan? I love Chex cereals. To be honest I never purchased them to use as cereal originally, I picked them up to make recipes with them including the infamous Chex Mix snack mix and Muddy Buddies. Have you tried either of those recipes? I make Muddy Buddies at least once a year, usually in the fall/winter months because I can send it to school with my kids as a snack. The summer is too hot and I worry about the chocolate melting.
Did you know that Chex cereal comes in a wide variety of flavors? It’s available in…
Rice
Corn
Wheat
Honey Nut
Chocolate – I haven’t tried this flavor yet but I want to.
Cinnamon
Apple Cinnamon
Now they have added Vanilla to their flavor line up. I have seen commercials for it on TV and it sounded like it would taste good. That is why I jumped on the opportunity to try it out when I was asked if I wanted to review the new flavor.
Chex sent me a couple of boxes of their new Vanilla Chex. It instantly became a favorite in my home. In fact my daughter ate a bowl of it every morning since we opened the box. She even told me when the boxes are empty we need to pick up more. She has not eaten anything but the new cereal. Needless to say I think she loves it. 
I like the new cereal too. It’s sweet and you can certainly taste the vanilla. In a way it reminds me of a sugar cookie taste, but not as sweet as a cookie (if that makes sense?). Maybe even a bit like a vanilla cupcake.
The new Vanilla Chex cereal is also gluten free, just like other Chex cereals.
Not only does the Vanilla Chex make a tasty breakfast but it’s also a yummy snack, a late night treat and you can even crush it up and use it to top off yogurt and ice cream.
What I love about Chex cereals is that they are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. You’d be amazed at how many recipes incorporate Chex cereals. Plus you can mix it up a bit and try different Chex flavors in the recipes.
Here are a few recipes worth trying out. Please note when cooking Gluten-free, always read labels to make sure each recipe ingredient is gluten free. Products and ingredient sources can change.
Chex® Vanilla Muddy Buddies®
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
9 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In 1-quart microwaveable bowl, microwave chips and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir and microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar; seal bag. Shake until well-coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
*To make Mexican Wedding Cookies, stir in 1 cup finely chopped walnuts with the cereal.
18 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 70); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 4.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 5mg; Sodium 170mg; Potassium 0mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 1g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 6%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Chex® Mexican Muddy Buddies®
You can use any combination of Chex® cereals to create this yummy favorite, but the combination of Chocolate, Cinnamon and Vanilla is what makes a true Mexican combo.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
9 cups Vanilla Chex®, Chocolate Chex®, or Cinnamon Chex® cereal (or combination)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
Into large bowl, measure cereals and marshmallows; set aside.
In 1-quart microwaveable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and butter uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in condensed milk, cinnamon and vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar; seal bag. Shake until well-coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.
18 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 140 (Calories from Fat 60); Total Fat 7g (Saturated Fat 3.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 160mg; Potassium 50mg; Total Carbohydrate 18g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 1g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 8%; Iron 35%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Mexican Hot Chocolate Chex® Party Mix
Savor the flavors of Mexican Hot Chocolate any time of year in this dynamite party mix.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
2 cups Chocolate Chex® cereal
2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup flaked coconut
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
In large microwaveable bowl, measure cereal. Set aside
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, heat butter and chocolate chips on High 1 minute or until almost melted; stir and microwave another 30 seconds or until mixture can be stirred smooth; stir in condensed milk, heat 30 seconds or until boiling; stir in cinnamon. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
Microwave on High about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is glazed. Stir in coconut and marshmallows. Pour onto waxed-paper lined pan to cool.
*Not a coconut lover? Leave it out-you’ll still have a terrific blend of Mexican Hot Chocolate.
16 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 190 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 150mg; Potassium 90mg; Total Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 1g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 8%; Iron 25%
Exchanges: 1 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1 1/2
Pistachio Lime Chex® Party Mix
Vanilla Chex®, lime and pistachio flavors blend wonderfully to make a sensational new snack mix!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
6 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
1 cup roasted, salted pistachios, shelled
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup frozen (thawed) limeade concentrate
1 teaspoon grated lime peel
Directions:
In large microwavable bowl, measure cereal and pistachios; set aside.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in brown sugar and juice concentrate; microwave on High 30 seconds; stir. Microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture is boiling; stir in lime peel. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
Microwave uncovered on High about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until cereal is glazed. Spread on waxed paper to cool. (Cereal will crisp as it stands.) Store in airtight container.
