Looking for a sweet treat that’s irresistibly crunchy, buttery, and oh-so-addictive? Praline Crunch is here to delight your taste buds! This southern-inspired snack mixes crispy cereal and toasted pecans with a caramel-like praline coating that’s pure magic. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, making edible gifts, or just indulging in a snackable treat, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and simple steps make this perfect for all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A sweet, salty, nutty crunch that disappears fast at parties!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays fresh for days, making it a perfect snack to prepare in advance.
What Does Praline Crunch Taste Like?
It’s like caramel popcorn—but better! Each bite delivers a light, crispy texture from the cereal, buttery praline sweetness from the coating, and a toasty, nutty crunch from the pecans. The balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it nearly impossible to stop at just one handful.
Benefits of Making Praline Crunch
- Portable: Perfect for road trips, picnics, or on-the-go snacking.
- Customizable: Swap in different nuts or cereals for fun variations.
- Gift-Worthy: Package in jars or festive bags for a homemade holiday gift.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal 🥣
- 2 cups pecan halves (salted preferred) 🥜
- ½ cup packed brown sugar 🍬
- ½ cup corn syrup 🍯
- ½ cup butter 🧈
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
- ½ tsp baking soda 🧪
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment or wax paper
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Ingredient Substitutions
- Crispix Cereal: Use Chex or any light, crispy cereal for a similar texture.
- Pecans: Swap with walnuts, almonds, or cashews if preferred.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work; dark adds a deeper caramel flavor.
- Corn Syrup: Substitute with honey for a more natural sweetener.
How to Make Praline Crunch
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure a low, even bake.
2. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecans. Toss gently to distribute the pecans evenly.
3. Make the Praline Coating
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Watch as it foams up—it’s part of the magic!
4. Coat the Cereal and Pecans
Pour the hot praline mixture over the cereal and pecans, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure every piece gets crispy and caramelized.
6. Cool and Break Into Pieces
Once baked, transfer the mixture onto parchment or wax paper to cool completely. Break into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Praline Crunch
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Mixing every 20 minutes during baking ensures even coating and prevents sticking.
- Work Quickly: Pour and mix the praline coating while it’s hot to coat the cereal evenly.
- Double the Batch: This snack disappears quickly—make extra if serving a crowd!
What to Serve with Praline Crunch
- Drinks: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
- Movie Night: Serve alongside popcorn for a sweet and salty combo.
- Dessert Boards: Add to a spread of cookies, chocolates, and fruit for a party-ready display.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use unsalted pecans?
Yes, but adding a pinch of salt to the praline mixture will balance the sweetness.
What other cereals can I use?
Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even puffed rice cereal are great alternatives.
How do I keep it from clumping?
Be sure to stir well during baking and break up large clumps while cooling.
Conclusion
Praline Crunch is the ultimate sweet and salty treat that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re snacking solo, sharing with friends, or giving as a gift, this addictive recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Share Your Sweet Creations!
Snap a photo of your Praline Crunch, tag me on Pinterest, and let me know how you liked it! Looking for more easy snacks? Try these:
- Honey Glazed Pecans
- Sweet and Salty Party Mix
Happy snacking! 😋
