Praline Crunch
Sweet, crunchy, and utterly irresistible, Praline Crunch is the snack you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for a holiday party or a cozy night in, its combination of caramelized goodness and pecan crunch will leave everyone asking for more. Plus, it’s so easy to make with just 10 minutes of prep time.
When you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and totally addictive, Praline Crunch fits the bill. Imagine buttery caramel coating light, crispy cereal and toasted pecans—each bite is a combination of chewy, crunchy, and rich flavors that melt in your mouth. This southern-inspired snack is great for special occasions like holiday parties, game days, or even a simple movie night in.
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This praline pecan snack mix only takes 10 minutes to prep and can be totally customized with your favorite crunchy mix-ins.
Not only is it delicious, but it also stores well and can be made ahead, making it an easy, stress-free treat for gatherings. Pack it up in mason jars with ribbon for a homemade gift, or serve it in a bowl at your next get-together. Either way, Praline Crunch is sure to be a hit.
Make sure to check out my other delicious viral holiday mixes, Caramel Chex Mix and The Best Homemade Chex Mix!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Like This Recipe
- Sweet and salty snack perfection. The combination of roasted peanuts and buttery caramel glaze creates a flavor-packed bite every time.
- Crispy and crunchy. Crispix cereal provides that satisfying crunch, making this praline crunch snack mix extra addictive.
- Perfect for any occasion. Football games, holiday parties, casual get-togethers…this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults for any get-together.
- Customizable. Add your favorite holiday candy or chocolate for a personalized touch.
- Easy to make. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of Praline Crunch in no time.
Ingredients
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Recipe Card Below
- Crispix cereal: Provides the light, crispy texture in each bite.
- Dry roasted salted peanuts: Adds a salty crunch and complements the sweet caramel glaze.
- Butter: Gives richness and helps create the caramel coating.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the caramel.
- Light Corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring the caramel stays smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the caramel.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the caramel to create a light, bubbly texture.
- Holiday candy (optional): Adds a festive touch and extra sweetness to the mix.
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Half Size or 12″x17″ Sheet Pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Parchment Paper
- Liquid Measuring Cups
- Gift Giving Containers
How to Make Praline Crunch
- Preheat oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine cereal and roasted peanuts.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel mixture will foam up.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and peanuts, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Once baked, let the mixture cool completely. If desired, add holiday candy for an extra festive touch. Break into pieces and serve, or store it in an airtight container.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Cereal substitution. If you don’t have Crispix, you can use Rice Chex or Corn Chex as a substitute for a similar crunchy texture.
- Nut options. Swap out the peanuts for mixed nuts or even pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Extra flavor boost. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it festive. For a seasonal twist, incorporate holiday-themed candies like M&M’s, peppermint bark, Reese’s Pieces, Cadbury Eggs, or candy corn.
- Chocolate drizzle. For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Praline Crunch for an added indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Store Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Praline Crunch can be made up to a couple weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for party prep or gifting.
Corn syrup is key to keeping the caramel smooth and preventing crystallization. If needed, you can try using honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the texture will differ.
Praline Crunch will stay fresh for up to a couple weeks when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for longer storage.
More Holiday Sweet Treats
- Rice Krispie Date Balls
- Best Graham Cracker Toffee (5 Ingredients!)
- Ritz Cracker Cookies
- Spiced Bundt Cake
Praline Crunch
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 16 ounce jar dry roasted salted peanuts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Holiday Candy optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Crispix cereal and roasted peanuts.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup, and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The caramel mixture will foam up.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and peanuts, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the coated cereal mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Once baked, let the mixture cool completely. If desired, add holiday candy for an extra festive touch. Break into pieces and serve, or store it in an airtight container.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
-
- Cereal substitution: If you don’t have Crispix, you can use Rice Chex or Corn Chex as a substitute for a similar crunchy texture.
-
- Nut options: Swap out the peanuts for mixed nuts or even pecans for a different flavor profile.
-
- Extra flavor boost: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
-
- Make it festive: For a seasonal twist, incorporate holiday-themed candies like M&M’s, peppermint bark, Reese’s Pieces, Cadbury Eggs, or candy corn.
-
- Chocolate drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled Praline Crunch for an added indulgence.
Storage Instructions
Store Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.
About Laura
Taught by some of the best, cooking and entertaining has always been my favorite hobby. Food is my love language! The conception of Dinner in 321 came from my family talks that sharing our dinners would help others learn new skills, tasty recipes, and make cooking fun! Read more…
if i don’t have baking soda can I substitute for baking powder?
No, you should not substitute baking powder for baking soda in praline, as they are not chemically the same and will result in a different texture, flavor, and color
This stuff is addicting!! So good that I’m going to give it out to all of my neighbors for the holidays!!
YAYAY!!! I’m so happy you made it and like it so much! If you’re not already, you’ll be the favorite neighbor 😉
How much candy should I use? Thanks so much!!!
As much or as little as you’d like 🙂 I use a full large bag of Reeses pieces or m&ms.
Absolutely delicious!! I did half pecans and half honey roasted peanuts. I will be making this again! Everyone I shared it with loved it!
Awwww!! That makes my heart so happy to hear!! Thank you SO much!!!🥰 I’m so happy you made it and loved it so much.
if adding cinnamon or sea salt, when should this step be done? I want to make this for Halloween.
I would sprinkle on the sea salt after it’s baked and immediately after you transfer it to the parchment paper. For the cinnamon, I haven’t tried this, but I’d say add in the step with the brown sugar. 🙂 I hope you love it!
This praline crunch is unbelievable my new go to thank you so much next time I’ll make it with pecans
Aww!🥹You’re so sweet! Thank you SO much!!!🥰 I’m so happy you liked it so much!
Girlfriend!!! It’s Nancy from CA. I AM NOT SHARING THIS WITH ANYONE💯. Haha.
LOL! You are so sweet, Nancy!! It’s pretty tough to share for sure! 😆