*Lovin’ lime? If you love limes, you’re in for a treat, this is a tart lime flavor. If lime peel puts you over the top, leave the peel out, the limeade concentrate gives enough flavor without the peel.
14 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 120 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 2.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 180mg; Potassium 100mg; Total Carbohydrate 9g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 2g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 8%; Iron 30%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2
Brown Sugar Spice Chex® Party Mix
Craving cookies? You have all the same flavors of a brown sugar-spice cookie in this fun party mix, plus the crunch of cereal!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
6 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
1/2 cup whole roasted almonds
1/2 cup whole roasted cashews
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons dark corn syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup gluten-free yogurt-covered cranberries or yogurt-covered raisins
Directions:
In large microwavable bowl, measure cereal and nuts; set aside.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter on High 30 seconds; stir and microwave 30 seconds longer or until butter is melted; stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and spices. Heat until boiling, about 30 seconds. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated.
Microwave uncovered on High about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is glazed. Cool 5 minutes, stir in cranberries. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.
*If you have a hard time finding roasted cashews and almonds separately, you can just use 1 cup mixed nuts instead. Any nut will be very tasty in this sweet and spicy mix.
14 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2.5g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 170mg; Potassium 105mg; Total Carbohydrate 14g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 2g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 8%; Iron 30%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Chex® Popcorn-Pretzel Chunks Party Mix
A favorite among the Chex® team members, this crunchy super-snack disappeared in no time. Don’t be surprised if the same thing happens at your next party!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
4 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
3 cups popped popcorn
1 cup fish-shaped pretzel crackers
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
1/2 cup candy-coated milk chocolate pretzels
Directions:
Spray very large microwavable bowl with cooking spray. Mix cereal, popcorn and pretzel crackers in bowl.
In medium microwavable bowl, microwave marshmallow crème and butter uncovered on High about 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds, until crème and butter are melted and can be stirred smooth.
Stir, pour over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly coated. Microwave uncovered on High 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is glazed. Cool 5 minutes; stir in candies. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Break into chunks. Store covered.
*This sweet and salty snack is super-yummy and easy to make, but the marshmallow creme makes the prep a bit sticky. To minimize stickiness, spray bowls, spoons and spatulas with cooking spray before using.
20 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 25); Total Fat 3g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 125mg; Potassium 15mg; Total Carbohydrate 12g (Dietary Fiber 0g); Protein 1g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 4%; Iron 15%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1/2 Other Carbohydrate, 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Cinnamon Cider Chex® Party Mix
Snack on fun fall flavors anytime of year in this crunchy apple cinnamon snack, made in your microwave in 15 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Start to Finish: 15 Minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups Vanilla Chex® cereal
2 cups Apple Cinnamon Chex® cereal
2 cups Cinnamon Chex® cereal
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup apple juice concentrate, thawed
1 cup cinnamon-flavored almonds
1 package (2.5 ounces) cinnamon-flavored crispy apple chips, broken into fourths
Directions:
In large microwavable bowl, measure cereals; set aside.
In 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave butter until melted, about 45 seconds. Stir in brown sugar and juice concentrate; microwave 30 seconds longer or until mixture is boiling. Pour over cereals, stirring until evenly coated.
Microwave uncovered on High about 3 minutes, stirring every minute, until mixture is glazed. Stir in almonds and apple chips. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container.
16 servings
1/2 cup: Calories 170 (Calories from Fat 80); Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 150mg; Potassium 110mg; Total Carbohydrate 19g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 2g
% Daily Value: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 8%; Iron 25%
Exchanges: 1/2 Starch, 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 1/2 Fat
Carbohydrate Choices: 1
Have you tried any of these recipes before? I’d love to hear about it. Or do you have another recipe that you enjoy making that uses Chex cereals? Feel free to comment and tell me about it.
For more information about Chex cereals, or recipes, please visit www.Chex.com. You can also find the brand on Facebook.
How would you like to try out the new Vanialla Chex? One lucky reader will win TWO boxes of Vanilla Chex, TWO coupons for FREE Vanilla Chex and a really cool cereal bowl (trust me, the bowl is unlike anything you have ever seen before. ).
This giveaway is open to US residents only and will end on August 11, 2013 at 11:59 PM (EST). The winner will be chosen at random using the random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via e-mail and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter please comment on what your favorite flavor of Chex cereal is AND which recipe posted above would you like to try?
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify (I do check). Extra entries are optional.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kimberly
*I received the same prize packaging in exchange for my participation. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.