Praline Crunch – Buttery, Crispy, Caramel-Coated Perfection!
Looking for a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy, sweet, and buttery with just the right hint of nutty goodness? This Praline Crunch recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with crispy cereal, toasted pecans, and a homemade caramel coating, it’s the ultimate snack mix for holidays, parties, or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients — no candy thermometer required!
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Crispix cereal (or Rice Chex/Corn Chex as alternatives)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine the Cereal and Pecans
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Crispix cereal and pecan halves.
- Gently toss them together and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth and combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Baking Soda
- Remove the caramel from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda.
- The mixture will foam and expand—this is expected and helps create a light, crunchy coating.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
- Pour the hot caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans.
- Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake Low and Slow
- Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and caramel distribution.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the mix to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- After it hardens, break into clusters and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Time & Yield:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cool Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Calories: ~230 per serving
- Yields: About 12 servings
Tips & Variations:
- Add-ins: Toss in mini pretzels, dried cranberries, or M&M’s after baking for a colorful twist!
- Nut-free option: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Holiday gift idea: Package clusters in festive jars or bags tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Simple ingredients
- No fancy equipment
- Perfect texture – crunchy, sweet, and addictive
- Ideal for holidays, movie nights, or parties