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Praline Crunch Recipe

4.5 from 149 reviews

Praline Crunch is a deliciously sweet and crunchy snack featuring Crispix cereal and toasted pecans coated in a rich, buttery caramel sauce. This treat balances nutty and sweet flavors with a perfect crisp texture, ideal for snacking, gifting, or dessert toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 8 cups Crispix Cereal
  • 2 cups Pecan Halves (toasted, preferably salted)

Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)
  • ½ cup Corn Syrup
  • ½ cup Butter
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, lightly greasing it to ensure the praline crunch releases easily after baking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine 8 cups of Crispix cereal and 2 cups of toasted pecan halves, ensuring even distribution for consistent coating.
  3. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup corn syrup, mixing until sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil without stirring, and allow it to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and ½ tsp baking soda until the mixture foams slightly, which helps create an airy, even coating.
  4. Coat the Cereal and Pecans: Quickly pour the hot caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans in the bowl. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently toss the mixture to ensure all pieces are evenly coated before the caramel cools and hardens.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Spread the caramel-coated mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to promote even caramelization and crisping.
  6. Cool and Break Apart: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the praline crunch to cool completely on the sheet. Once cooled, break into bite-sized clusters for serving or storage.

Notes

  • To add variety, drizzle melted white, milk, or dark chocolate over cooled praline crunch for a richer flavor.
  • You can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews to change the nutty profile.
  • Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
  • Mix in pretzels, mini marshmallows, or coconut flakes for extra texture.
  • Use certified gluten-free cereal and ingredients to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Store praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Praline Crunch, Caramel Snack, Crispix Cereal Recipe, Nutty Snack, Caramel Coated Nuts, Sweet Snack Mix