Praline Crunch – highly addictive!! SOOOO good! Sweet and Salty in every bite! Crispix cereal, pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, vanilla, baking soda. Can make ahead of time and store in an air-tight container. Great for a party or homemade gift!
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Pin This RecipeThis Praline Crunch should come with a warning label! It is HIGHLY addictive!! We could not stop eating this. We both had zero self-control around this yummy Praline Crunch. Sweet and salty goodness in every bite!
This snack mix is very easy to make. Combine Crispix cereal and pecans in a giant bowl. In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over the cereal and pecans. Spread the coated cereal mixture on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for an hour. Remove the snack mix from the oven and spread out on some parchment paper and cool.
This recipe makes a ton, so there is plenty for sharing (if you make yourself share). This can be made ahead of time and stored in an air-tight container. I am making a batch to take home for Thanksgiving. It is perfect for snacking and watching football games! It would also be great as a homemade holiday gift.
Praline Crunch
Ingredients:
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves (I use salted)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250ºF.
- In a large bowl, combine cereal and pecans.
- In a large saucepan over medium high heat, combine brown sugar, corn syrup and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda. Pour over cereal mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Pour cereal mixture into a 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Pour onto wax or parchment paper to cool. Break into pieces.
Notes:
Steph
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Made this last night to take on a road trip. Holy sweetness!! My kids loved the few bites that they sampled. I will definitely be making this one again.
Can margarine be used instead of butter? I’d like to share it with a vegan friend.
I’ve never tried it with margarine so I can not say. My guess is that it would be fine, but I’m not 100% sure.
I tried it with margarine today. It turned out just fine. Thanks for the recipe.
Great recipe and it’s easy to make. I add peanuts and pecans.
When you said you got salted pecans at Walmart. Are they Planters roasted pecan halves? That’s the only one I see at Walmart.
yes
Can a microwave be used instead of the oven like with chex mix? After mixing then put in the microwave for two minutes, stir and repeat two more times?
I haven’t tried that, so I can not say.
Is the corn syrup mandatory, can it be substituted or omitted?
Thank you.
I think it is mandatory. It is the main ingredient in the caramel sauce. BUT you can make it however you want.
Can this be made ahead of time and frozen?
I’ve never frozen this, so I can not say.
How do you salt the pecans before mixing ingredients? The description says “ I use salted pecans”
I buy them salted in the can. Walmart sells them.
I substituted with honey. It worked great.
How much honey did you use? I wanted to make for my child but can’t have corn syrup. Thanks
How long does this last in a zip lock?
Do you use salted or unsalted butter for this recipe? I’m guessing unsalted since it doesn’t specify?
Either is just fine.
I’m using plain shelled pecan halves. How can I incorporate salt in this recipe? Looking forward making this!
ASalt shaker or ginger would work. Sea sky to your personal taste.
Love this recipe! My daughter’s favorite snack. After I take it out of the oven I sprinkled a little coarse sea salt I er it. Couldn’t find salted pecans
Just made this for Thanksgiving and it was a smash hit!
Buttery and delicious! My kids, friends and everyone that tries it loves it!
This was so easy! How long does this keep in airtight container?
This stuff is off the chart!!! I used mixed nuts in place of the pecans due to the $$$ of pecans. After removing from the oven to cool, I sprinkled with a good amount of Himalayan pink sea salt! AWESOME! We darn near ate the whole batch in one sitting! Making again…and again…and again…well, you get the idea!
Made this for the holidays to use up some Rice Chex. Best decision ever! So good!!
I added Golden Grahams cereal and pretzel pieces. While it cooled I sprinkled chocolate chips on top to melt. This was the bomb! Soooo addictive.
This is amazing. I can’t stop eating this.
I love this recipe. It is totally additive. Do you have any tips for it not sticking to the baking sheet so bad? I spray it but it still sticks pretty bad.
Put parchment paper down. That should help.
