Crispix and Pecan Treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the crispy texture of Crispix cereal and the crunch of pecans. The buttery caramel coating gives everything a glossy, irresistible finish. It’s quick to prepare, and once you start, it’s hard to stop snacking! This mix is a great option for holiday gift-giving or just a fun treat to keep on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 cups Crispix cereal
• 2 cups pecan halves (salted preferred)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 cup butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the mix: In a large bowl, combine the Crispix cereal and pecan halves. Set aside.
3. Make the caramel coating: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring to ensure it thickens.
4. Coat the cereal and pecans: Pour the caramel sauce over the Crispix cereal and pecans, stirring gently to coat all the pieces evenly.
5. Bake: Spread the coated cereal and pecans evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure the mix is evenly coated and crispy.
6. Cool and serve: Once the mix is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, break it into pieces and serve.
7. Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Add chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the mix after it cools.
• Use different nuts: Swap the pecans for other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts, depending on your preference.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the caramel sauce for a sweet-and-spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Crispix Pecan Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze this snack for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cereal?

Yes, you can use any crunchy cereal you like. Corn Chex, Rice Chex, or even Cheerios would work great in place of Crispix.

2. Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor, but it may affect the texture slightly.

3. Can I use unsalted pecans?

You can use unsalted pecans, but the saltiness of salted pecans adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel. If using unsalted, consider adding a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce.

4. Can I make this snack ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to a week.

5. How can I make this mix crispier?

Make sure to stir the mix every 15 minutes while baking, which helps the caramel coat all the pieces evenly and ensures they crisp up.

6. Can I add dried fruit to this mix?

Yes, you can add dried fruit like cranberries or raisins to the mix after it’s baked and cooled for added flavor and texture.

7. Is this recipe vegan?

No, the butter and brown sugar make this recipe not vegan. However, you can substitute with vegan butter and a plant-based sweetener like coconut sugar to make a vegan version.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in two separate pans to ensure the mixture bakes evenly.

9. How can I make this snack spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground cinnamon to the caramel mixture for a sweet and spicy flavor.

10. How long will this snack last?

This snack will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week. If you freeze it, it will last for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Sweet and Salty Crispix Pecan Mix is the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and salty, with a hint of buttery caramel flavor. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for snacking, parties, or gifting. The best part? It’s versatile—you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste. Whether you keep it simple or add chocolate, spices, or dried fruit, this snack will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!

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