Praline Chex Mix Recipe: Sweet and Crunchy Snack Idea

Updated On: October 18, 2025

If you’re looking for a snack that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and crunchy, then this Praline Chex Mix recipe is exactly what you need. This festive treat combines the classic Chex Mix with a luscious praline coating that brings a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, a cozy movie night, or just craving something deliciously addictive, this praline twist elevates traditional Chex Mix into a snack everyone will rave about.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and customizable!

With simple pantry staples and a few minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for gifting or indulging. Crunchy Chex cereal, sweet glazed pecans, and a sprinkle of salt come together to create an irresistible snack that satisfies all taste buds.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of praline goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Praline Chex Mix recipe is a standout for several reasons. First, it combines the beloved crunch of Chex cereal with a signature praline coating that adds a caramelized sweetness and a touch of spice.

It’s a snack that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Second, the recipe is incredibly flexible—you can easily swap out nuts, adjust the sweetness, or add your favorite mix-ins like pretzels or candy pieces. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead treat that keeps well, making it ideal for busy hosts or snack lovers.

Finally, this mix is perfect for all occasions—from festive gatherings and office parties to everyday snacking. It’s also a great alternative when you want something homemade but hassle-free.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 cup mini pretzels
  • 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Combine the dry mix: In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the Rice Chex cereal, pecans, pretzels, and peanuts. Set aside.
  3. Make the praline coating: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring.
  4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly—this is normal and helps create a light, crispy coating.
  5. Pour the praline syrup over the cereal mixture. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until all pieces are evenly coated.
  6. Spread the coated mix evenly onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to ensure even coating and prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let the praline Chex mix cool completely on the baking sheet. It will crisp up as it cools.
  9. Break apart any large clumps and transfer the mix to an airtight container for storage. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the praline syrup for a sweet-spicy combo. You can also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to suit your preference.

  • Nut-Free Option: Replace nuts with extra pretzels or add bite-sized cereal pieces.
  • Add Chocolate: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the mix for an indulgent layer.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels to keep the mix safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer freshness, freeze in a sealed bag.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories 210
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Carbohydrates 24g
Sugar 15g
Protein 3g
Fiber 2g
Sodium 180mg

Serving Suggestions

This praline Chex Mix pairs wonderfully with warm beverages such as coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider. It also makes a fantastic snack to share in a festive bowl at holiday gatherings or as a crunchy addition to your party snack table.

For an elevated snack experience, serve it alongside a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and creamy brie, balancing the sweet with savory elements. You can also pack it in small decorative bags or jars to give as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

Conclusion

The Praline Chex Mix recipe is a delightful snack that brings together the perfect mix of sweetness, crunch, and warmth. Its buttery praline coating adds a comforting caramelized layer over the classic cereal and nuts, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday party, gifting to friends, or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Try experimenting with different nuts and spices to make it your own or combine it with other snack recipes for a varied snack platter. Don’t forget to check out other tasty treats like Caramel Popcorn, Spiced Nuts, and Holiday Trail Mix for more snack inspiration.

Happy snacking!

📖 Recipe Card: Praline Chex Mix Recipe

Description: A sweet and crunchy snack mix combining Chex cereal with praline-coated pecans. Perfect for parties or an indulgent treat.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine Rice Chex and pecans.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  4. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, and cinnamon; bring to a boil for 2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour praline mixture over cereal and pecans; stir gently to coat.
  7. Spread mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.
  9. Let cool completely before breaking into clusters and serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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