If you adore snacks that are fabulously sweet, devilishly crunchy, and endlessly snackable, this Praline Crunch is about to be your new obsession. Imagine clusters of crisp corn cereal and toasted pecans, all glazed in a buttery caramel that practically shatters when you bite in. Whether you’re looking for the perfect party treat, a homemade gift, or an irresistible snack to keep on hand for sweet cravings, Praline Crunch never disappoints. Its golden, nutty flavor and tantalizing texture are such a crowd-pleaser, you’ll find yourself making double batches just to keep up with demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Praline Crunch is that every ingredient matters, but none are complicated. Each piece brings something special—crispness, nutty richness, glossy caramel, or that finishing pint of flavor. Here’s how each one makes this treat absolutely sing:
- Crisp corn cereal (8 cups): The sturdy yet light base soaks up the praline coating while staying satisfyingly crunchy.
- Pecan halves (2 cups): Adds buttery, earthy flavor and classic Southern flair—don’t skimp on these!
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Creates the rich, melt-in-your-mouth caramel that clings to every bite.
- Light corn syrup (½ cup): Ensures a shiny, smooth praline coating and prevents the caramel from crystallizing.
- Packed brown sugar (½ cup): Brings a deeper, molasses-kissed sweetness to make the caramel unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, making the praline flavors truly pop.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): The secret to a light, crisp praline coating that breaks apart perfectly.
How to Make Praline Crunch
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Base
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) so everything’s ready to transform into Praline Crunch magic. In a giant mixing bowl, gently stir together the corn cereal and pecan halves. Make sure the pecans are evenly dispersed—trust me, nobody wants to miss out on them in their cluster!
Step 2: Cook the Caramel Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, start by melting the butter until it’s creamy and foamy. Then whisk in the corn syrup and brown sugar, and keep stirring as it comes to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for two solid minutes; keep stirring, inhaling that dreamy caramel aroma, and don’t step away—it can scorch fast at this stage.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Baking Soda
When two minutes are up, take the pan off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda—the mixture will foam up (the baking soda adds lightness and makes that iconic crackle texture later). Work quickly to keep the caramel smooth and pourable.
Step 4: Coat the Cereal and Pecans
Whether you’re a kitchen pro or a total beginner, this next bit is pure kitchen fun. Immediately pour the bubbling caramel over the bowl of corn cereal and pecans. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently toss and fold to coat everything as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if the caramel clumps in places; that just means you’ll get those prized chunky bites.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Spread the sticky mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased. Slide it into the oven and bake for 1 hour, giving it a gentle stir every 15 minutes. Each time you stir, you coat the pieces more evenly and ensure the caramel bakes up crispy instead of chewy.
Step 6: Cool and Break into Clusters
When your Praline Crunch is gloriously golden and fragrant, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool, break it up with your hands or a wooden spoon into bite-size clusters. Admire your handiwork—it’s ready to serve, share, or stash away for later (if you can resist, that is).
How to Serve Praline Crunch
Garnishes
This treat shines on its own, but you can really amp things up by finishing it with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sweet-and-salty twist, or a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar for holiday flair. A drizzle of melted white chocolate after cooling also adds a touch of elegance!
Side Dishes
Pair Praline Crunch with other Southern-inspired snacks like spiced candied nuts or bowls of fresh fruit. It’s also wonderful alongside a cheese platter—the sweet crunch against sharp and creamy cheeses is a true delight for your tastebuds.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, heap the clusters into mason jars tied with ribbon, or fill cellophane bags for homemade holiday treats. Need a quick dessert? Layer Praline Crunch over vanilla ice cream sundaes, or sprinkle it as a topping on yogurt parfaits for an irresistible breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ensure that your Praline Crunch stays fabulously crisp by keeping it in an airtight container at room temperature. Tuck it away from direct sunlight and moisture, and it should stay delicious for up to one week (although it tends to vanish much sooner if snackers are nearby!).
Freezing
If you need to make it well ahead, Praline Crunch freezes beautifully. Just pop clusters into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Let it come back to room temperature before serving—it’ll be just as crisp!
Reheating
Forgotten a batch in the freezer or want to revive some leftover crunch? Spread the clusters on a baking sheet and warm them in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh their crispiness—just let them cool before enjoying again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Snack, Dessert
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in place of pecans, though you’ll get a slightly different flavor and crunch. Feel free to try a blend—just keep the total nut quantity about the same for best results.
Is Praline Crunch gluten-free?
It can be! Just make sure you’re using certified gluten-free corn cereal and double-check any mix-ins you might add. The core recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free snacking.
Can I add extra mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
You sure can! Wait until the Praline Crunch is completely cool, then toss in white or milk chocolate chips, pieces of toffee, or chewy dried fruit. Just avoid adding extra ingredients before baking, as they could melt or become hard.
How do I keep the clusters from sticking together?
Make sure to let the Praline Crunch cool completely before packing it up. If you’re storing large batches, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, especially in warmer weather.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
This recipe doubles beautifully, as long as you use a couple of baking sheets (or bake in two batches) so the mixture can spread out and toast evenly. You’ll be thankful for the extra when everyone asks for seconds!
Final Thoughts
There’s something joyful about making (and sharing) homemade Praline Crunch—the golden caramel, the irresistible nutty aroma, and that magic moment when you break it into clusters. Whether for family movie night, gifting to friends, or sneaking a handful for yourself, this snack never fails to bring smiles. Give it a try and discover why Praline Crunch is a treat everyone comes back for, time and again!
Print
Praline Crunch Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet praline flavors and crunchy cereal and pecans with this easy-to-make Praline Crunch recipe. Perfect for snacking, parties, or as a thoughtful gift!
Ingredients
Corn Cereal Mix:
- 8 cups crisp corn cereal (like Corn Chex)
Praline Mixture:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Mix Cereal and Pecans: In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn cereal and pecans.
- Prepare Praline Mixture: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add corn syrup and brown sugar, bring to a boil, then stir in vanilla and baking soda.
- Coat Cereal: Pour hot syrup over the cereal and pecans, stirring to coat evenly.
- Bake: Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let it cool, break into clusters, and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- This sweet and crunchy snack is perfect for parties, gifting, or holiday munching.
- Enhance the flavor with sea salt, cinnamon, or white chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
