Sweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix Recipe

Sweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix Recipe

When it comes to party snacks, there’s something universally appealing about a bowl of sweet, crunchy goodness that guests can’t help but grab by the handful. This Sweet and Crunchy Praline Party Mix is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the rich flavor of praline-coated nuts and pretzels with the satisfying crunch of cereals like Chex and cornflakes. The mix of caramelized sweetness, a hint of salt, and a buttery crunch make it a hit for any occasion — from casual get-togethers to festive holiday celebrations.

Pralines are traditionally known for their deliciously sweet, caramelized coating, often found on pecans. This recipe takes that praline flavor and infuses it into a party mix that’s not only quick and easy to make but also perfect for large gatherings. Best of all, this recipe is customizable. You can switch up the cereals, add different kinds of nuts, or even toss in some dried fruit for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Party Mix Base:

-3 cups rice or corn cereal squares (like Rice Chex or Corn Chex)

-2 cups cornflakes

-2 cups pretzel twists (or sticks)

-1½ cups pecan halves

-1 cup salted peanuts (or mixed nuts)

-1 cup mini pretzel rods (optional, for extra crunch)

For the Praline Coating:

-1 cup unsalted butter

-1½ cups brown sugar (packed)

-¼ cup light corn syrup

-½ teaspoon baking soda

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-½ teaspoon salt (optional, if using unsalted nuts)

Optional Additions (for customization):

-1 cup of chocolate chips (to be added once the mixture cools).

-½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

-½ cup toasted coconut flakes

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to add a warm spice flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Party Mix Base

1-Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. This will make cleanup easier later on and prevent the praline coating from sticking to your pans.

2-Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rice cereal squares, cornflakes, pretzel twists, pecans, and peanuts. If you’re adding mini pretzel rods or other nuts like almonds or cashews, add them to the mix now. Stir gently to distribute all the ingredients evenly. This is the base of your party mix, which will soon be coated in the delicious praline mixture.

Step 2: Make the Praline Coating

1-Melt the butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.

2-Add the sugar and corn syrup: Once the butter is fully melted, add the brown sugar and light corn syrup to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture comes to a boil. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.

3-Boil the praline mixture: Once the mixture starts boiling, allow it to boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Be careful not to overboil, as the sugar can quickly caramelize and burn if left for too long. The goal is to create a smooth, golden praline syrup that will coat the party mix evenly.

4-Add baking soda and vanilla: After 2 minutes of boiling, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up slightly due to the baking soda, which is a normal reaction and will help create a light, crispy coating for the party mix.

Step 3: Coat the Party Mix

1-Pour the praline mixture over the party mix: Carefully pour the hot praline mixture over the prepared party mix in the bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and stir the mixture, ensuring that all the cereal, nuts, and pretzels are evenly coated with the praline syrup.

2-Work quickly: The praline syrup will begin to harden as it cools, so it’s important to work quickly during this step. Continue stirring the mixture until everything is coated and the syrup begins to cling to the ingredients.

Step 4: Bake the Party Mix

1-Spread the mix onto baking sheets: Once the party mix is thoroughly coated, spread it out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheets. Try to spread the mixture out as much as possible, ensuring that everything is evenly exposed to the heat for a crispy finish.

2-Bake in the oven: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the party mix for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking. The low and slow heat helps to dry out the mix, giving it that irresistible crunch. As you stir, make sure to rotate the mixture from the edges to the center for even caramelization.

Step 5: Cool the Mix

1-Remove from the oven: After 45 minutes of baking, remove the party mix from the oven. The praline coating should now be set, and the mix should have a golden, crispy texture.

2-Cool completely: Allow the party mix to cool completely on the baking sheets. As it cools, the praline coating will harden further, creating a crisp, sweet layer around the cereal, nuts, and pretzels.

3-Break apart the mix: Once the mix has fully cooled, use your hands to break it apart into bite-sized clusters. If desired, you can mix in optional add-ins like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, raisins, or toasted coconut flakes at this stage for added texture and flavor.

Optional Additions and Customizations

This praline party mix is highly versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences or the occasion. Here are several ways to personalize it to suit your taste..

Chocolate Lovers: For a chocolatey twist, stir in a cup of chocolate chips or chunks once the mix has cooled. The contrast between the sweet praline coating and the melty chocolate will be a hit with chocolate fans.

Dried Fruit: Adding dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots gives the party mix a chewy texture and adds a bit of tartness to balance out the sweetness.

Cinnamon Spice: For a warm, spiced flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the praline mixture just before pouring it over the party mix. The cinnamon pairs beautifully with the brown sugar and adds a cozy flavor perfect for fall gatherings.

Toasted Coconut: Coconut lovers can sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the mix after baking for an added tropical flavor and extra crunch.

Seasonal Twist: During the holidays, you can add festive ingredients like red and green candy-coated chocolates or gingerbread-flavored cereal for a Christmas-themed mix. Similarly, pastel-colored candies or yogurt-covered pretzels can make this party mix Easter-friendly.