Step 1: Prepare the Cereal

• Begin by placing 12 cups of Crispix cereal into a large mixing bowl. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy mixing without spilling.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is smooth and uniform.
• Allow the mixture to come to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent the caramel from burning.

Step 3: Combine the Caramel and Cereal

• Remove the caramel mixture from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will froth up and lighten in color as it expands into a fluffy texture.
• Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the prepared Crispix cereal. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently fold and toss the cereal, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with caramel.

Step 4: Bake the Cereal

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or non-stick foil.
• Spread the caramel-coated cereal evenly across the prepared baking sheets.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the cereal is evenly crisped.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

• After baking, remove the cereal from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the baking sheets. The cereal will continue to harden as it cools.
• Once cooled, break the cereal into bite-sized clusters. Transfer to an airtight container for storage or serve immediately.

Variations Consider adding any of the following to your Caramel Crispix after it cools:

• Mini chocolate chips
• M&M’s for a pop of color and chocolatey taste
• Pretzels for an extra salty crunch
• Nuts like pecans or almonds for a nutty flavor