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Praline Crunch

Featured in: Sweet Treats That Create Memories

Praline Crunch transforms simple pantry staples into an addictively crunchy, sweet snack that's perfect for casual munching or gifting. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of rice or corn cereal with buttery pecan halves, all enveloped in a rich caramel coating that's reminiscent of traditional Southern pralines. What makes this snack mix special is the slow baking process that allows the caramel to penetrate and coat each piece while creating the perfect crispy texture that won't stick to your teeth. The addition of baking soda to the caramel mixture creates tiny air bubbles that lighten the texture and prevent it from becoming too hard or brittle. Easy to make in large batches and customizable with additional mix-ins like coconut or pretzels, this versatile treat works equally well as a holiday gift, party snack, or simple sweet treat to keep on hand. Its excellent shelf life means you can make it well in advance for entertaining or package it for gift-giving.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:24:07 GMT
A plate of pecan candy. Pin it
A plate of pecan candy. | tastelikemagic.com

Praline Crunch combines the delightful crunch of crispy cereal with buttery toasted pecans, all wrapped in a rich caramel coating that creates an irresistible snack. This simple treat transforms basic pantry ingredients into something truly special that's perfect for casual snacking, holiday gatherings, or homemade gifts that everyone appreciates.

I made this last Christmas for family gatherings and ended up making three more batches because everyone kept asking for more. My sister-in-law even called a week later asking for the recipe because her kids wouldn't stop talking about it.

Key Ingredients

  • 6 Cups Crispy Rice or Corn Cereal: Forms a light, airy base that holds the caramel coating and delivers the perfect crunch.
  • 2 Cups Pecan Halves: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter: Provides the rich foundation for the smooth, buttery caramel coating.
  • 1 Cup Packed Brown Sugar: Offers deep, molasses-like sweetness for a more complex flavor than regular sugar.
  • ¼ Cup Light Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glossy caramel.
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with warm, aromatic depth.
  • ½ Teaspoon Baking Soda: Creates tiny air bubbles that lighten the caramel coating for a delicate texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy cereal and pecan halves, tossing gently to distribute evenly.
Create the Caramel Coating
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Add Flavor Enhancers
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam; stir until completely incorporated.
Combine and Coat
Pour the caramel over the cereal mixture, gently folding with a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
Bake to Perfection
Spread the mixture onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes for even crispness.
Cool and Break Apart
Let cool completely, then break into bite-sized pieces.
Store or Gift
Transfer to an airtight container or package into decorative containers for gifting.
A bowl of pecans. Pin it
A bowl of pecans. | tastelikemagic.com

The Perfect Party Snack

This Praline Crunch makes an impressive addition to any dessert table or snack spread. The combination of sweet, crunchy, and buttery flavors satisfies everyone's cravings without being too heavy or rich.

Gift-Giving Gold

Package this Praline Crunch in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon or decorative jars with handwritten tags. It's an affordable way to show appreciation to teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and friends.

Versatile Serving Options

Try sprinkling it over vanilla ice cream for a praline sundae, using it as a topping for pudding parfaits, or incorporating it into a yogurt breakfast bowl for a sweet morning treat.

A bowl of pecans. Pin it
A bowl of pecans. | tastelikemagic.com

The first time I made this recipe, I rushed the cooling process and ended up with a sticky mess. Now I know that allowing the full cooling time isn't just a suggestion – it's essential for that perfect brittle-like texture. There's something so satisfying about hearing that distinctive crunch when you bite into a properly made batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does this Praline Crunch recipe use baking soda?
Baking soda is a crucial ingredient that creates a chemical reaction when added to the hot caramel mixture. It produces carbon dioxide bubbles that give the caramel coating a lighter, more airy texture. Without it, the caramel would harden into a much denser, potentially tooth-breaking consistency.
→ Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?
Yes, while Chex cereal (rice or corn) works perfectly due to its shape that catches the caramel, you can experiment with other cereals. Cheerios, Crispix, or even plain Corn Flakes work well. Avoid sugar-coated cereals as they may make the final product too sweet.
→ Why does the recipe require stirring every 15 minutes during baking?
Stirring during the baking process is essential for two reasons: it prevents burning by redistributing the mixture on the baking sheet, and it helps the caramel coat each piece evenly as it slowly crystallizes, resulting in that perfect crispy texture throughout the entire batch.
→ Can I make this Praline Crunch without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. These alternatives will work similarly to prevent crystallization of the sugar, though they may impart their own distinct flavors to the final product.
→ What's the best way to package this Praline Crunch for gifts?
Once completely cooled, package Praline Crunch in airtight containers or mason jars with tight-fitting lids. For gifting, cellophane bags tied with decorative ribbon also work well. Include a note with the storage instructions (keep in an airtight container) and shelf life (up to 2 weeks at room temperature).

Praline Crunch

This irresistible Praline Crunch combines crispy cereal and pecans coated in a buttery brown sugar caramel for a sweet, crunchy snack mix that's perfect for gifting or snacking.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Sweets & Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (8 cups of praline crunch mix)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 6 cups crispy rice or corn cereal (such as Chex)
02 2 cups pecan halves
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter
04 1 cup brown sugar, packed
05 1/4 cup light corn syrup
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

Step 01

Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C) - this lower temperature ensures slow, even caramelization without burning. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This non-stick surface is essential as the caramel mixture gets quite sticky during baking and would be difficult to remove from an unlined pan.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice or corn cereal with the pecan halves. The bowl should be larger than you think you need to allow plenty of room for tossing and coating the mixture with caramel later. The combination of crunchy cereal and buttery pecans creates the perfect texture contrast in the finished snack mix.

Step 03

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it's completely liquid. Add the packed brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring to combine. The corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and gives the caramel a smooth texture. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken and take on a rich caramel color as it cooks.

Step 04

Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Stand back slightly as you add the baking soda - it will cause the mixture to foam up and increase in volume. This reaction is important as it creates a lighter, more airy caramel coating that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Stir until the foaming subsides and the mixture is smooth.

Step 05

While the caramel is still hot and fluid, pour it over the cereal and pecan mixture in your large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together, taking care to coat each piece evenly without crushing the cereal. Continue folding until you no longer see dry cereal or pecans - every piece should be glistening with the caramel mixture.

Step 06

Transfer the coated mixture to your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Try not to pile it too high in any one area, as this can lead to uneven baking. If needed, you can use two baking sheets to ensure everything has room to crisp properly.

Step 07

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set a timer for 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, remove the sheet carefully and stir the mixture thoroughly, bringing pieces from the edges toward the center and vice versa. Return to the oven and repeat this stirring process every 15 minutes for a total baking time of 1 hour. This frequent stirring is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch throughout the entire batch.

Step 08

After the final 15-minute segment, remove the praline crunch from the oven. Allow it to cool completely on the baking sheet - this will take about 30-45 minutes. As it cools, the mixture will become increasingly crisp and the caramel coating will harden. Once completely cool, break the mixture into clusters of your preferred size and transfer to an airtight container for storage.

Notes

  1. This addictive praline crunch combines the sweet crispiness of caramel-coated cereal with buttery toasted pecans for an irresistible snack or dessert.
  2. For delicious variations, try adding 1 cup of shredded coconut, a handful of mini pretzels, or substituting different nuts like almonds or cashews.
  3. The mixture will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Spatula or large mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • May contain wheat/gluten (depending on cereal choice)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 3 g