Kansas City is known for its bold flavors, from the famous barbecue to its hearty and satisfying comfort foods. The Easy Kansas City Crunch brings the essence of Kansas City to your kitchen in the form of a deliciously sweet, savory, and crunchy snack. With a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and crispy textures, this snack is a game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying treat. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a snack, or looking for something to munch on during a movie night, this dish will quickly become your go-to recipe.

I first came across the idea of making a crunchy, snackable treat that combines both sweet and salty flavors during a trip to Kansas City. While enjoying the local food scene, I had the pleasure of trying a mix of crunchy snacks that were both bold and addictive. Inspired by those unforgettable flavors, I set out to recreate a simple version of this treat that would be easy to make and incredibly flavorful. After experimenting with different ingredients, I finally perfected the recipe. Now, this Kansas City Crunch is a favorite in my household and has become a popular dish at gatherings and parties.

What makes the Easy Kansas City Crunch stand out is its simplicity and versatility. The crunchy texture is achieved by combining cereal, nuts, and pretzels, which are coated in a sweet, buttery sauce that is baked to golden perfection. The best part is that you can customize the recipe to your taste by adding extra ingredients like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or different types of nuts. This snack is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a crunch that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prepping since it stores well and can be enjoyed for days after it’s made.

Why This Easy Kansas City Crunch?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Simple: A no-fuss recipe that can be made in less than 30 minutes.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty: The ultimate snack that satisfies both cravings.
• Customizable: Feel free to add or swap ingredients to make it your own.
• Versatile: Great for parties, movie nights, or as a quick energy boost during the day.
• Stays Fresh for Days: This crunchy snack holds up well for a week, making it ideal for meal prep.

What You Need for Easy Kansas City Crunch

• 4 cups of corn cereal (such as Chex or similar)
• 2 cups pretzels (broken into small pieces or mini pretzels)
• 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, almonds, or peanuts)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm spice)

How to Make Easy Kansas City Crunch

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
4. Coat the dry ingredients: Pour the sauce over the cereal, pretzel, and nut mixture. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in the sweet, buttery sauce.
5. Bake the crunch: Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crunch is golden brown and fragrant.
6. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the Kansas City Crunch will crisp up and become even more delicious. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.

Tips for the Perfect Kansas City Crunch

• Even coating: Be sure to coat the dry ingredients evenly with the sauce to get a consistent crunch in every bite.
• Stir during baking: Stirring halfway through baking helps ensure even crispiness and prevents burning.
• Add-ins: Feel free to add extra ingredients like dried cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate chips to the mix for more variety.
• Storage: Keep the Kansas City Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months.
• Use a variety of nuts: If you prefer certain nuts, feel free to use just one type, or mix it up with your favorite nuts for a different flavor profile.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and cereal to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter or coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Chocolate Version: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks after baking for a sweet and melty touch.
• Add spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole-grain cereal: Choose whole-grain or low-sugar cereal options for a healthier base.
• Cut back on sugar: Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
• Add seeds: Toss in chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added fiber and nutrients.

Closing for Easy Kansas City Crunch

The Easy Kansas City Crunch is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying it as a midday snack, or using it as a topping for your yogurt or oatmeal, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy this flavorful treat any time of the day. Give it a try and let the Kansas City Crunch become a staple in your snack rotation!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Kansas City Crunch

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the Kansas City Crunch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.
   
2. What other nuts can I use?
   You can use any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios, depending on your taste.
   
3. Can I make this recipe without butter?
   Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
   
4. How do I store the Kansas City Crunch?
   Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or freeze it for longer storage.
   
5. Can I add dried fruit?
   Absolutely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots would be great additions to this snack.
   
6. Can I use a different type of cereal?
   Yes, feel free to swap the corn cereal for another crunchy cereal, such as rice cereal or oat flakes.
   
7. How can I make this spicier?
   Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
   
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free pretzels and cereal.
   
9. Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
   Yes! Add chocolate chips or chunks after baking for a sweet touch.
   
10. How can I make this recipe less sweet?
    Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in smaller amounts.
    

Easy Kansas City Crunch is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy, making it an irresistible snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a snack for yourself, or looking for something to munch on during your favorite show, this recipe has you covered. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and a satisfying texture, it’s a treat you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy it as a snack or add your favorite mix-ins for a personalized touch!

Easy Kansas City Crunch

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 cups of corn cereal (such as Chex or similar)

• 2 cups pretzels (broken into small pieces or mini pretzels)

• 1 cup mixed nuts (pecans, cashews, almonds, or peanuts)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup packed brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm spice)

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal, pretzels, and mixed nuts. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
• Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
• Coat the dry ingredients: Pour the sauce over the cereal, pretzel, and nut mixture. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in the sweet, buttery sauce.
• Bake the crunch: Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the crunch is golden brown and fragrant.
• Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mixture cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the Kansas City Crunch will crisp up and become even more delicious. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.