Finding the perfect snack for movie nights, school events, or just when you’re craving something sweet and crunchy can be tricky. You want something that’s easy to make but still feels special, and let’s be honest – store-bought trail mix just doesn’t cut it when you’re looking for that nostalgic campfire flavor.
This s’mores chex mix hits all the right notes: it’s got that classic campfire taste we all love, comes together in about 15 minutes, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it makes a big batch that’s perfect for sharing or storing for whenever those snack cravings hit.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Chex Mix
- Quick and easy – This treat comes together in just 15-25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a sweet snack fast.
- No campfire needed – You get all the classic s’mores flavors – chocolate, marshmallow, and graham – without having to build a fire or deal with sticky fingers.
- Perfect for sharing – This recipe makes a big batch that’s ideal for parties, movie nights, or bringing to potlucks where you want to impress without much effort.
- Simple pantry ingredients – Most of these items are things you probably already have on hand, so you can whip this up whenever a craving hits.
- Kid-friendly fun – Children love helping make this mess-free version of s’mores, and it’s a great way to satisfy their sweet tooth any time of year.
What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?
For this s’mores Chex mix, milk chocolate chips are your best bet since they give you that classic s’mores flavor we all know and love. You can use any brand you like – Nestle, Hershey’s, or even store brands will work just fine. If you’re feeling adventurous, semi-sweet chocolate chips can work too, though they’ll give you a slightly less sweet and more grown-up taste. Just make sure to stick with regular-sized chips rather than mini chips, as they’ll melt and distribute more evenly throughout the mix. And here’s a tip: if your chocolate chips are a bit old or have been sitting in the pantry for a while, give them a quick taste test first to make sure they’re still fresh and haven’t developed that white bloom that can affect the flavor.
Options for Substitutions
This s’mores mix is pretty forgiving when it comes to swaps – here’s what you can try:
- Corn Chex: If you can’t find Corn Chex, Rice Chex or Wheat Chex work just fine. You could even use plain Cheerios for a different crunch.
- Golden Grahams: This cereal is key for that graham cracker flavor, but if you’re out, you can crush up actual graham crackers (about 2 sleeves) or use Cinnamon Toast Crunch as a fun twist.
- Milk chocolate chips: Feel free to use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips if that’s what you have. You can also chop up a chocolate bar instead – just aim for similar-sized pieces.
- Unsalted butter: Salted butter works too, just reduce any added salt in the recipe. You could also use coconut oil if you want to make it dairy-free.
- Mini marshmallows: Regular marshmallows work if you cut them into smaller pieces with kitchen scissors. Freeze them for 10 minutes first to make cutting easier.
- Powdered sugar: This is pretty essential for the coating, but you can make your own by blending regular sugar in a food processor until it’s powdery.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making s’mores Chex mix is overheating the chocolate, which can cause it to seize up and become grainy – melt it slowly in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring between each burst.
Another common error is adding the marshmallows too early in the process, as they’ll melt completely and disappear instead of staying fluffy and visible throughout the mix.
To prevent your cereal from getting soggy, make sure to let the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing it with the Chex and Golden Grahams, and work quickly to coat everything evenly.
When adding the powdered sugar, wait until the mixture has cooled completely and shake it in a large bag rather than stirring, which helps create an even coating without breaking up the cereal pieces.
What to Serve With S’mores Chex Mix?
This s’mores chex mix is perfect for movie nights, so I love setting it out alongside some cold milk or hot chocolate for the full cozy experience. It’s also great for parties – just put it in a big bowl next to other snacks like popcorn, pretzels, or mixed nuts so everyone can munch while they mingle. Since it’s already pretty sweet and indulgent, I usually pair it with something simple like fresh fruit or even just ice water to balance things out. You can also pack it up in cute bags as party favors or gifts, which makes it super convenient for potlucks and gatherings.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your s’mores chex mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. I like to use a big glass jar or plastic container with a tight lid to keep all that chocolatey goodness fresh. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!
Freeze: This mix freezes really well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. Store it in freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. It’s great for having on hand when unexpected guests drop by or you need a quick snack.
Serve: The best part about this mix is that it’s ready to eat straight from storage! If you’ve frozen it, just let it thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes. No reheating needed – it’s perfect for munching right away.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3000-3400
- Protein: 18-24 g
- Fat: 90-110 g
- Carbohydrates: 520-570 g
Ingredients
For the cereal blend:
- 4 cups corn-flavored square cereal (120 g)
- 5 cups graham-flavored squares (206 g)
For the coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (123 g), plus 1 cup more for later
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows, plus extra for finishing
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Step 1: Prep the Cereal Base
- 4 cups corn-flavored square cereal (120 g)
- 5 cups graham-flavored squares (206 g)
Measure out 4 cups of corn-flavored square cereal and 5 cups of graham-flavored squares.
Pour both cereals onto a large sheet tray, spreading them out evenly to create the base for the snack mix.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate, Butter, and Marshmallows
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (123 g)
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup milk chocolate chips, and 3/4 cup mini marshmallows.
Microwave this mixture in 15-second increments, stirring after each interval, until the butter, chocolate chips, and marshmallows are fully melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
I find it’s easier to avoid scorching the chocolate by stirring frequently.
Step 3: Coat the Cereal with Chocolate Mixture
- melted chocolate mixture from Step 2
- cereal base from Step 1
Pour the melted chocolate, butter, and marshmallow mixture over the cereals on the sheet tray.
Gently mix the cereals to ensure they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
Take care not to crush the cereal squares while mixing.
Step 4: Add and Incorporate Powdered Sugar
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
Sift 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar over the coated cereals in small batches.
After each addition, gently mix to coat all the pieces evenly.
This helps prevent clumping and ensures every bite is sweet and powdery.
I like to use a fine mesh sieve to get a light, even dusting.
Step 5: Cool the Mix and Add Final Toppings
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (for finishing)
- mini marshmallows (for finishing)
Allow the coated cereal mixture to cool completely on the tray.
Once cooled, mix in the extra mini marshmallows and the remaining 1 cup of milk chocolate chips to finish the S’mores Chex Mix.
Serve and enjoy!
