Homemade Praline Crunch Recipe: Sweet & Crunchy Bliss

Craving a delightful praline crunch that melts in your mouth?

This classic Southern treat combines nutty pecans with caramelized sugar for an irresistible experience.

Sweet kernels transform into a golden, crispy confection that dances between crunchy and smooth textures.

Our simple method ensures anyone can craft this decadent dessert with ease.

Rich caramel notes blend perfectly with toasted pecans, creating a symphony of flavor.

Each bite promises a delicate crackle that hints at the indulgence waiting to unfold.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible Southern delicacy that’ll make you the star of any gathering.

Why You’ll Love Praline Crunch for Snack Time or Gifting

• Requires only basic kitchen tools and minimal cooking skills, allowing beginners and experienced bakers alike to create a professional-looking dessert without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat
• Delivers an addictive combination of sweet caramel, crunchy nuts, and crispy cereal that appeals to all ages, making it perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or casual family desserts.
• Versatile Snack with Endless Possibilities
• Customize your treat by switching nuts or adding chocolate drizzle, transforming this basic recipe into a unique dessert that can be adapted to personal taste preferences.

What Goes Into a Perfect Batch of Praline Crunch

• Brown Sugar, Butter: Rich, caramel-like foundation that creates a deep sweet flavor and smooth texture for the praline. Best with dark brown sugar for deeper taste.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create smooth caramel sauce. Full-fat cream works best for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds subtle depth to the flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract recommended for best taste.

• Mixed Nuts, Crispy Rice Cereal: Provide delightful crunch and textural contrast to the sweet caramel base. Roasted nuts preferred for enhanced flavor. Use fresh, crisp cereal for maximum crunchiness.

• Parchment Paper, Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of praline crunch. Silicone mat can be reused multiple times.

How to Make, Buttery Praline Crunch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat for easy release and cleanup.

Step 2: Create Caramel Base

• Melt butter over medium heat
• Add brown sugar
• Stir until sugar dissolves completely
• Bring mixture to a boil
• Simmer for 5 minutes
• Pour in heavy cream
• Stir until smooth and slightly thickened
• Remove from heat
• Blend in vanilla extract

Step 3: Combine Crunchy Elements

• Mixed nuts
• Crispy rice cereal

Stir thoroughly to ensure complete coating

Step 4: Spread and Set

Pour mixture onto prepared baking sheet

Spread evenly across surface

Allow to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes

Optional: Refrigerate for faster hardening

Step 5: Break Into Delightful Pieces

Once completely cooled and hardened

Crack into bite-sized chunks

Enjoy your sweet and crunchy treat

Tips for Getting the Right Crunch in Praline Crunch

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose high-quality nuts like pecans or almonds and fresh crispy rice cereal for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Control Caramel Temperature: Monitor your caramel closely while cooking to prevent burning- medium heat and constant stirring are key to achieving perfect golden-brown consistency.
• Quick Cooling Trick: Speed up the cooling process by spreading the mixture thinly on the baking sheet and placing it in the refrigerator for faster hardening without compromising texture.
• Storage Savvy: Keep Praline Crunch in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, preserving its delightful crispiness and preventing moisture absorption.
• Customize Your Crunch: Experiment with different nuts like cashews or macadamias, or add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory balance of this delectable treat.

How to Keep Praline Crunch Fresh and Crunchy

• Store the Praline Crunch in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This helps restore the crispy texture.
• Briefly warm in the oven at 250°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crunchiness if the treat becomes slightly soft during storage.

What to Pair with Your Praline Crunch Treats

• Create a delightful contrast by serving the crunchy praline pieces alongside smooth, cold vanilla ice cream that complements the nutty caramel flavors.
• Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness of the praline crunch, enhancing the overall dessert experience with a rich, bold undertone.
• Elevate the treat by adding a luxurious dark chocolate sauce that intensifies the caramel notes and provides an extra layer of decadent complexity.
• Mix a classic bourbon old-fashioned to create a sophisticated pairing that echoes the caramel and nutty characteristics of the praline crunch.

Creative Twists to Reinvent Praline Crunch

• Nut-Free Crunch: Replace mixed nuts with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or toasted coconut flakes for an allergen-friendly version.
• Chocolate Lovers' Variation: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled praline crunch for extra richness and flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining a similar caramel-like taste.

Praline Crunch Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Praline Crunch celebrates classic Southern comfort with layers of nutty caramel and crisp textures. Crunchy pecans and buttery caramel create a delightful dessert that promises sweet memories with each delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 8 cups (1.89 liters) Crispix cereal
• 2 cups (280 grams) pecan halves

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) light corn syrup

Flavoring and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) baking soda

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Instructions

1. Arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent sticking and facilitate effortless removal of the praline crunch.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, gradually incorporating brown sugar until completely dissolved and creating a rich caramel base.
3. Elevate the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, maintaining consistent stirring for approximately 5 minutes to develop deep flavor complexity.
4. Introduce heavy cream into the caramel, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety, cohesive texture with a glossy appearance.
5. Remove from heat and infuse vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to enhance the aromatic profile of the caramel sauce.
6. Incorporate mixed nuts into the warm caramel, ensuring each nut is generously coated with the sweet, golden mixture.
7. Gently fold crispy rice cereal into the nut-caramel combination, creating an even distribution of crunchy elements throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to spread it into a uniform layer that ensures consistent texture and flavor.
9. Allow the praline crunch to cool and solidify at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, or expedite the process by placing it in the refrigerator.
10. Once completely set, fracture the praline crunch into rustic, irregular pieces that showcase its delightful texture and artisanal appeal.

Notes

• Customize nut selection by using your favorite types like almonds, pecans, or cashews for unique flavor profiles.
• Swap crispy rice cereal with gluten-free alternatives like rice puffs or quinoa crispies to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Control sweetness by adjusting brown sugar quantity or using a lower-glycemic sugar substitute like coconut sugar.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg