Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix

This Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix is the kind of sweet, buttery snack you have to hide from yourself. Light, crispy cereal is coated in a brown sugar praline caramel with crunchy pecans, then baked until it turns into golden clusters of praline goodness. It’s perfect for holiday gifting, party bowls, movie nights, and Christmas snack trays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet, salty, and crunchy: Every bite has crispy cereal, toasted pecans, and a thin crackly praline coating.
Perfect make-ahead snack: Stays fresh for days in an airtight container, ideal for gifting.
Foolproof prep: Simple stovetop caramel + quick oven bake. No candy thermometer needed.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for Christmas, game day, or anytime you want an easy snack mix that disappears fast.
Easy to customize: Swap in mixed nuts, add pretzels, or drizzle with white chocolate once cooled.

Ingredients

For the Snack Mix

8 cups Crispix cereal (or similar corn & rice cereal)
2 cups pecan halves or large pieces
1 cup chopped pecans (for extra crunch)

For the Praline Caramel Coating

1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Optional Add-Ins (After Baking)

1 cup mini pretzels
1 cup white chocolate chips or melted white chocolate for drizzling
Festive sprinkles for a Christmas snack mix vibe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pan and Cereal

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Crispix cereal, pecan halves, and chopped pecans. Set aside.

2. Make the Praline Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
Once it starts bubbling, cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture looks thick, glossy, and slightly darkened.
Remove from the heat and quickly whisk in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using).
Add the baking soda and whisk again. The mixture will foam up and lighten in color—this is what gives the coating that classic praline crunch texture.

3. Coat the Cereal and Pecans

Immediately pour the hot praline caramel over the cereal and pecan mixture.
Use a large spatula to gently fold and toss until all the cereal and nuts are evenly coated. Work quickly so the caramel doesn’t harden in the bowl.
Spread the coated mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s okay if there are clumps—those become crunchy praline clusters.

4. Bake Until Crispy

Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring gently every 15 minutes to help everything crisp evenly.
The mix is done when it feels dry to the touch and smells deeply caramelized and nutty.

5. Cool, Break Apart, and Add Extras

Remove from the oven and let the snack mix cool completely on the pan. As it cools, it will firm up into crunchy praline clusters.
Once cool, break into bite-size pieces.
If desired, stir in pretzels, white chocolate chips, or drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles for a festive touch.
Transfer to an airtight container or portion into small bags for gifting.

Tips for the Best Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix

Use a big bowl: The caramel moves fast. A large mixing bowl makes it easier to coat everything before it starts to set.
Don’t skip the baking soda: It aerates the caramel and creates that thin, glassy praline shell on the cereal.
Stir gently but regularly: Stirring every 15 minutes in the oven prevents burning and gives a light, even crunch.
Play with the salt: If you love salty-sweet, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the mix right after it comes out of the oven.
Double the batch: This disappears fast! The recipe doubles easily—use two pans so the layer stays thin.

Serving Ideas

Serve in small bowls for holiday movie nights or game days.
Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for Christmas neighbor gifts.
Add to a sweet snack board with fudge, cookies, and chocolate-covered pretzels.
Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for a quick praline sundae moment.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days. Keep away from humidity.
Freezer: You can freeze cooled snack mix in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Make-ahead: Bake the snack mix 2–3 days before a party and store it sealed. It keeps its crunch beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Crispix?

Yes. You can substitute part or all of the Crispix with Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even small cornflakes. Just keep the total cereal amount close to 8 cups so the caramel ratio stays balanced.

Can I make this snack mix without nuts?

Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans and replace them with extra cereal, pretzels, or mini crackers. The praline coating will still create a crunchy, addictive snack mix.

Why is my snack mix sticky instead of crunchy?

This usually means the caramel didn’t cook quite long enough or the mix didn’t bake long enough. Make sure the caramel simmers for the full 4–5 minutes and bake until the coating feels dry to the touch.

Can I add spices for more flavor?

Yes. A pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of pumpkin pie spice turns this into a cozy holiday snack.

Conclusion

This Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix has everything we love in a homemade treat—light, crispy cereal, buttery praline caramel, and toasted pecans that add the perfect sweet crunch. It’s incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and one of those snacks that disappears the moment you set it down.

Whether you package it up for holiday gifting, pour it into a big bowl for movie night, or keep a secret stash in your pantry (we won’t judge), this mix is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. It keeps beautifully, makes your kitchen smell amazing, and brings that cozy, nostalgic holiday sweetness to every bite.

Save this recipe now—you’ll want it for Christmas, game days, potlucks, and honestly… any time a crunchy, caramel-pecan snack craving hits.