Classic Praline Crunch Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy snack that combines the richness of brown sugar, butter, and pecans, look no further than this Classic Praline Crunch. It’s a sweet and salty treat that’s perfect for sharing at parties, giving as gifts, or just enjoying as a simple homemade snack. The recipe features Crispix cereal, which offers the perfect balance of crunch, combined with pecans that give the snack a nutty richness. The praline-like coating made from brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter results in a sticky-sweet crunch that will have you coming back for more. This snack is easy to make, but the results are simply irresistible, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a road trip, or simply as an afternoon treat, this Classic Praline Crunch will quickly become a staple in your snack rotation. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves sweet, homemade treats.

Ingredients:

8 cups Crispix cereal
2 cups pecan halves (salted work best)
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup corn syrup
½ cup butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp baking soda

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) to prepare for baking. The low temperature allows the sugar mixture to bake slowly, creating a nice crisp crunch without burning the ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Cereal & Pecans
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves. Gently stir to mix the ingredients, ensuring the pecans are distributed evenly with the cereal. The nuts will add texture and richness, complementing the sweetness of the caramelized sugar mixture.

Step 3: Prepare Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, but don’t let it boil over. Once it starts to bubble, let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning. The mixture should become thick and glossy.

After boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble up and slightly foam. This reaction is essential as it makes the coating light and crispy when baked.

Step 4: Coat Cereal & Pecans
Pour the hot sugar mixture over the cereal and pecans in the large mixing bowl. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that the cereal and nuts are evenly coated in the sugary mixture. The key here is to be careful not to crush the cereal while stirring. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together, making sure all pieces are coated with the gooey sugar mixture.

Step 5: Bake
Transfer the coated cereal and pecans to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture into an even layer to allow for uniform baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes. This will ensure that the sugar mixture evenly coats the cereal and nuts, turning everything into a delicious, crunchy treat. Stirring the mixture is important to prevent the coating from clumping together and to ensure even crispness.

Step 6: Cool & Break Apart
Once the baking time is complete, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the praline crunch cool completely on parchment paper or wax paper. This step is crucial because it allows the sugar coating to harden and set properly. After it has cooled, break the praline crunch into bite-sized pieces. The result is a wonderfully crunchy, sweet, and nutty snack.

Variations:

Chocolate Praline Crunch: For a richer twist, melt some chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate) and drizzle it over the cooled praline crunch. Allow the chocolate to set before breaking it apart.
Spicy Praline Crunch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon to the sugar mixture before baking. This will provide a subtle kick that complements the sweetness and makes for a more complex flavor.
Nut-Free Version: If you’re allergic to nuts or want to avoid them, you can easily substitute the pecans with additional cereal. Use 10 cups of Crispix cereal and leave out the nuts entirely for a nut-free snack mix.

Cooking Notes:

Even Coating: Make sure the sugar mixture is spread evenly over the cereal and pecans. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the delicate cereal. This ensures that each piece gets an equal amount of the sweet, sticky coating.
Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the mix as it bakes. While the recipe calls for 1 hour of baking, the time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your baking dish. The mix should be golden brown and crispy when it’s done.
Cool Completely: Allow the praline crunch to cool completely before storing. If you store it while it’s still warm, it may become soft and lose its crunch.

Serving Suggestions:

Gift Idea: Classic Praline Crunch makes a perfect homemade gift. Pack it in a decorative jar or box, and it’s an easy and delicious treat to give for holidays, birthdays, or as a thank-you gift.
Movie Night: Serve this snack at your next movie night. Its sweet, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with cozy blankets and a good film.
Parties and Potlucks: This praline crunch is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck. Set out a large bowl for guests to snack on.
Breakfast Topping: You can even sprinkle praline crunch over yogurt or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips:

Storage: To keep the praline crunch fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it great for meal prepping or snacking throughout the week.
Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allow the mix to cool completely before breaking it apart to ensure it holds its crunch.
Double the Recipe: If you’re making this for a large group, consider doubling the recipe. It’s easy to do, and you’ll have more to share. Just make sure you use a larger baking dish or divide the mixture between two dishes for even baking.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Calories: 230
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient substitutions.

FAQs:

1. Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews. Just be sure to use salted nuts for the best flavor balance.

2. Can I make this praline crunch ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this snack mix tastes even better the next day once the sugar coating has fully set and hardened. Make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

3. How can I store this snack mix?
Store the praline crunch in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for about 1-2 weeks. If you live in a humid environment, it’s best to keep it in a cool, dry place.

4. Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?
Yes, light corn syrup works just as well as dark corn syrup. The dark corn syrup will give the praline crunch a slightly richer color and flavor, but light corn syrup will still produce a delicious result.

Conclusion:

This Classic Praline Crunch recipe is a sweet, crunchy snack that is as simple to make as it is delicious. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it with family, sharing it at a party, or gifting it to a friend, this snack mix is bound to become a favorite. The perfect combination of cereal, nuts, and caramelized sugar makes it an irresistible treat you won’t want to miss.