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Praline Crunch: A Sweet and Crunchy Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Praline Crunch is a sweet and crunchy snack mix combining Crispix cereal and salted pecans coated in a rich caramel glaze. Baked to perfection at a low temperature, this treat offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it perfect for parties, gifting, or an everyday indulgence.


Ingredients

Snack Mix

  • 8 cups Crispix cereal
  • 2 cups pecan halves (salted)

Caramel Coating

  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup corn syrup
  • ½ cup butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for slow baking the mixture.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Crispix cereal and salted pecan halves evenly.
  3. Make the caramel mixture: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar and melt the butter.
  4. Add flavoring and leavening: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. This will add flavor and create a slight foaming effect for a lighter texture.
  5. Coat the cereal mixture: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the caramel.
  6. Prepare for baking: Spread the coated cereal mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan to allow for even heat distribution.
  7. Bake the mixture: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Stir the mixture every 20 minutes to prevent burning and to promote even caramelization.
  8. Cool down: After baking, pour the Praline Crunch onto wax or parchment paper, spreading it out to cool and harden.
  9. Serve: Once cooled completely, break the praline crunch into pieces and enjoy your sweet and crunchy snack.

Notes

  • Use salted pecans for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavor; if using unsalted, consider adding a pinch of salt.
  • Stirring every 20 minutes during baking is crucial to avoid burning and ensure even coating.
  • Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunchiness for up to one week.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with additional cereal or seeds.
  • If corn syrup is unavailable, light molasses or honey can be a substitute, but flavor and texture may vary.