Caramel Praline Snack Mix Recipe

The Sweet Symphony: Caramel Praline Snack Mix Recipe

Crafting a delectable caramel praline snack mix brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon dance through every corner of your home.

Crunchy nuts and golden caramel create an irresistible combination that sparks joy.

Snacking becomes an adventure with this delightful treat that combines classic flavors in unexpected ways.

Layers of rich, buttery goodness await your taste buds.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with just a few careful steps.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it again and again.

Praline Crunch Breakdown

  • Craft a Sweet Sensation: Transform simple ingredients into an irresistible treat that transforms ordinary cereal into a decadent snack bursting with caramel and pecan flavors.
  • Master Simple Baking Magic: Achieve professional-level confectionery results with basic kitchen skills, creating a gourmet-tasting treat that looks and tastes impressive without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pecans for almonds or using different cereals, making it a versatile snack perfect for personalizing to your taste preferences.
  • Share Delicious Memories: Serve as a heartwarming homemade gift, party nibble, or family gathering treat that sparks conversations and creates lasting culinary memories with its nostalgic, comforting taste.

Ingredients for Praline Crunch

Base Ingredients:
  • Crispix Cereal: A crispy and light base that provides the main crunch for the praline mixture.
  • Pecan Halves: A rich and buttery nut that adds a deep, nutty flavor and extra crunch to the recipe.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar, Corn Syrup, Butter: A classic combination that creates a sweet, sticky caramel-like praline coating for the cereal and pecans.
  • Vanilla Extract: A warm and aromatic flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness of the praline mixture.
  • Baking Soda: A key ingredient that helps create a light and foamy texture in the praline coating.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: A non-stick surface used for cooling and preventing the praline crunch from sticking during the final stage of preparation.

How to Make Praline Crunch

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 250°F. Let the oven heat up completely before starting the next steps.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together:
  • Crispix cereal
  • Pecan halves

Mix these ingredients gently until they are well combined.

Step 3: Create Praline Sauce

In a spacious saucepan, combine:
  • Brown sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Butter

Heat the ingredients over medium-high temperature, stirring occasionally.

Wait for the mixture to reach a full boil, then remove from heat immediately.

Step 4: Enhance the Flavor

Add vanilla extract and baking soda to the hot mixture.

The sauce will bubble and foam dramatically, so be cautious. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and frothy.

Step 5: Coat the Ingredients

Pour the hot praline sauce over the cereal and pecan mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold and coat every single piece evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the coated mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for one hour.

Every 20 minutes, pull out the pan and stir the mixture to ensure consistent caramelization and prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Break

Once baking is complete, spread the praline crunch onto wax or parchment paper.

Allow the mixture to cool completely. After cooling, break into bite-sized pieces ready for snacking.

Tips for Praline Crunch

  • Stir the mixture every 20 minutes during baking to ensure even caramelization and avoid scorching the pecans and cereal.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Watch the praline mixture carefully when boiling to achieve the right thickness and prevent overcooking.
  • Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile while maintaining the crunchy texture.
  • Keep the praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain its crisp texture.

Variations for Praline Crunch

  • Gluten-Free Praline Crunch: Replace Crispix with gluten-free rice cereal or corn chex, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Almond Maple Variation: Swap pecans for sliced almonds and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a different nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After cooling, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the praline crunch for an extra decadent touch.
  • Coconut Caramel Spin: Mix in shredded coconut with the cereal and pecans before coating, creating a tropical-inspired sweet crunch.

Pairing Ideas for Praline Crunch

Complement the praline crunch with a cold glass of vanilla almond milk or a creamy chai latte for a delightful flavor harmony.

Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or sprinkle on top of Greek yogurt to create a decadent treat that balances sweet and crunchy textures.

Package the praline crunch in cute mason jars tied with ribbons for a homemade gift that friends and family will absolutely adore.

Scatter the praline crunch over pancakes or waffles to transform an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Storage Instructions for Praline Crunch

  • Transfer cooled praline crunch to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, maintaining its crispy texture and preventing staleness.
  • Store in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve the crunch.
  • Freeze praline crunch in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain individual pieces.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Praline Crunch?

The key ingredients are Crispix cereal, pecan halves, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s quite simple. The recipe involves mixing ingredients, creating a praline coating, and baking the mixture slowly while stirring occasionally.

  • Can I use a different type of cereal?

While Crispix works best, you could potentially substitute with similar crispy cereals like Rice Chex or Corn Chex, but the texture might slightly change.

  • How long does the praline coating take to prepare?

The praline coating takes about 5-7 minutes to make, from heating the sugar and butter to adding the vanilla and baking soda.

Print
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Caramel Praline Snack Mix Recipe

Caramel Praline Snack Mix Recipe


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet caramel praline snack mix delivers a Southern-inspired symphony of crunchy pecans, buttery caramel, and crisp cereal. Golden brown clusters promise delightful moments of indulgence that connect friends and family around irresistible homemade goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 cups crispix cereal
  • 2 cups pecan halves (salted)

Sweeteners:

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

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to a low 250°F (120°C), creating an ideal environment for slow caramelization.
  2. Combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  3. In a large saucepan, merge brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over medium-high heat, stirring intermittently until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, watching as the mixture transforms into a frothy, bubbling concoction.
  5. Gently cascade the praline mixture over the cereal and pecans, meticulously folding to guarantee each morsel receives a luxurious caramel coating.
  6. Transfer the glazed mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to promote uniform cooking.
  7. Bake for 1 hour, interrupting the process every 20 minutes to stir and prevent potential scorching, allowing the caramel to gradually set and intensify in flavor.
  8. After baking, immediately disperse the praline crunch onto wax or parchment paper, permitting complete cooling and natural separation.
  9. Once thoroughly cooled, fragment the praline crunch into delectable bite-sized clusters, ready for immediate indulgence or sharing.

Notes

  • Swap Crispix with gluten-free rice cereal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same crunch and texture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, which helps create a lower-calorie treat without compromising flavor.
  • Toast pecans briefly before mixing to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add an extra layer of depth to the praline coating.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring the praline crunch remains crisp and doesn’t absorb moisture from the environment.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 234 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2.1 g
  • Protein: 3.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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