I added 2T of bourbon to the liquid after it comes off the heat (we used Knob Creek but Makers Mark would work too). I popped it back on the heat to let the baking soda froth a little more and continued as directed. OMG soooooo good!!!
Did u delete something when u added the bourbon?
I didn’t and it turned out amazing 😍
Do you use light or dark brown sugar?
Either is fine. I use light brown sugar. It is just a personal preference
Do you use light or dark corn syrup
either is fine
Made this yesterday to take to an open house and everyone loved it , amazing recipe ❤️
So good! When a friend brought this to work we are it all before lunch!!! I made it today but didn’t have pecans so I used slivered almonds and it was just as yummy!!!
Awesome I added pretzels for salty taste.
YUM!!! My dad and I are enjoying a fresh batch while watching the UK – Tennessee football game.
GO CATS!!!
They didn’t make it! Go Cats anyway!!
I’ve made this the past two Christmas’ and it was gone before I even got to have any! HUGE HIT WITH THE FAMILY!
Made half a batch today (so I wouldn’t have so much to eat😉. Although I used salted butter I couldn’t taste salt, so after baking I ground sea salt over the mixture. Just a tad. Like it!
I added half cup of Peanut butter. It took it over the top.
I don’t normally write reviews, but I have to write one about this snack mix. It is wonderful. My husband wasn’t excited about it at first, but once he tasted it he couldn’t stopped eating it. It is so easy to make and so good to eat. I feel like I had found a treasure when I discovered your site last night. Thank you. Donna
This stuff IS delicious! Dare I say that I am seeking some serving size or nutrition facts on this LOL 😂Any Help with that? I’m trying to moderately treat myself and resist from eating the whole batch!
Here is a good website that can help estimate the calories: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076
What can be used in place of the rn syrup? I’m type 2 and can’t use it
I am going to try and make this using a Truvia brown sugar and sugar free syrup.
Absolutely delicious! Reserved some for family and divided the rest in Christmas tins for the neighbors.
Did you use white corn syrup or the darker corn syrup?
I used white corn syrup
How long will it last in the tins? It’s Nov. 10 and I want to start but I don’t want it go be mushy. Thanks.
I would say this would last about 2 weeks in an airtight container. I may last longer, but we’ve never had any last that long. It gets eaten too quickly.
Can you substitute Life Cereal for the Crispix? It says that it contains oat flour, corn flour and rice flour.
You can certainly give it a try.
I used Life cereal and walnuts in place of pecans ($$$) I also added dried cranberries.
This recipe is a treasure ! Very forgiving to make your own … thanks so much for sharing 👍
You said to use a rimmed baking sheet in the first description but then you mentioned using a 13×9 pan on the second description. Does it matter?
either works fine
Can you use a different kind of nut other than pecans?
I’m sure that would be fine
The instructions just say to cook syrup and sugar no mention of how long or does it get to a soft ball stage or brittle? Or what is candy temperature? I’m afraid I cooked mine too long and wasn’t able to completely mix ingredients. Also this amount barely fit into a 13 x 9 inch pan. Not sure how I’ll stir it.
You just bring it to a boil – no extended cooking. No candy thermometer is used in this recipe.
My family loves these and they are addicted. I make several batches. My grandson does not like nuts so I make a plain batch for him.
Made this today thanks for the warnings sooo good can’t stop.
Oh my good god, this is freaking amazing!!!!
Do I grease the baking sheet?
I did not grease the baking sheet.
If I half the recipe (low on cereal) would the cooking time stay the same?
WOULD LIKE TO PRINT THE CHECK MIX REC,. I WOULD ADD DATES, CRANBERRIES, OTHER NUTS , OTHER VARIATIONS. THANKS
How much does this make? I want to gift jars!
approximately 12 cups
Do you use salted or non salted pecans??
Otherwise I can’t figure how you get the salty & sweet
I use salted.
Love this recipe but I make a few additions. I add a couple of handfuls of bite size tortilla chips, a cup of Craisins and a teaspoon or more cayenne pepper. It’s sweet, salty and has a little kick. The amount of cayenne pepper is up to you but this is truly delicious.
