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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to ensure easy release and prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cream Incorporation: Pour heavy cream into the caramel, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy sauce with a luxurious consistency.
- Aromatic Enhancement: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to elevate the caramel’s aromatic profile.
- Nutty Fusion: Fold mixed nuts into the warm caramel, ensuring each nut becomes completely enrobed in the golden, sweet mixture.
- Textural Assembly: Gently mix crispy rice cereal into the nut-caramel blend, creating an even distribution of crunchy elements throughout the confection.
- 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.
- 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