Decadent Praline Crunch Recipe

Sweet Praline Crunch Recipe: Crunchy Bliss in Minutes

Decadent chocolate and caramel dance together in this praline crunch delight recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet layers of crispy texture blend harmoniously with rich, creamy notes.

Each bite delivers a delightful symphony of crunch and smoothness that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Classic Southern flavors infuse this dessert with irresistible charm and nostalgic warmth.

The recipe combines simple ingredients to create an extraordinary treat that feels both elegant and comforting.

Buttery praline pieces scattered throughout add a delectable crunch that elevates every single mouthful.

Prepare to satisfy your deepest dessert cravings with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Keeping Crunch Fresh Without Getting Sticky

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Use airtight containers with tight-fitting lids to keep your Praline Crunch Delight crisp and fresh. Glass or hard plastic containers work best for maintaining texture.
  • Fridge-Free Zone: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard. Avoid humid areas that might soften the delightful crunch you've worked hard to create.
  • Shelf Life Magic: Enjoy your snack within 7-10 days for optimal taste and texture. Track the date with a small label on your storage container to ensure peak freshness.
  • Make-Ahead Mastermind: Prepare this recipe in larger batches and divide into smaller portions. Separate servings in individual grab-and-go bags for quick snacking during busy weeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 13

What You’ll Use in Praline Crunch

For Base Ingredients:
  • Crispix Cereal: Provides a light, crispy foundation that holds the caramel coating perfectly and creates delightful crunch.
  • Pecan Halves: Adds rich, buttery nutty flavor and introduces delightful texture contrast to the sweet coating.
For Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a rich, golden caramel base.
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures smooth, glossy texture and prevents sugar crystallization during cooking.
  • Butter: Brings luxurious richness and helps bind the caramel sauce together with a silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with warm, aromatic undertones.
  • Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture in the caramel and helps achieve that signature golden color.
For Preparation Ingredients:
  • Wax Paper or Parchment Paper: Essential for cooling and preventing the praline crunch from sticking during the final stages.

Tools to Mix and Set This Sweet Crunch

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining cereal and pecans.
  • Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for creating caramel sauce with even heat distribution.
  • 9×13-inch baking pan: Rectangular dish for spreading and baking the mixture evenly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Essential for stirring caramel and mixing ingredients.
  • Wax or parchment paper: Helps cool down the praline crunch and prevents sticking.
  • Measuring cups: Precise tools for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Measuring spoons: Small utensils for adding exact amounts of vanilla and baking soda.

How to Prepare Nutty, Buttery Praline Crunch

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a gentle 250ºF to create the perfect environment for transforming simple ingredients into a crunchy masterpiece.

  • Caramel Magic

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Watch as they dance together over medium-high heat, bubbling with sweet potential. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and baking soda, creating a light, foamy caramel sauce that will make taste buds dance.

  • Cereal Symphony

Toss pecans and Crispix in a large bowl, then drench them with the golden caramel sauce. Ensure every morsel gets a luxurious coating of sweet, sticky goodness.

  • Baking Adventure

Spread the caramel-coated mixture into a baking pan. Let it transform in the oven for an hour, giving it a loving stir every 20 minutes to prevent any burning and promote even caramelization.

  • Crispy Finale

Once out of the oven, spread the mixture on parchment paper. Allow it to cool and crisp up, then break into irresistible clusters of crunchy delight. Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and crispy sensations.

Tips to Get That Perfect Caramelized Texture

  • Crunchy Caramel Magic: Transform this classic snack by experimenting with different cereals like Rice Chex or Corn Flakes for unique textures and flavors.
  • Nutty Variations: Swap pecans with almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend to create your personal crunch profile and add exciting taste dimensions.
  • Sweet Twist Options: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled praline crunch or sprinkle sea salt for a gourmet touch that elevates the entire snack experience.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep your praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, ensuring maximum freshness and maintaining that irresistible crispy texture.
  • Gifting Delight: Package the cooled praline crunch in cute mason jars or decorative bags for a homemade gift that will impress friends and family with its irresistible sweet-and-crunchy appeal.

Serving Ideas for Praline Crunch as a Snack

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Sprinkle this crunchy praline mix over vanilla yogurt or Greek yogurt for a delightful morning protein boost that adds exciting texture.
  • Decadent Ice Cream Topper: Crush the praline crunch into smaller pieces and generously scatter over vanilla or caramel ice cream to create a sensational dessert with a delightful crackle.
  • Party Snack Bowl: Serve these crispy, sugary pecan clusters in small decorative bowls at gatherings, offering guests a quick and irresistible sweet-and-crunchy nibble that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
  • Gourmet Gift Idea: Package the cooled praline crunch in cute mason jars or cellophane bags with a ribbon, making a homemade edible gift that shows thoughtfulness and culinary creativity.
Print
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Decadent Praline Crunch Recipe

Decadent Praline Crunch Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Praline crunch delight brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with rich caramel and nutty textures. Pecans and brown sugar create a luxurious experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups crispix cereal
  • 2 cups pecans halves (salted preferred)
  • 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) baking soda

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Fire up the oven to 250ºF, establishing the perfect temperature for creating a crunchy confection.
  2. Combine Base: In a generous mixing bowl, unite Crispix cereal and pecan halves, gently intermingling to form a textural foundation.
  3. Craft Caramel: In a saucepan, marry brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter over heat, stirring until the mixture erupts into a vigorous boil. Remove from flame and vigorously whisk in vanilla extract and baking soda, transforming the liquid into a voluminous, airy elixir.
  4. Coat and Spread: Lavishly drench the cereal-nut ensemble with the caramel glaze, ensuring every fragment receives a comprehensive coating. Transfer the glistening mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan, positioning it in the preheated oven.
  5. Bake and Rotate: During the hour-long baking journey, intermittently rotate the pan every 20 minutes, safeguarding against uneven browning and promoting a uniform golden finish.
  6. Cool and Segment: Once extracted from the oven, cascade the praline crunch onto wax or parchment paper. Allow to cool completely, then fracture into tantalizing bite-sized pieces ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

  • Oven Temperature Matters: Precise 250ºF is crucial for achieving perfect crunch without burning the delicate ingredients.
  • Caramel Technique: Stir constantly when boiling sugar mixture to prevent burning and ensure smooth, even caramelization.
  • Mixing Magic: Gently fold cereal and pecans to maintain their structural integrity and create an even coating.
  • Cooling Crucial: Spread on parchment paper immediately after baking to prevent sticking and ensure crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 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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