This homemade pecan praline snack mix is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Crispy cereal, buttery pecans, and mini pretzels are coated in a rich caramel glaze and baked slowly until golden and irresistible. It is an easy, crowd-pleasing snack that works just as well for everyday munching as it does for parties and gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple to prepare using basic pantry ingredients and requires very little hands-on time.
It delivers a satisfying mix of textures with crunchy cereal, crisp pretzels, and toasted pecans.
The sweet caramel coating balances beautifully with the salty elements.
It makes a generous batch, perfect for gatherings, holidays, or make-ahead snacking.
It stores well, staying crunchy and flavorful for days.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups Crispix or Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups pecan halves
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cereal, mini pretzels, and pecan halves. Toss gently so the mixture is evenly distributed without breaking the cereal.
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until slightly thickened.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract, then add the baking soda. The mixture will foam and lighten in color.
Carefully pour the hot caramel over the snack mix. Using a large spatula, gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
Spread the coated mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring gently every 15 minutes to ensure even baking and prevent sticking.
Remove from the oven and allow the snack mix to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, it will firm up into a crisp, crunchy texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12 cups of snack mix, serving about 12 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time ranges from 45 to 60 minutes.
Total time is approximately 75 minutes.
Variations
You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired.
Add a half teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the caramel for a warm, spiced flavor.
Mix in dried cranberries or raisins after baking for a sweet contrast.
Include pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and variety.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled snack mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to two months.
If needed, reheat briefly in a low oven to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I make this snack mix ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for making ahead and stays fresh for several days when stored properly.
How do I keep the snack mix crunchy?
Make sure it cools completely before storing and always use an airtight container.
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, any similar crispy square cereal works well as long as it can hold the caramel coating.
Is stirring during baking necessary?
Yes, stirring every 15 minutes ensures even caramel coverage and prevents burning.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
You can slightly reduce the brown sugar, but the caramel coating may be thinner.
What if my caramel seems too thick?
Add a teaspoon of water while boiling the sugar and butter to loosen the mixture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure even baking.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Absolutely, it packages beautifully in jars or bags once fully cooled.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for an extra indulgent touch.
Why does the caramel foam after adding baking soda?
The baking soda reacts with the sugar, creating air bubbles that help coat the mix evenly.
Conclusion
Pecan praline snack mix is a simple yet impressive treat that combines classic caramel flavors with irresistible crunch. Whether you are preparing it for a party, a holiday gift, or just a cozy night at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Once you try it, it is sure to become a regular favorite in your snack rotation.
This pecan praline snack mix is a sweet, salty, and crunchy treat featuring cereal, pretzels, and pecans coated in a rich caramel glaze and baked to golden perfection. Great for snacking, gifting, or parties.
Ingredients
6 cups Crispix or Chex cereal
2 cups mini pretzels
2 cups pecan halves
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper if desired.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cereal, mini pretzels, and pecan halves. Toss gently to mix.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly thickened (1–2 minutes of gentle boiling).
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam.
Immediately pour the caramel over the snack mix. Gently toss with a spatula until evenly coated.
Spread mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. Snack mix will firm up as it cools.
Notes
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds as desired.
Add cinnamon or spices to the caramel for variety.
Mix in dried fruit after baking for extra sweetness.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled mix for indulgence.
Store fully cooled mix in an airtight container to maintain crunch.
