Praline Crunch Recipe

This irresistible Praline Crunch is the kind of snack you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s sweet, buttery, nutty, and fantastically crisp—all wrapped up in a golden caramel glaze that clings to every bite. Made with Crispix cereal and salted pecans, this easy treat comes together with pantry staples and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re prepping snacks for a party, the holidays, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts (and cravings).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Addictive: The combination of caramel, toasted pecans, and crunchy cereal is completely crave-worthy.
• Super Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just a few everyday pantry items and you’re good to go.
• Great for Gifting or Sharing: Perfect for holiday tins, party bowls, or bringing to a potluck. Everyone loves it.
• No Candy Thermometer Required: That buttery caramel sauce is foolproof and comes together fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this delightful snack and why each one matters:

• Crispix Cereal: The perfect base—light, crisp, and holds up well to the sticky caramel coating.
• Pecan Halves: Use salted pecans for a sweet-salty contrast that balances beautifully with the sugary glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-rich sweetness to the caramel.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the caramel smooth and glossy.
• Butter: Richness and flavor—don’t skimp here, it makes the caramel luscious.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the caramel. Pure vanilla makes a difference.
• Baking Soda: Creates air bubbles in the caramel so it stays light and crunchy after baking.

Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are some tasty ways to make it your own:

• Nut Swap: Try walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans—or use a mix!
• Spiced Crunch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the caramel for a cozy twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
• Salty Twist: Sprinkle sea salt over the warm mixture before it cools for a salty-sweet combo.

How to Make Praline Crunch

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 250°F and line a large surface with parchment or wax paper for cooling later. In a large mixing bowl, combine Crispix cereal and pecan halves.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Once bubbling, remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly—that’s normal!

Step 3: Coat the Cereal

Pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly. Don’t rush—just make sure everything gets a nice, glossy coating.

Step 4: Bake Low and Slow

Spread the coated mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring gently every 20 minutes. This ensures even caramelization and keeps the texture light and crispy.

Step 5: Cool and Break

Once out of the oven, pour the mixture onto the prepared parchment or wax paper. Let it cool completely, then break it into bite-sized clusters.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir Gently: When mixing the caramel with cereal, be careful not to crush the cereal. A folding motion works best.
• Use a Silicone Spatula: It makes spreading and stirring much easier and less messy.
• Even Coating is Key: Work quickly when pouring the caramel to coat the cereal before it starts to set.
• Cool Completely Before Storing: If it’s even a little warm, it can get soggy in storage.

How to Serve

This Praline Crunch is endlessly snackable all on its own, but here are a few extra ways to enjoy it:

Party Mix Bowl

Pile it into a big bowl and watch it disappear during game day, movie night, or holiday gatherings.

Gift Bags

Scoop into cellophane bags or mason jars, tie with ribbon, and you’ve got the perfect homemade gift.

Ice Cream Topper

Crumble it over vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt for a decadent, crunchy treat.

Dessert Bars

Press into a parchment-lined pan and cut into squares for portable snack bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to 7 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Place in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed, but if you want to crisp it up again, you can pop it in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cereal?
Yes! Chex works well as a substitute, or even a mix of cereals like Rice Krispies and Cornflakes for texture variety.

Does the caramel have to boil for a certain amount of time?
You only need to bring it to a boil and then remove it from heat—no long boiling or thermometer required. The baking time does the rest of the work.

What if I don’t have baking soda?
Baking soda is essential in this recipe—it gives the caramel that light, airy texture. Don’t skip it.

Is it okay to double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use a larger pan or split between two pans so everything bakes evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s both crunchy and comforting, Praline Crunch is it. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and makes your kitchen smell like a dream while it bakes. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for the recipe again… and again. Give it a try—you’re going to love every crispy, caramelized bite!

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