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.

Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix

Description

This Praline Crunch Crispix Snack Mix is buttery, sweet, salty, and irresistibly crunchy. Golden clusters of caramel-coated cereal and pecans make it the ultimate holiday or anytime snack.

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups Crispix cereal (or similar corn & rice cereal)
2 cups pecan halves or large pieces
1 cup chopped pecans
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
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mini pretzels (optional)
1 cup white chocolate chips or melted white chocolate for drizzling (optional)
Festive sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, mix Crispix cereal, pecan halves, and chopped pecans.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
Once bubbling, cook for 4–5 minutes until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and cinnamon (if using), then baking soda. Mixture will foam up.
Quickly pour caramel over cereal mixture and fold with spatula until evenly coated.
Spread mix on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cool completely on the pan. Break into clusters once firm. Add pretzels, white chocolate drizzle, or sprinkles if desired.
Store in airtight container or package for gifting.

Notes

Let the caramel simmer fully and don’t skip the baking soda—it creates the signature crackly praline shell. Stir during baking to avoid burning and promote even crisping. Double the batch—it vanishes fast!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: snack mix, Crispix, caramel, holiday treat, praline, pecans, Christmas, sweet and salty