Yum — Praline Crunch (also known as “Praline Crack” or “Southern Praline Snack Mix”) is an addictively sweet, buttery, caramel-coated cereal snack loaded with brown sugar, pecans, and a touch of vanilla. 🥜🍯 It’s crunchy, nutty, and perfect for holidays or gifting!
🍯 Praline Crunch
🧺 Ingredients (Makes about 8 cups)
- 8 cups Crispix or Corn Chex cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
- Preheat to 250°F (120°C).
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.
2. Mix cereal and pecans
- In a large bowl, combine cereal and pecans. Set aside.
3. Make the praline coating
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Boil for 3 minutes without stirring.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in baking soda and vanilla — it will bubble up!
4. Coat the mix
- Immediately pour the hot caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans, tossing gently until well coated.
5. Bake
- Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to keep it from clumping.
6. Cool and serve
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Once cool, break into clusters and store in an airtight container.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Extra nutty: Add almonds or walnuts along with the pecans.
- Cinnamon twist: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the syrup for warmth.
- Sweet & salty: Sprinkle lightly with sea salt after baking.
- Gift idea: Package in jars or cellophane bags — it keeps for up to 2 weeks!
Would you like me to give you a quick microwave version (ready in under 15 minutes) for when you don’t want to bake it in the oven?
