If you want a dessert that’s both irresistible and effortless to prepare, Praline Crunch is an excellent choice.
This delightful treat blends caramelized sugar, crunchy nuts, and a crispy texture, making it a perfect way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick snack, this easy recipe guarantees delicious results. Keep reading to learn how to make Praline Crunch and enjoy every crunchy, sweet bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Praline Crunch offers the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness. The rich, buttery caramel coating enhances every bite, while the combination of nuts and crispy rice cereal delivers an irresistible crunch.
Best of all, this recipe is simple to make—no special baking skills required—so anyone can whip up a batch with ease. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to mix in your favorite nuts or experiment with different flavor twists.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet snack, Praline Crunch is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a go-to treat for dessert lovers!
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal (or a similar crispy rice and corn cereal)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves.
Step 3: Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. The mixture will bubble and become frothy.
Step 5: Coat the Cereal and Pecans: Pour the caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans. Gently toss until evenly coated.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even caramelization.
Step 7: Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Pro Tips
- Make It Your Own: Swap out nuts or cereals to suit your taste, and for a touch of indulgence, try mixing in chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top.
- Storage Solutions: Keep your Praline Crunch fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze it and enjoy later.
- Serving Suggestions: This crunchy treat is perfect as a homemade gift, a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or a delicious addition to a dessert platter.
Praline Crunch
Praline Crunch is an irresistible snack mix that blends caramelized sweetness with the crisp texture of pecans and Crispix cereal. Easy to prepare, it’s a perfect treat for parties, gift-giving, or enjoying anytime at home.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 serving 1x
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal (or a similar crispy rice and corn cereal)
- 2 cups pecan halves
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (or light corn syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar and maple syrup, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture begins to boil, let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract, baking soda, and sea salt. The mixture will bubble and become frothy.
- Coat the Cereal and Pecans: Pour the caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans. Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Bake to Perfection: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even caramelization.
- Cool and Store: Let the mixture cool completely before breaking it into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the praline flavor.
- Maple syrup adds a rich depth of flavor, but light corn syrup can still be used for a more traditional taste.
- Ensure the caramel reaches a full rolling boil before removing it from heat to achieve the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American