What type of cereal works best for this snack?

Crispix is ideal due to its sturdy shape and texture, but similar crunchy cereals can also be used for great results.

Can I substitute the pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes if you prefer a different nut or need to use what's on hand.

How do I ensure the caramel coats evenly?

Quickly toss the hot caramel over the cereal and pecans, mixing gently until everything is fully coated before baking.

Is parchment paper necessary when baking?

Yes, it prevents sticking and helps ensure easy removal and cleanup once the clusters cool down.

How should I store the finished clusters?

Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Praline Crunch Caramel Cereal with Pecans and Vanilla

A stack of Praline bars on a wooden plate. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Praline Crunch Caramel Cereal is my go—to snack when I want something that’s crispy buttery and just a little bit indulgent It is perfect for sharing at gatherings or sneaking a handful straight from the jar at midnight The way the caramel hugs each piece of cereal and pecan makes it totally irresistible

I threw this together for a family movie night and we finished the whole batch before the credits rolled My daughter now asks for it every time friends come over

Ingredients

Crispix cereal: This cereal has just the right airy crispness to hold onto the caramel sauce Look for fresh bags with no stale smell for best crunch
Pecan halves: These add buttery richness and a classic praline flavor Pick unsalted pecans with unbroken halves for the prettiest clusters
Unsalted butter: Lends a creamy caramel base Always check the date for sweet fresh flavor
Packed brown sugar: Deepens the caramel flavor Choose dark brown sugar for extra depth or stick to light brown if you prefer something milder
Light corn syrup: This keeps your caramel smooth and prevents it from crystalizing Make sure your bottle is clear and not cloudy
Vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth Real vanilla makes a difference here
Baking soda: This makes the caramel foam so it coats the cereal evenly and gives that signature light crisp texture

Instructions

Prep the Sheet Pan:: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and heat your oven to 250°F This step makes cleanup easy and ensures nothing sticks
Mix the Base:: Combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves in a roomy bowl Set it aside within arm’s reach so you can work quickly with the hot caramel
Make the Caramel Sauce:: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Stir in the brown sugar and light corn syrup Continue stirring until everything is completely smooth and the mixture just begins to simmer
Boil and Foam:: Let the caramel mixture gently boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly Remove the pan from the heat Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda right away You want to fully incorporate them until the caramel foams up and lightens in color
Coat Cereal and Pecans:: Pour the bubbling caramel over your cereal and pecans Use a heatproof spatula to gently toss everything together Keep going until each cluster is lightly coated and glossy
Bake and Stir:: Spread the mixture into a single layer on your parchment lined pan Place it in the oven Bake for 1 hour Stir well every 15 minutes to break up clumps and give each piece a turn to caramelize

A delicious dessert made with crispy cereal, nuts, and a sweet sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Pecans are hands down my favorite ingredient here They toast right in the oven with the caramel and get this incredible nutty edge I remember my grandma sneaking extra pecans into her version and now I do the same

Storage Tips

Let the praline crunch cereal cool completely before storing Transfer it to a zip top bag or an airtight container It stays crisp for weeks although I doubt it will last that long in your kitchen If you want to keep it tasting oven fresh drop a couple of grains of uncooked rice in a tissue and slip it into the container to absorb moisture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the Crispix for rice squares or corn flakes Just make sure the cereal you use is sturdy so it does not get soggy Almonds or walnuts work in place of pecans if that is what you have on hand For a dairy free version use plant based butter

Serving Suggestions

This sweet treat is made for sharing Set out bowls at game nights or serve over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert You can even use it to top yogurt for a special breakfast I often fill mason jars with this praline crunch and tuck them into holiday gift baskets

Cultural and Historical Context

Pralines trace their roots back to the French settlers in Louisiana where pecans were plentiful and sweet treats were cherished This recipe is a snackable spin on that Southern classic bringing all the comfort of old fashioned candy in crunchy cereal bite form

A delicious dessert made with pecans and caramel sauce. | myhomemaderecipe.com

I still remember the first time I made this for friends and everyone rushed to the kitchen as soon as the smell filled the house This crunchy caramel treat continues to be my secret weapon for any occasion when I want a snack that always gets rave reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of cereal works best for this snack?: Crispix is ideal due to its sturdy shape and texture, but similar crunchy cereals can also be used for great results.
→ Can I substitute the pecans?: Yes, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes if you prefer a different nut or need to use what's on hand.
→ How do I ensure the caramel coats evenly?: Quickly toss the hot caramel over the cereal and pecans, mixing gently until everything is fully coated before baking.
→ Is parchment paper necessary when baking?: Yes, it prevents sticking and helps ensure easy removal and cleanup once the clusters cool down.
→ How should I store the finished clusters?: Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and crunchy.