Praline Crunch Recipe

Introduction

Praline Crunch is a delightful sweet and crunchy snack that combines crispy cereal with caramelized pecans. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying snack any time of day.

Ingredients

• 6 cups crispy rice or corn cereal (such as Chex)
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cereal and pecans.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly.
5. Step 5: Pour the caramel glaze over the cereal and pecans. Gently stir to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
7. Step 7: Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even crisping.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before mixing with the cereal.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free cereal if you need this snack to be gluten-free.
• Mix in dried fruit or chocolate chips once cooled for a fun twist.

Storage

Store Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it away from moisture to maintain the crisp texture. If it softens, you can re-crisp it briefly in a low oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, almonds, walnuts, or cashews work well as substitutes and add their own unique flavor and crunch.

How do I prevent the Praline Crunch from sticking together too much?

Be sure to spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and stir it every 15 minutes during baking. Letting it cool completely before breaking it into pieces also helps maintain the right texture.

Praline Crunch Recipe

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Praline Crunch is a delightful and crunchy snack mix combining crispy rice or corn cereal with toasted pecans coated in a rich, buttery caramel glaze. Baked to perfection for an hour, this sweet treat is perfect for parties, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth with a satisfying crunch.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: About 10 cups 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Snack Mix

• 6 cups crispy rice or corn cereal (such as Chex)
• 2 cups pecan halves

Caramel Glaze

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 250°F (120°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the crispy rice or corn cereal along with the pecan halves, mixing them together evenly.
3. Make the caramel glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the packed brown sugar and light corn syrup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Add flavor and leavening: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up slightly, which is normal and helps create a light texture.
5. Coat the cereal and pecans: Pour the hot caramel glaze over the cereal and pecan mixture. Gently stir to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the caramel.
6. Prepare for baking: Spread the caramel-coated snack mix evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to allow even cooking.
7. Bake the praline crunch: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. This stirring helps the mix crisp up evenly without burning.
8. Cool and store: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and allow the praline crunch to cool completely on the baking sheet. After cooling, break into clusters or pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Stirring every 15 minutes while baking is key to avoid burning and achieve even crispness.
• This snack mix can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks if kept in an airtight container.
• You can substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or walnuts based on preference.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure the cereal you use is certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Praline Crunch, snack mix, caramel snack, pecan snack, homemade pralines, caramel coated cereal, sweet crunchy snack