Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Praline Crunch is one of those snacks that’s hard to stop eating once you start. The mix of crispy Crispix cereal, salted pecans, and a caramelized sugar syrup creates a perfect sweet-and-salty combination. The vanilla extract and baking soda help elevate the flavor and give it that crispy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s an easy, quick-to-make snack that’s sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Whether you’re serving it at a party or just enjoying it at home, this snack will disappear fast!
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves (salted preferred)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and salted pecans. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a gentle boil. Let it boil for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans, and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the coated cereal and pecans to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the mixture evenly coats the cereal and pecans.
- Once done, remove the praline crunch from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
- Servings: Makes about 12 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Different nuts: While pecans are ideal, you can also use other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews to switch things up.
- Add chocolate: After the praline crunch cools, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Gluten-free version: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cereal like Chex instead of Crispix.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Store the Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the praline crunch for up to 3 months. Just place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If the praline crunch becomes too soft over time, you can pop it back in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp it up again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! You can substitute Crispix with Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or any other crispy, crunchy cereal.
Can I make this without pecans?
Absolutely! If you don’t like pecans or want a different flavor, you can replace them with other nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
Can I make this snack ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Praline Crunch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead treat for parties or gatherings.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
If you find it too sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or corn syrup by a couple of tablespoons. Just be aware that this might affect the texture of the caramel coating slightly.
Can I add more vanilla extract for a stronger flavor?
Yes! If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, feel free to add a bit more vanilla extract. Just be careful not to add too much, as the flavor can overpower the other ingredients.
Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?
Yes, light corn syrup works just as well as dark corn syrup in this recipe. The only difference is the color and a slight difference in flavor, but the overall result will be the same.
How do I ensure my praline crunch stays crunchy?
To keep the praline crunch crispy, let it cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it in an airtight container. Make sure it’s thoroughly cooled so it doesn’t soften in storage.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you need to make a larger batch. Just be sure to use a bigger baking sheet and spread the mixture out evenly to ensure it bakes properly.
Can I add some dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes! You can mix in dried cranberries, raisins, or other dried fruits after baking for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
Can I use a microwave instead of an oven for this recipe?
While baking in the oven helps the praline crunch crisp up, you can also use the microwave to melt the caramel ingredients, but you will need to stir and bake the mix on a tray after. The oven ensures the coating crisps evenly.
Conclusion
Praline Crunch is a delicious, irresistible snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With the perfect balance of crunchy cereal, savory pecans, and sweet caramel coating, it’s an addicting treat that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're preparing it for a party or just to snack on throughout the week, this recipe is simple to make, and the end result is a crunchy, flavorful snack that everyone will love!
Praline Crunch
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 Servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Praline Crunch is a sweet, salty, and crunchy snack made with crispy Crispix cereal, salted pecans, and a caramelized sugar coating. This addictive treat is perfect for parties, holidays, or as an everyday snack. It's easy to make, versatile with different nuts, and can be stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 2 cups salted pecan halves
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine Crispix cereal and pecans in a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda carefully, as the mixture will bubble.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans, and toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer to the baking sheet, spreading the mixture in an even layer.
- Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes for an even coating.
- Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- This recipe can be modified with different nuts or cereal.
- Add chocolate drizzle for extra indulgence.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the cereal with gluten-free options like Chex.
- Can be stored for up to a week at room temperature or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
