Praline Crunch Mix

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Praline Crunch Mix is the kind of snack that turns a casual movie night into a full-on flavor celebration. Coated in a buttery, brown sugar glaze, this mix brings together popcorn and pecans in a golden, crunchy shell that’s hard to resist. It hits all the right notes—sweet, nutty, and caramelized—with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Whether you need a make-ahead holiday treat, something to fill your snack jars, or a delicious homemade gift, this mix is always a hit. You don’t need a candy thermometer or fancy techniques. Just simple ingredients, a little oven time, and a lot of sticky-fingered snacking.

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What Kind of Popcorn Should I Use for Praline Crunch Mix?

For the best results, go with plain air-popped or lightly salted popcorn. Avoid buttered or flavored types, as they can throw off the flavor and affect how well the praline coating sticks. Freshly popped corn holds up well to the warm glaze, staying crisp through baking.

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Ingredients for the Praline Crunch Mix

Popcorn
This is the base of your mix. Use about 10 cups of air-popped popcorn. It should be light and fluffy with no added oils or flavors.

Pecans
Whole or halved pecans are ideal. They bring richness and that classic praline nuttiness to each bite.

Brown Sugar
This forms the heart of the caramel glaze. Light brown sugar gives a mellow molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.

Butter
Unsalted butter melts into the sugar to create that smooth, shiny praline coating. It adds depth and richness to the entire mix.

Corn Syrup
A small amount ensures the glaze stays smooth and glossy. It helps the sugar stay stable during baking and prevents crystallization.

Baking Soda
This is the secret to that airy, crackly praline texture. Once added, it foams up the glaze and makes it easy to coat all the popcorn evenly.

Salt and Vanilla Extract
Both enhance the flavor. Salt balances the sweetness, and vanilla adds warmth and complexity.

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How To Make the Praline Crunch Mix

Step 1: Prep Your Popcorn and Pan

Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the popped popcorn and pecans evenly over the sheet.

Step 2: Make the Praline Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup. Stir until melted and smooth. Let it come to a gentle boil and cook for about 4 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat, then quickly stir in baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Coat the Mix

Immediately pour the foamy glaze over the popcorn and pecans. Use a spatula to gently toss and coat everything evenly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will spread while baking.

Step 4: Bake and Stir

Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and crunch. The glaze will gradually harden and set as it bakes.

Step 5: Cool and Break Apart

Remove from the oven and let the mix cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break into clusters or bite-sized pieces.

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How to Serve and Store This Crunchy Delight

Serve Praline Crunch Mix in festive bowls during parties, wrap it in clear treat bags for edible gifts, or tuck it into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. It pairs perfectly with hot drinks like cider, coffee, or hot chocolate.

To store, keep the mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crunchy for up to 2 weeks—if it lasts that long! For longer storage, freeze it in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Just let it come to room temperature before enjoying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the popcorn from getting soggy?

Make sure your popcorn is completely dry and avoid using buttered or oil-heavy varieties. Baking the coated popcorn helps ensure it stays crisp.

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Yes! Almonds, cashews, or even walnuts can be used. Just make sure they’re raw or roasted but unsalted.

Is it possible to make this mix without corn syrup?

You can substitute with maple syrup or honey, but note that the final texture may be slightly softer or stickier.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking to keep everything evenly coated and crisp.

Why do I need baking soda in the glaze?

Baking soda causes the sugar mixture to foam, creating a lighter, more porous coating that spreads easily and sets with a delightful crunch.

Can I gift this?

Yes! Let the mix cool completely, then package it in cellophane bags, mason jars, or holiday tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.

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Want More Snack Mix Ideas with a Sweet Twist?

If this Praline Crunch Mix has your sweet tooth dancing, try these other crave-worthy combos:

• Caramel Pretzel Snack Clusters for a salty-sweet medley.
• Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn if you’re into cozy spice flavors.
• Toffee Almond Bark with crispy layers and nutty crunch.
• Graham Cracker Toffee Bites when you want a quick dessert fix.
• Brown Sugar Maple Cookies for warm, cookie comfort.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can revisit it whenever cravings strike.

And when you give it a try, let me know in the comments! Did you swap in different nuts? Add a sprinkle of sea salt? Maybe drizzle on a little chocolate?

I love seeing your creative takes and hearing what worked for you. Let’s keep the snack inspiration going!

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