I grew up sneaking handfuls of sweet and salty snacks before dinner, and this Payday Chex Mix still brings me right back to that kitchen counter. This Chex Mix Recipes favorite blends crunchy cereal, peanuts, and a caramel peanut coating that sticks to your fingers in the best way. It fits right in with Bold Chex Mix Recipe ideas and even sits proudly next to Cake Mix Desserts and Cake Mix Dump Cake at family parties. We pass this bowl around during game night, movie marathons, and long chats at the table. It works as one of those easy Appetizer Recipes you can throw together fast. I pack it for After School Snacks, and my husband calls it his top Beer Snacks pick. One bite gives crunch, salt, sweet, and that deep peanut flavor all at once. I like how simple it feels. Stir, coat, bake, cool. That is it. The smell fills the house and pulls everyone into the kitchen. I always make a double batch since someone will sneak extra before it cools. That sticky glaze sets into shiny clusters you break apart with your hands, and trust me, you will lick your fingers.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Payday Chex Mix Recipe
3) Ingredients for Payday Chex Mix
4) How to Make Payday Chex Mix
5) Tips for Making Payday Chex Mix
6) Making Payday Chex Mix Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Payday Chex Mix
8) Try these Snack next!
9) Payday Chex Mix
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

I make this when I want crunch, salt, and sweet all in one bite. This bowl brings roasted peanuts, crisp cereal squares, and a thick peanut butter glaze that sets into shiny clusters. It feels simple yet bold.

You stir, boil, pour, and bake. That is it. The oven does the rest. The smell pulls everyone into the kitchen before I even call them.

This mix works for parties, road trips, and late night snacks. I keep a jar on the counter and it never lasts long. If you love a sweet and salty snack mix, this one will stay on repeat.

2) Easy Payday Chex Mix Recipe

I have made many Chex Mix Recipes over the years, yet this one wins every time. In fact, Chex Mix Recipes like this remind me why I keep cereal in my pantry at all times. Payday Chex Mix lands right at the top of my Chex Mix Recipes list, and I do not say that lightly.

When I started Nancy Cooks at https://www.nancycooks.com, I promised to share food that real families crave. This homemade party mix fits that promise. It tastes like a candy bar and a snack bowl had a happy accident in my oven.

The glaze bubbles on the stove, turns glossy, then coats every piece of cereal. I stir with a big spoon and laugh at how serious I look doing it. Once baked, you get peanut butter glazed cereal clusters that snap when you break them apart. It feels like a bold Chex snack mix idea that never gets old.

3) Ingredients for Payday Chex Mix

Chex cereal gives the base crunch. I love how the little squares trap the caramel coating in each pocket. That texture makes this sweet peanut cereal mix stand out from other snack bowls.

Salted peanuts bring depth and balance. Their roast flavor cuts through the sugar and makes every handful taste full and rich. I sometimes sneak a few before they even hit the bowl.

Brown sugar melts into a thick syrup. It builds that deep caramel tone that makes this feel like a candy shop treat.

Light corn syrup keeps the glaze smooth and shiny. It helps the coating cling to every piece of cereal.

Creamy peanut butter adds body and that classic Payday flavor. Stirring it into the hot syrup feels oddly calming.

Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness with a soft aroma that fills the kitchen fast.

Baking soda creates tiny bubbles in the glaze. Those bubbles help the coating set with a light crisp bite.

4) How to Make Payday Chex Mix

Step 1 Preheat your oven and line a large baking sheet. I like parchment since cleanup stays easy and my future self thanks me.

Step 2 Pour cereal and peanuts into a large bowl. Toss them together so they mix well before the glaze hits.

Step 3 Heat brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Let it reach a steady boil and hold it there for a couple of minutes.

Step 4 Remove the pan from heat. Stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and thick.

Step 5 Add baking soda and stir. The mixture foams up which still surprises me every time.

Step 6 Pour the hot glaze over the cereal mixture. Fold gently until every piece shines.

Step 7 Spread onto the baking sheet and bake. Stir a few times during baking so the coating sets evenly.

Step 8 Cool completely. Break into clusters and try not to eat it all at once.

5) Tips for Making Payday Chex Mix

Use a very large bowl. I learned that the hard way when glaze dripped over the counter. Space helps you stir without crushing the cereal.

Watch the sugar as it boils. A steady boil works best. Too short and the mix turns sticky. Too long and it hardens too much.

Stir during baking. That small step keeps the coating even and gives you crisp clusters instead of one giant sheet. This easy party snack for game night tastes best when each bite has balanced crunch and caramel.

6) Making Payday Chex Mix Ahead of Time

I often make this a day before guests arrive. The flavor settles and the texture firms up in the best way.

After it cools, I store it in a sealed container at room temperature. It holds its crunch for several days which makes planning simple.

If you want a sweet and salty snack mix ready for a crowd, double the batch. I have done that more than once and never regret it.

7) Storing Leftover Payday Chex Mix

Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container on the counter. Keep moisture away so the clusters stay crisp.

If the mix softens, spread it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven for a few minutes. Let it cool again and it snaps right back.

I like to portion it into small jars for after school snacks or quick beer snacks. It travels well and never feels messy.

8) Try these Snack next!

9) Payday Chex Mix