Crispy Praline Crunch Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Praline Crunch Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Dessert enthusiasts adore this praline crunch recipe that blends sweet Southern charm with irresistible textures.

Caramelized pecans dance through layers of delicate crisp, creating a symphony of flavor and crunch.

Rich butter and brown sugar meld together, forming a glossy coating that clings to every morsel.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between soft and crisp elements.

Elegant yet simple, this treat works perfectly for casual gatherings or sophisticated dessert tables.

Nuts transform ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Prepare to savor a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 245 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredient List For Praline Crunch

For Base Ingredients:
  • Crispix Cereal: Provides crispy foundation and delightful crunch, select fresh and crisp box for best texture.
  • Pecan Halves: Brings rich nutty flavor, choose whole fresh pecans with no rancid smell and smooth surface.
For Caramel Coating:
  • Butter: Creates smooth and rich base for caramel, use unsalted for better flavor control.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep sweetness and rich color, opt for fresh, soft brown sugar without hard lumps.
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth caramel texture and prevents sugar crystallization, select clear variety for consistent results.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex undertone to caramel, choose pure vanilla extract for authentic taste.
  • Baking Soda: Creates frothy texture and helps caramel achieve perfect consistency, ensure fresh and not expired.

Cooking Tools For Praline Crunch

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cereal and pecans evenly.
  • Medium Saucepan: Perfect for creating the caramel mixture with precise heat control.
  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat surface for even baking and spreading the praline crunch.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring caramel and coating cereal mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.

How To Make Praline Crunch Step By Step

  • Caramel Preparation

Create a delicious golden caramel sauce by melting butter with brown sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan. Heat until the mixture bubbles and transforms into a rich, glossy liquid.

  • Cereal and Nut Mixture

Combine crispy cereal with crunchy pecans in a large mixing bowl. The dry ingredients will soon become a sweet and irresistible treat.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Take the caramel off the heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. Watch the mixture become wonderfully frothy and aromatic.

  • Coating Process

Pour the warm caramel over the cereal and pecans. Gently toss until every piece is completely covered in the sweet golden glaze.

  • Baking Magic

Spread the coated mixture on a baking sheet and slide into a low-temperature oven. Bake slowly, stirring occasionally to ensure each piece gets perfectly crispy and evenly caramelized.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow the praline crunch to cool completely. Break into delightful clusters and store in an airtight container for a crunchy, sweet snack that everyone will love.

Fun Variations For Praline Crunch

  • Pecan Praline Magic Tricks: Perfect Every Time
  • Caramel Control: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution for a smooth, golden caramel sauce.
  • No-Stick Strategy: Lightly spray your stirring utensil with cooking spray to prevent sticky caramel from clinging and make mixing easier.
  • Crunch Preservation: Store the praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, keeping it crisp and delectable.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace Crispix with gluten-free rice or corn cereal to make this treat safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or cashews for unique flavor profiles and personalized crunch variations.

Serving Ideas For Praline Crunch

  • Snack Attack Pairings: Elevate your Praline Crunch experience with these delightful suggestions.
  • Sweet Beverage Companion: Pair with cold milk, hot coffee, or creamy hot chocolate to complement the caramel and pecan flavors.
  • Party Presentation Platter: Serve as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or sprinkled over fresh fruit salads for added texture.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Package in cute mason jars or decorative tins for a homemade holiday treat that friends and family will love receiving as a personal gift.

How To Store Praline Crunch And Keep It Crunchy

  • Sweet Stash Strategy: Store the Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness, keeping it crisp and delicious for up to 7-10 days.
  • Cool and Dry Haven: Select a pantry shelf away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain the snack's perfect crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezer Friendly Option: Seal the treat in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, where it can stay delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide the batch into smaller grab-and-go portions using small sealed containers or snack bags, making it easy to enjoy without compromising overall freshness.
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Crispy Praline Crunch Recipe

Crispy Praline Crunch Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Irresistible French praline crunch delivers layers of nutty caramelized goodness through delicate pastry textures. Crisp almond streusel and silky chocolate ganache create sophisticated dessert perfection for sophisticated palates who crave elegant indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups crispix cereal
  • 2 cups (226 g) pecan halves
  • ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage for easy release of the praline crunch.
  2. Base Mixture: Combine Crispix cereal and pecan halves in a large mixing bowl, creating a foundational blend awaiting caramelization.
  3. Caramel Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup over medium-high heat, allowing the mixture to bubble and transform into a rich golden elixir for approximately two minutes.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and swiftly incorporate vanilla extract and baking soda, triggering a dramatic foamy reaction that adds depth and texture to the caramel.
  5. Coating Technique: Pour the molten caramel over the cereal and pecan mixture, gently folding to ensure complete and uniform coverage, creating a glossy, even layer.
  6. Roasting Process: Transfer the coated mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading into a thin, even layer. Roast in a preheated oven at 250F (120C), stirring every 15 minutes to promote even caramelization and crunch development.
  7. Cooling and Finishing: After 60 minutes, remove from the oven and allow complete cooling. Once solidified, break the praline into irregular, bite-sized fragments, then store in an airtight container to preserve its crisp texture and irresistible flavor.

Notes

  • Prevent Burning Caramel: Watch the caramel mixture closely during cooking to avoid scorching, which can create bitter flavors and ruin the entire batch.
  • Ensure Even Coating: Use a spatula to gently fold the caramel mixture, guaranteeing each cereal piece and pecan receives a complete, uniform caramel layer.
  • Manage Oven Temperature: Keep the oven temperature precisely at 250F to achieve slow, consistent roasting without burning the delicate praline crunch.
  • Storage Strategy: Store the praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness, consuming within a week for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 245
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 44 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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