Praline Crunch Recipe

Praline Crunch is an irresistible, sweet and crunchy treat that combines the perfect mix of cereal, pecans, and caramel. This easy-to-make snack is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a homemade gift or a treat to enjoy during movie night. The mix of crisp cereal and roasted pecans is coated in a buttery, sugary caramel that is sure to make your taste buds dance. Here’s how you can make your own batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Praline Crunch is a snack that’s both crunchy and indulgent, with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The buttery caramel sauce enhances the Crispix cereal and pecans, creating a delightful combination that’s hard to stop snacking on. What’s even better is that it’s super easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a treat for the holidays, or just want to enjoy a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings!

Ingredients

• 8 cups Crispix cereal

• 2 cups pecan halves

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   Time: 5 minutes

2. Mix the Base
   In a large bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves. Set aside while you prepare the caramel.
   Time: 2 minutes

3. Make the Caramel
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
   Time: 5-6 minutes

4. Finish the Sauce
   Once the caramel mixture has come to a boil, let it boil for 1 minute. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be careful, as the mixture will foam up.
   Time: 2 minutes

5. Combine Everything
   Immediately pour the caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the caramel mixture.
   Time: 3 minutes

6. Bake It Low and Slow
   Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
   Time: 1 hour total (15-minute intervals)

7. Cool and Crunch
   Allow the praline crunch to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled and hardened, break it into clusters and store in an airtight container.
   Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 1 hour

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Nut Substitutes: If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can substitute with other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews.

• Add Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled praline crunch.

• Spices: For added flavor, try sprinkling in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the caramel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep your praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this treat, but if you like it warm, you can microwave individual servings for a few seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cereals besides Crispix?

Yes, you can use any crisp cereal that holds up well during baking, like Chex or Rice Krispies. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

2. Can I make this recipe with a different type of nut?

Absolutely! If you prefer almonds, walnuts, or cashews, feel free to use them in place of the pecans.

3. Can I make praline crunch ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare praline crunch ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about a week.

4. How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Make sure to stir the caramel constantly as it cooks. Keep the heat at medium and watch carefully as it starts to boil.

5. Is praline crunch gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as the cereal you use does not contain gluten. Check the packaging of your cereal to be sure.

6. Can I freeze praline crunch?

While freezing is not recommended for this treat due to the caramel’s texture, you can store it in the refrigerator for extended freshness, though it may lose some of its crunch.

7. How do I make sure the caramel coats the cereal evenly?

Stir the cereal and caramel gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Stirring every 15 minutes during baking helps with even coverage as well.

8. Can I add dried fruit to this recipe?

Yes, you can add dried fruit such as cranberries or raisins to give the praline crunch a fruity twist. Add it after baking and cooling.

9. How do I know when the praline crunch is done baking?

The praline crunch is done when it’s golden brown and crispy. Be sure to stir every 15 minutes to prevent burning, especially along the edges.

10. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

You can use dark corn syrup, but it will give the praline crunch a richer, deeper flavor and a darker color.

Conclusion

Praline Crunch is a sweet, nutty, and crunchy snack that will have everyone coming back for more. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a perfect option for sharing or just enjoying on your own. Whether it’s for a party or a personal treat, you can’t go wrong with this deliciously addictive snack!