If you’re craving a snack that’s sweet, crunchy, and downright addictive, then you have to try my Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe. It’s this perfect blend of cinnamon sugar goodness coating crispy oyster crackers that will have you munching away before you know it. I absolutely love how this turns out because it’s simple to make but feels like a fancy treat – perfect for the holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You’ll be surprised at how quickly this snack mix comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
- Sweet & Crunchy: The toffee-like coating paired with cinnamon sugar creates the perfect churro vibe.
- Versatile Snack: Whether for a party, gift, or movie night, this mix is always a hit.
- Customizable: You can tweak the cinnamon level or add extra spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. The oyster crackers act as the crunchy base, soaking up that luscious cinnamon-toffee coating beautifully.
- Oyster crackers: These small, crunchy crackers are perfect for absorbing the sweet coating without getting soggy.
- Dark brown sugar: I prefer dark brown for its rich molasses flavor, but light brown sugar works well too.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness; plus, butter adds toffee richness.
- Ground cinnamon: Divide it between the toffee mixture and the topping for that classic churro taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and roundness to the flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar: Sprinkled on top, it crystallizes slightly for a fun crunch.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness perfectly.
Variations
Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks, so feel free to make this oyster cracker churro snack mix your own!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili powder gives the mix a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon.
- Nutty Twist: Toss in some toasted chopped pecans or almonds for crunch and extra flavor – my family goes crazy for that texture combo.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can substitute gluten-free oyster crackers or a similar gluten-free cereal if needed.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for a decadent touch I love for special occasions.
How to Make Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crackers
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. I line an extra large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and then parchment paper, which makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it prevents the sugary toffee from sticking and turning cleanup into a nightmare. Spread the oyster crackers out in a single layer, so every cracker gets coated evenly later on. This little prep step ensures your snack mix bakes perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the oven is heating, mix together 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Set this aside for now — you’ll sprinkle it over the crackers right after baking, and it adds that iconic churro crunch and flavor I can’t live without.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Toffee Sauce
Over medium heat in a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt your butter and stir in the brown sugar. Once it starts boiling, let it bubble away for 2 minutes while you keep stirring so it doesn’t burn – this step caramelizes the sugar beautifully. Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and another teaspoon of cinnamon. That vanilla swirl is where the magic happens, trust me.
Step 4: Coat and Bake Your Snack Mix
Pour this toffee mixture right over the oyster crackers and gently toss to coat every cracker evenly. Spread them out again on the baking sheet so they’re in a single layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until the coating is bubbly and golden – that’s your signal that it’s perfectly caramelized and so delicious!
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar and Cool
Right when you pull the crackers from the oven, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top. This step is critical because the warm toffee lets the sugar crystals stick beautifully, giving that classic churro flavor and crunch. Let the entire mix cool completely on the pan before breaking it apart. My favorite way is to just crack it apart with your hands once it’s cooled—it feels a bit like unwrapping a gift every single time!
Pro Tips for Making Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe
- Line with Parchment & Foil: Trust me on this—lining your pan with both prevents sticky mess and saves cleanup time.
- Don’t Skip the Baking: The 10-minute bake lets the toffee mix bubble and develop that irresistible crunch you want.
- Work Quickly After Baking: Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar immediately to get it to stick well to the warm crackers.
- Cool Fully Before Breaking: If the mix is warm, it’ll be too sticky to handle and might crumble too much.
How to Serve Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple by serving this mix as-is, but if you want to fancy it up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon right before serving adds a pretty finishing touch. Sometimes I like tossing in mini marshmallows for a playful contrast in texture, especially when serving to kids.
Side Dishes
This snack mix pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making it an ideal treat for cozy afternoons. If you’re serving it at a party, I like to set it alongside some fresh fruit or a cheese board—it balances the sweetness and keeps guests coming back for more.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve gifted this snack mix layered in cute mason jars tied with ribbon—such a hit around the holidays! For parties, try serving it in colorful bowls with little scoops so everyone can grab a handful easily. Another fun idea? Toasted coconut flakes or chocolate chips sprinkled on top right before serving for extra flair and flavor variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftover oyster cracker churro snack mix in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature. This keeps it crunchy and fresh for up to a week—though in my house, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead, freezing works well. I recommend storing it in a sealed freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature. The texture remains fantastic.
Reheating
To bring back the fresh-baked vibe, spread the snack mix on a rimmed baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes the crunch and makes the cinnamon aroma pop again.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cracker instead of oyster crackers?
Yes! While oyster crackers are ideal due to their size and texture, you can substitute with small saltines or buttery crackers. Just keep in mind that different crackers may change the snack’s crunch and flavor slightly.
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How long does the Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this snack mix stays fresh and crunchy for about one week. Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing to avoid any sogginess.
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Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Nuts like pecans or almonds add great texture and flavor. You can also experiment with mini chocolates, coconut flakes, or even a pinch of chili powder for a spicy-sweet combo.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional oyster crackers contain gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free by default. However, you can find gluten-free oyster crackers or similar alternatives to make a gluten-free version.
Final Thoughts
I discovered this Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe years ago when I wanted something sweet but easy, and I haven’t stopped making it since. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in snack form — warm cinnamon, buttery toffee, and the perfect crunch all rolled into one. Whether you’re making it as a gift or for yourself, I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to snacks. You’ve got to give this a try, trust me – your snack game will never be the same!
Print
Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 17 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Oyster Cracker Churro Snack Mix is a delightful treat featuring crispy oyster crackers coated in a rich cinnamon-toffee glaze, then baked to golden perfection. With a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and warm cinnamon spice, it’s an irresistible snack that’s quick to make and ideal for parties, movie nights, or anytime cravings.
Ingredients
Snack Mix
- 9 oz Oyster crackers (about 5 cups)
Toffee Coating
- 1 cup Dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1 cup Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tsp Ground cinnamon, divided
Topping
- 3 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an extra-large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and then parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Crackers and Mix Topping: Spread the oyster crackers in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Set this cinnamon sugar mixture aside for topping later.
- Make Toffee Mixture: In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and dark brown sugar over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, then allow it to boil for 2 minutes while stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Flavor the Toffee: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract along with the remaining 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, mixing thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Coat Crackers: Pour the warm toffee mixture evenly over the oyster crackers on the baking sheet. Gently toss or stir with a spatula to coat all the crackers thoroughly in the cinnamon-toffee glaze.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the crackers take on a golden hue.
- Add Topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven immediately after baking and sprinkle the reserved cinnamon sugar and salt mixture evenly over the hot crackers.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the snack mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it apart into bite-sized pieces and serve or store.
Notes
- If you don’t have parchment paper, be sure to butter the aluminum foil or baking sheet to prevent the toffee from sticking.
- Store the oyster cracker snack mix in an airtight container or resealable bag for up to one week to keep it fresh.
- To reheat and refresh the snack mix, spread it in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/17th of recipe (~1/2 cup)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
