Welcome to a world of irresistible crunch and sweet satisfaction! This Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix recipe brings together classic flavors in an easy-to-make treat. It’s perfect for adding a delightful touch to parties, celebrating holidays, or simply enjoying as a comforting everyday snack. Prepare yourself for a simple preparation process leading to an utterly delightful and addictive flavor experience that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan
You’ll quickly discover why this snack mix becomes a family favorite. It offers a perfect balance of sweet caramel and a hint of salt, creating a truly irresistible taste. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal active time and straightforward steps.
Each bite delivers an addictive crunch from the cereal and the rich, buttery flavor of pecans. It makes a fantastic treat for sharing with loved ones, gifting during the holidays, or simply keeping on hand for a sweet indulgence. The base recipe is also easy to adapt, catering to various preferences.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delightful Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix:
- 8 cups Quaker® Oatmeal Squares – Brown Sugar
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 1/3 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp margarine (70% vegetable oil spread in sticks)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Notes & Substitutions
- While our recipe specifies Quaker Oatmeal Squares for this delicious snack mix, Crispix Cereal is the primary choice often associated with the classic name and works wonderfully.
- Crispix cereal, a popular choice for snack mixes, was introduced by Kellogg’s in 1983 as a unique blend of corn and rice. Learn more about Crispix cereal.
- Feel free to use Crispix if you prefer its unique texture. For the pecans, you can easily substitute with chopped walnuts, slivered almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts for a varied flavor profile. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter makes a perfect alternative, lending a rich, creamy taste.
- Light corn syrup provides that essential sticky texture, but you can try maple syrup for a different sweetness, though the texture might vary slightly. For extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or a tiny dash of salt to enhance the sweet notes.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple recipe. Here’s what to gather:
- A large baking pan (13×9 inch or larger, such as a jelly roll pan)
- A microwave-safe bowl (at least 4-cup capacity)
- Non-stick cooking spray
- A large spoon or sturdy spatula for mixing
- Standard measuring cups and spoons
How To Make Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan
Creating this delightful Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix is a simple process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
- Prepare the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature ensures slow baking and even crisping.
- Prep baking pan: Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking pan, or a larger jelly roll pan, with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking later.
- Combine dry ingredients: In the prepared baking pan, gently combine the 8 cups of Quaker Oatmeal Squares and 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans. Spread them into an even layer and set aside.
- Make praline mixture: In your 4-cup microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/3 cup light corn syrup, 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of margarine.
- Microwave first stage: Heat this mixture on HIGH in your microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. The ingredients will start to melt and combine.
- Stir the mixture: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the mixture thoroughly with your spoon. Ensure the sugar and margarine dissolve.
- Microwave second stage: Return the bowl to the microwave. Heat again for 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds, or until the mixture reaches a rolling boil. Watch it carefully to prevent boiling over.
- Add vanilla and soda: Quickly stir the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into the hot praline mixture. It will foam up slightly, which is exactly what you want for that signature texture.
- Coat cereal: Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over the cereal and pecans in the baking pan. Use your large spoon or spatula to stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of the Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix is coated.
- Bake to crisp: Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour, stirring the mixture gently every 20 minutes to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Cool completely: After baking, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately spread the hot snack mix onto a clean baking sheet or parchment paper. Let it cool completely at room temperature; this takes about 1-2 hours and is vital for achieving maximum crunch.
- Break and store: Once fully cooled and firm, break the Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix into individual pieces. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and delightful crunch.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix with these helpful hints.
- Even coating: Stir meticulously when you pour the caramel over the cereal. Every piece needs a good coat for the best flavor and crunch. Don’t rush this step.
- Stirring during baking: Stirring every 20 minutes during baking is crucial. This prevents the edges from burning and ensures all pieces get evenly toasted.
- Preventing burnt spots: Keep a close eye on your snack mix, especially towards the end of the baking time. If you notice any areas browning too quickly, gently stir them back into the mix.
- Cooling process: Allow the snack mix to cool completely and undisturbed. This is essential for the praline coating to harden and become perfectly crispy.
- Humidity: Avoid cooling your snack mix in a humid environment. Humidity can prevent the caramel from fully crisping, leading to a softer texture.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix offers many ways to enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it beautifully in decorative bowls at your next gathering or party.
- Add a generous portion to a dessert board for an extra sweet, crunchy element.
- Pack small bags for easy, delicious lunchbox snacks or on-the-go treats.
- Enjoy it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon indulgence.
Storage Tips
- Store your cooled Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix in an airtight container at room temperature. A cookie jar or plastic container works perfectly.
- It typically stays fresh and wonderfully crunchy for up to 1 to 2 weeks.
- If the mix loses some of its crispness, you can re-crisp it by spreading it on a baking sheet and heating it in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) for 10-15 minutes, then cooling completely.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the praline mixture before pouring it over the cereal.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the snack mix cools completely, drizzle it generously with melted milk or dark chocolate for an extra layer of decadence.
- Holiday Spices: Infuse seasonal warmth by stirring in 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or gingerbread spice with the vanilla extract.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in a handful of dried cranberries, cherries, or golden raisins after the snack mix has cooled but before breaking it into pieces.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix as a treat. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 270 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Calcium | 8% |
| Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 8% |
| Potassium | 5% |
| Iron | 60% |
| Thiamin | 20% |
| Magnesium | 15% |
| Whole grain | 28g |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You might have a few questions about making this delightful Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix. Here are some common inquiries.
Can I use other cereals?
While Crispix is a classic choice for this type of mix, and this recipe uses Quaker Oatmeal Squares, you can also use other sturdy cereals like Chex varieties. Ensure they hold up well to stirring and baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The specific cereal used in this recipe, Quaker Oatmeal Squares, is not certified gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, select a certified gluten-free cereal like Chex and verify all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! This snack mix is perfect for making in advance. Store it in an airtight container, and it will remain fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it ideal for gifting or party prep.
Why add baking soda?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic brown sugar and corn syrup to create tiny air bubbles in the caramel. This results in a lighter, more tender, and less sticky praline coating that shatters beautifully when cooled.
How do I prevent it from sticking?
Thoroughly spraying your baking pan with non-stick cooking spray is key. Also, spreading the finished mix onto a separate baking sheet to cool completely helps prevent clumping in the main pan.
Final Thoughts
This Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix offers a truly delightful experience for anyone who loves a sweet and crunchy treat. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare, bringing together simple ingredients for an irresistible flavor that reminds us of comforting family moments.
Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, this versatile snack mix fits any occasion beautifully. We encourage you to try this crowd-pleasing recipe and create some joyful new memories through the simple pleasure of cooking. Enjoy every delicious, praline-coated bite!
Praline Crunch Crispix Pecan Snack Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 250°F and spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Combine cereal and pecans in the prepared pan; set aside.
- In a 4-cup microwaveable bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, and vegetable oil spread.
- Microwave the mixture on HIGH for 1 minute 30 seconds, then stir, and microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute 30 seconds until boiling.
- Stir vanilla and baking soda into the hot mixture.
- Pour the mixture over the cereal and pecan mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 20 minutes.
- Spread the baked mixture on a baking sheet to cool completely, then break it into pieces.
- Store the cooled snack mix tightly covered.
Notes
Hi there, I’m chef living in New York City. Every morning, I wake up to the sounds of my little one’s laughter and the comforting routine of preparing breakfast for my family my husband, our child, and my beloved mother, who’s become both my rock and my inspiration since my father passed away. As the only daughter left in our family, I feel a deep responsibility to carry on his memory whenever I step into the kitchen.
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
- Dominique
