The Sweetest Crispy Praline Crunch Recipe for Snack Lovers

Decadent praline crunch sends taste buds on a delightful journey through layers of sweet, buttery goodness.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this irresistible treat that blends caramelized pecans with a satisfying crackle.

Crunchy nuts and golden caramel create a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a rich, indulgent experience that melts seamlessly between crisp and creamy.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dessert that sparks joy.

Pecans roasted to perfection elevate this classic confection beyond ordinary sweets.

Let this praline crunch become your next go-to dessert that will surely impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 213 kcal

Servings: 13

Everything That Goes Into Praline Crunch

• Butter: Provides rich, velvety foundation for caramel sauce, choose high-quality unsalted butter for pure flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create signature caramel color and texture.

• Mixed Nuts: Adds robust, hearty texture and nutty complexity, select freshly roasted or raw nuts for maximum crispness.

• Crispy Rice Cereal: Introduces delightful crackle and light crunch, opt for fresh, crisp cereal to maintain structural integrity.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious consistency in caramel, select full-fat cream for richest results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic undertones, choose pure vanilla for authentic taste.

Tools to Make Sweet and Buttery Praline Crunch

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking caramel mixture smoothly and evenly.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching pan surface.
• Baking sheet: Provides ideal surface for spreading and cooling praline crunch.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cooling rack (optional): Helps praline cool faster and more evenly.

How to Mix, Bake, and Cool Praline Crunch

• Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

• Craft Caramel Base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes. Pour in heavy cream, continuing to stir until mixture becomes glossy and thickens. Remove from heat and blend in vanilla extract.

• Combine Nutty Goodness

Fold mixed nuts into caramel sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Gently mix in crispy rice cereal until thoroughly coated with sweet caramel mixture.

• Spread and Solidify

Transfer mixture onto prepared baking sheet, spreading evenly. Allow to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes until completely hardened. For quicker results, place in refrigerator.

• Create Crunchy Pieces

Once fully cooled, crack the praline mixture into bite-sized fragments. Enjoy your delectable, crispy treat that combines sweet caramel, crunchy nuts, and crisp cereal.

Tips for Crunchy Bites and Caramel Coating

• Toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the caramel for an extra layer of rich, deep flavor that elevates the entire crunch experience.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based butter to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the same delectable texture and sweetness.
• Keep the Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or store in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Package the cooled crunch in decorative mason jars or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade treat that makes a perfect hostess or holiday gift that will impress friends and family.
• Experiment with different nut combinations like pecans, almonds, and cashews, or add a sprinkle of sea salt or cinnamon to create unique flavor profiles that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Serving Ideas for This Sweet Snack Mix

• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve this Praline Crunch alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between warm caramel-coated nuts and cold creamy goodness.
• Gifting Delight: Package the Praline Crunch in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons, creating a homemade edible gift perfect for holidays or special occasions.
• Dessert Topping Adventure: Crumble the Praline Crunch over cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or puddings to add a delicious nutty crunch and elevate your dessert experience.
• Morning Breakfast Twist: Sprinkle Praline Crunch over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes to transform an ordinary breakfast into a gourmet morning treat with rich caramelized flavors.

Storing Praline Crunch to Keep It Crisp

• Spread the mixture on a chilled baking sheet to speed up hardening time, reducing wait periods dramatically.
• Keep Praline Crunch in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to two weeks, maintaining its crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.
• Store at room temperature in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent caramel from becoming sticky or losing its crunch.
• Wrap individual portions in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag for long-term storage up to three months, ensuring delicious snacks are always within reach.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Praline Crunch?

The key ingredients are butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, mixed nuts, and crispy rice cereal. These create a sweet and crunchy candy-like treat with rich caramel flavor.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, this recipe is quite simple and beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills and only involves melting, stirring, and mixing ingredients. The process takes about 30-40 minutes total, including cooling time.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! You can customize the recipe with pecans, almonds, walnuts, or a mix of nuts. Just ensure they are chopped or roughly the same size for even coating and consistent texture.

• How long does Praline Crunch stay crunchy?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the Praline Crunch maintains its crispy texture for about 5-7 days. Keep it away from humidity to preserve the crunchiness.

Crispy Praline Crunch Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Praline crunch dessert blends Southern charm with irresistible nutty sweetness. Crisp pecans and caramel create a delightful texture you will savor until the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cups (1.89 L) Crispix cereal
• 2 cups (280 g) pecan halves
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 mL) light corn syrup
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy release and prevent sticking.
2. Caramel Foundation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, gradually whisking in brown sugar until fully dissolved and creating a rich, golden base.
3. Flavor Development: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, stirring consistently for 5 minutes to deepen flavor complexity and achieve a perfect amber hue.
4. Cream Incorporation: Pour heavy cream into the caramel, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce with a luxurious consistency.
5. Aromatic Enhancement: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to elevate the caramel’s aromatic profile.
6. Nutty Fusion: Fold mixed nuts into the warm caramel, ensuring each nut becomes completely enrobed in the golden, sweet mixture.
7. Textural Assembly: Gently mix crispy rice cereal into the nut-caramel blend, creating an even distribution of crunchy elements throughout the confection.
8. Setting and Cooling: Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, then allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate to expedite solidification.
9. Final Presentation: Once completely set, break the praline crunch into rustic, irregular pieces, revealing its artisanal texture and irresistible golden-brown appearance.

Notes

• Precise Temperature Control: Monitor heat carefully when caramelizing sugar to prevent burning, using medium heat and constant stirring for smooth, golden caramel without bitter undertones.
• Nut Selection Flexibility: Experiment with different nut varieties like almonds, pecans, or cashews to customize flavor profile and accommodate personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Texture Consistency Technique: Ensure crispy rice cereal is folded gently to maintain crunchiness, preventing soggy or overly compressed mixture that could compromise the praline’s signature texture.
• Storage and Preservation Hack: Store praline crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal crispness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 213
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 58 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg