Praline Crunch

Ever find yourself craving something sweet, crunchy, and buttery all at once? Say hello to Praline Crunch the perfect combination of crispy cereal, toasted pecans, and a rich caramel coating that will have you reaching for more with every bite.

This easy-to-make snack is great for holiday gatherings, family movie nights, or just as a treat to keep around the house (if it lasts that long!). Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a crowd favorite.

Let’s dive into this irresistibly crunchy, praline-coated goodness!

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Why You’ll Love Praline Crunch

Praline Crunch is the ultimate blend of textures and flavors:

• Crispy: Thanks to the Crispix cereal, every bite is light and airy.
• Nutty: The pecans add a rich, buttery crunch that pairs perfectly with the caramel.
• Sweet and Buttery: The caramel coating made from brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter gives this snack its signature praline flavor.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is ready to impress in just over an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need 📝

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of this addictive snack:

• 8 cups Crispix cereal: The perfect base for this recipe, Crispix cereal holds its crunch even after being coated in caramel.
• 2 cups pecan halves: For the best flavor, use salted pecans. If you can’t find salted, lightly toast plain pecans and add a pinch of salt.
• 1 cup packed brown sugar: Provides the rich, caramel flavor.
• 1/2 cup corn syrup: Helps create a smooth, glossy caramel coating.
• 1/2 cup butter: Adds richness and helps bind the caramel to the cereal and pecans.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This magical ingredient gives the caramel a light, airy texture, making it easier to coat the cereal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this delicious Praline Crunch.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Low and slow is the key to baking this snack it ensures the caramel sets perfectly without burning.

2. Prepare the Cereal and Pecans

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 8 cups Crispix cereal
• 2 cups pecan halves

Give it a gentle toss to evenly distribute the pecans throughout the cereal.

3. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter

Stir occasionally as the mixture melts and begins to bubble. Once it reaches a boil, let it cook for about 1 minute, then remove it from the heat.

4. Add Vanilla and Baking Soda

Off the heat, stir in:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

The caramel will bubble up and lighten in color that’s the baking soda doing its job! This step gives the caramel a light, airy texture, making it easier to coat the cereal and pecans.

5. Coat the Cereal and Pecans

Immediately pour the warm caramel sauce over the cereal and pecans in the large bowl. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly. Work quickly once the caramel cools, it will be harder to spread.

6. Bake the Praline Crunch

Spread the coated mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure everything gets evenly coated and toasted.

7. Cool and Break Into Pieces

Once baked, transfer the Praline Crunch onto a sheet of wax or parchment paper to cool. Spread it out into a single layer and let it cool completely.

Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces. Be prepared for a little taste-testing here who can resist?

Serving Ideas 🍽️

Praline Crunch is a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As a Party Snack: Serve it in a large bowl at your next gathering just be ready for guests to ask for the recipe!
• Holiday Gifting: Package it in decorative tins or jars and give it as a homemade holiday gift.
• Movie Night Treat: Swap out the popcorn for a bowl of Praline Crunch.
• Topping: Sprinkle it over ice cream or yogurt for an indulgent crunch.

Storage Tips

To keep your Praline Crunch fresh and crispy:

• Store: Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: Yes, you can freeze it! Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.

Tips for Perfect Praline Crunch

1. Don’t Skip the Baking Soda: It gives the caramel a light texture and makes it easier to coat the cereal.
2. Work Quickly: Once the caramel is ready, pour it over the cereal and pecans immediately. It cools and thickens fast!
3. Use Salted Pecans: The hint of salt balances the sweetness of the caramel.
4. Stir While Baking: Stirring every 20 minutes helps ensure the caramel coats the cereal evenly and prevents sticking.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of textures and flavors in Praline Crunch is simply irresistible. The light, crispy cereal pairs perfectly with the rich, buttery caramel and crunchy pecans. Plus, the recipe is easy to customize swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Praline Crunch, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe for holidays, parties, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and crunchy. It’s simple to make, easy to store, and absolutely delicious.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a batch of this addictively good snack. Just be warned it’s nearly impossible to stop at just one handful!