Caramel Pecan Delight is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors. This irresistible snack blends buttery caramel with crunchy pecans and crispy cereal, creating a texture that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for sharing at parties, gifting during the holidays, or enjoying as a simple snack at home, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd favorite. Whether paired with your morning coffee or served as a dessert, Caramel Pecan Delight delivers a burst of flavor in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, potlucks, or holiday gifts.
- Irresistibly Crunchy: The combination of caramel, cereal, and pecans is addictive.
- Customizable: Add your own twist with extra flavors or mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves (salted preferred)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine cereal and pecans: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the Crispix cereal and pecan halves.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly.
- Coat the cereal and pecans: Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans, gently stirring until evenly coated.
- Bake the mixture: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Cool and break into pieces: Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet, then break it into pieces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
- Chocolate-Drizzled: Once the crunch cools, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch.
- Spiced Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel for a warm, spiced version.
- Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free cereal like Chex as a substitute for Crispix.
- Mix-In Ideas: After baking, add dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or mini marshmallows for extra flavor.
Storage
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, any unsweetened, crispy cereal like Chex or Cornflakes can work as a substitute.
What nuts can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are great alternatives.
Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute honey or golden syrup, but the texture may differ slightly.
Why is stirring every 15 minutes necessary?
It ensures even coating and prevents the caramel from clumping or burning.
How do I keep the crunch fresh?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispiness.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have enough baking sheets and oven space to spread the mixture evenly.
What if my caramel mixture crystallizes?
Keep stirring constantly while cooking the caramel to prevent crystallization.
Can I add spices to the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or ginger can add a festive twist to the crunch.
How do I prevent sticking to the pan?
Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
Can I make this in advance?
Definitely! Nutty Caramel Crunch stays fresh for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead snack or gift.
Conclusion
This Caramel Nut Crunch is the perfect blend of sweet, buttery caramel and crunchy pecans, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing it at a party, gifting it during the holidays, or enjoying it at home, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to delight everyone. Try it today and savor the unbeatable combination of flavors and textures!
Print
Sweet & Crunchy Caramel Pecan Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Pecan Delight is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves the perfect combination of sweet and nutty flavors
Ingredients
- 8 cups Crispix cereal
- 2 cups pecan halves (salted preferred)
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine cereal and pecans: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the Crispix cereal and pecan halves.
- Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly.
- Coat the cereal and pecans: Pour the caramel mixture over the cereal and pecans, gently stirring until evenly coated.
- Bake the mixture: Spread the coated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating.
- Cool and break into pieces: Allow the mixture to cool completely on the baking sheet, then break it into pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sweet & Crunchy Caramel Pecan Delight