THIS IS A 5 STAR, REALLY EASY & SOOO GOOD!!!
Holy crap this is addictive! Just made this for the second time and this time it’s a double batch – the first batch disappeared too fast lol. I added a bag of Frito’s and some salted peanuts for that salty/sweet combo that we all here love so much. This would be perfect for a bbq, a picnic, movie night or just sitting around a campfire! Though its also dangerous, if I keep making this none of my clothes are going to fit me in the near future lol
Fritos? GENIUS!!!
Wow, I made it for Christmas this year. It got wiped out by family. I am making another batch to start the New Year off right…lol. I substituted the Crispex with Corn Chex and II love the spin that you put on it with the frito chips and nuts. Happy New Year, Happy New Recipe!!!
I added mini pretzels and peanuts to my batch. Totally awesome!
OMG, OMG, I hate I made this. I can’t stop eating it. It’s the perfect sweet and salty taste that I love.
Can maple syrup be used instead of the corn syrup??
I’ve never tried this with maple syrup, so I can’t say with certainty how it will turn out.
Do you use light corn syrup or dark? Thanks.
I used light corn syrup
Love this! I add craisins and cayenne pepper. It reminds me of Freakin Awesome Snack Mix which my sister sends from Dallas. The cayenne pepper gives it a nice little kick with the sweetness.
I’ll have to try that next time!
Susan, please share how much cayenne did you add? and craisens? Sounds very good.
Can this be made ahead and then freeze? Thank you!
I’ve never thought to freeze this. Not sure how that would work. Let us know if you try it
This is an awesome snack mix. I put in ziploc bags and freeze it. We take it on the utv trails all the time. Thanks for the goodness. Freezes great!
I am thrilled to hear you are enjoying it. Thanks for the tip about freezing it! Super helpful!
Do you use salted or unsalted pecans and what about the butter? Did anyone get a reply?
You can use either on both. It is your personal preference.
Just curious what does the baking soda do in this recipe?
What do you do with the baking soda
In step 3 it tells you what to do
I enjoy your recipes so much!!! So does my family. My Mom used to make Cracklin' bread in pones in an iron skillet. I wonder if you might check with your parents, grandparents about this recipe and pass it along. Thank you so very much for considering it!!
I found this recipe that sounds exactly like what you described – https://chloesblog.bigmill.com/cooking-up-cracklins/
I love anything “sweet and salty” but I don’t see any salt listed in the ingredients. Is it missing? Or do you use salted pecans?
Hi! I was wondering that, too. But I noticed it doesn’t state unsalted butter. So I’m guessing the salt will come from the butter if you use salted. Just a thought!
I added coarse salt to mine at the end and it really added to it
Sounds yummy!
I made this for the holidays and it was a hit. how can something so easy to make taste so good.
ADDICTIVE!! The other commenters are right! Either hide or you will eat the whole batch yourself–guaranteed!!!
This. Stuff. Is…ADDICTIVE!
i made the praline crunch yesterday for a party tomorrow and it was very good and easy to make
I use the LIGHTER corn syrup(agua label from Karo brand) , so it has 30% less sugar AND I use Splenda Brown Sugar Blend in place of regular brown sugar to cut down on more sugar! No one notices the difference and I am Diabetic! I use double the pecans too! I also use Quaker Oat Squares cereal and makes tons to give away during the Holidays! I also freeze it for during the year to snack on at home and it freezes very well! I have been making this for YEARS!!!!
Carmen, thank you for the tip on cutting down on the sugar as I am also diabetic. I will be making this with your suggestions.
Me too! Thank you both for the tips and thank you Plain Chicken for the recipe!
Thank you for this info! I was wondering how to reduce the sugar content. I wonder would Swerve brown sugar sub work?
I’ve only made this as written, so I can not say.
Oh my goodness you'd have to hide this from me or I'd eat it all in one sitting!