Love sweet, crunchy snacks? Try this Praline Crunch! It’s easy to make and tastes amazing.
Crispy cereal and pecans get a sweet glaze. It’s perfect for parties or movie nights. You’ll want to make it again and again.
The recipe is quick and simple. You only need a few things from your kitchen. Everyone will ask for more!
Ready to start? Grab your ingredients and follow the steps. In no time, you’ll have a treat everyone loves!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like brown sugar, butter, and cereal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Perfectly Addictive: Sweet, salty, crunchy, and nutty—a flavor combination that’s impossible to resist.
- Great for Gifting: A favorite for holiday treats, snack bags, or edible gifts.
- Crowd Favorite: One bite and everyone will beg for the recipe!
Required Kitchen Tools
To whip up this tasty treat, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl: To hold the cereal and pecans for easy coating.
- Saucepan: For creating the buttery caramel coating.
- Baking Sheet: A rimmed baking sheet to evenly spread and bake the mixture.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To prevent sticking.
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring the caramel and mixing.
Ingredients for Praline Crunch
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sweet, crunchy perfection (measurements provided below are for reference):
Dry Ingredients:
- 8 cups Crispix Cereal: Provides the ideal crisp texture that holds the caramel beautifully.
- 2 cups Pecan Halves: Toasted pecans add a nutty, buttery flavor that balances the sweetness. Salted pecans elevate the taste even more.
Caramel Sauce:
- ½ cup Brown Sugar (Packed): Adds a deep molasses flavor to the caramel.
- ½ cup Corn Syrup: Helps the caramel achieve its glossy texture.
- ½ cup Butter: For a rich, buttery caramel base.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ tsp Baking Soda: Lightens the caramel, creating an airy coating that clings to the cereal.
Variations for Praline Crunch
- Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted white, dark, or milk chocolate over the cooled praline crunch for an extra indulgent treat.
- Switch the Nuts: Substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews for a fun twist.
- Add Spices: Mix in cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flair.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Add pretzels, mini marshmallows, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your cereal and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step 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 grease the paper or mat to ensure an easy release.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine 8 cups Crispix cereal and 2 cups pecan halves. Ensure the pecans and cereal are evenly distributed.
3. Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup butter over medium heat.
- Stir in ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup corn syrup. Mix until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Let it boil gently for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and ½ tsp baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal and helps the caramel coat evenly.
4. Coat the Cereal and Pecans
- Pour the hot caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans in the mixing bowl.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly. Work quickly to ensure an even coating before the caramel cools.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Spread the caramel-coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake at 250°F for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even caramelization.
6. Cool and Break Apart
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Once cooled, break the praline crunch into bite-sized clusters.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Praline Crunch
- As a Snack: Serve in bowls or snack bags for parties, game days, or movie nights.
- As a Gift: Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for an elegant gift.
- With Dessert: Use as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or baked goods.
Optional Decorations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the praline crunch for added sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Storing Praline Crunch
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Keep in a cool, dry place.
- Freezing: Praline crunch freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
Conclusion
Praline Crunch is a simple yet unforgettable snack that’s perfect for every occasion. From its buttery caramel coating to the nutty crunch of pecans, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it by the handful, share it as a gift, or use it to elevate your desserts, this praline crunch recipe is guaranteed to delight!
Praline Crunch FAQs
Can I use a different cereal?
Absolutely! While Crispix is the best choice for its shape and texture, you can substitute it with Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or a similar cereal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Praline Crunch stores beautifully, making it an excellent make-ahead treat for parties or holidays.
Why do I need to bake the mixture?
Baking allows the caramel to set evenly and ensures every piece is perfectly crisp and coated.
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just ensure you have enough mixing bowls and baking sheets to accommodate the larger batch.
Enjoy every crunchy, sweet, and nutty bite of this Praline Crunch! It’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.