Sweet Crunch Magic: The Joy of Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Crafting a delectable nut brittle brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet caramelized sugar transforms humble ingredients into a crunchy delight.

Crisp textures and golden hues promise an irresistible treat waiting to emerge.

Skilled home cooks can master this classic confection with surprising ease.

Crackling sensations and rich flavors spark memories of cherished gatherings.

Small batches deliver maximum satisfaction, turning simple moments into memorable experiences.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal effort.

Prepare to indulge in a timeless sweet that celebrates nutty goodness.

Nut Brittle That Crunches Sweet and Golden Every Time

• Savor Quick and Easy Preparation: This nut brittle recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Enjoy Versatile Snacking Delight: Crack into crispy, sweet brittle pieces that work wonderfully as a homemade treat, party snack, or delightful gift for friends and family.
• Create Customizable Flavor Experience: Swap out different nuts like pecans or cashews to personalize the brittle and match your taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Master Simple Candy-Making Skills: Learn a classic confectionery technique that builds confidence in the kitchen and introduces you to the art of creating professional-looking sweet treats with basic equipment.

Nut Brittle Pantry Must-Haves

• Sugar: Sweet crystals that form the base of the brittle.
• Corn Syrup: Sticky sweetener that helps create smooth texture.
• Butter: Rich ingredient for flavor and smooth consistency.
• Almonds, Salted Peanuts: Crunchy nuts that provide texture and taste.

• Baking Soda: Helps create airy and light brittle texture.
• Water: Liquid component for dissolving sugar.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the brittle.

• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for cooling and setting brittle.
• Candy Thermometer: Precise tool for reaching exact temperature.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps spread mixture evenly on baking sheet.

Cooking the Best Nut Brittle That’s Sweet and Crunchy

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal of the brittle later.

Step 2: Melt Butter Base

Place a large saucepan over medium-high heat and gently melt the butter until it transforms into a smooth, golden liquid.

Step 3: Create Sugar Syrup

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water

Stir the mixture continuously until the sugar completely dissolves, creating a glossy syrup that takes about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Heat to Precise Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and continue cooking, stirring frequently. Watch the temperature climb until it reaches the critical 300°F mark, which typically takes around 15 minutes.

Step 5: Activate Brittle Magic

• Almonds
• Salted peanuts

Step 6: Spread Nutty Mixture

Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly, creating a thin, uniform layer.

Step 7: Cool and Crack

Allow the brittle to cool completely for approximately 30 minutes. Once hardened, break the brittle into delightful, irregular pieces perfect for snacking or gifting.

Nut Brittle Tips That Balance Crunch and Sweetness

• Prep Like a Pro: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth candy-making process.
• Quick Caramel Control: Stir frequently and watch the candy thermometer closely to prevent burning or overcooking the brittle.
• Baking Soda Boost: Add baking soda quickly and mix thoroughly to create those signature light, airy bubbles in the brittle.
• Cool and Break Carefully: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature before breaking into pieces to maintain its crisp texture.
• Nut Swap Trick: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, cashews, or pistachios for unique flavor variations of the classic brittle.

Store Nut Brittle to Keep It Crunchy and Crisp

• Store brittle in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks in cool, dry place.
• Wrap brittle pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Stores perfectly for 1-2 months without losing crunch.
• Place brittle in sealed glass jar or container with tight lid, keeping away from humidity and direct sunlight. Maintains crispy texture for 7-10 days.
• Briefly warm brittle in oven at 250°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crispness if it becomes slightly soft.

Nut Brittle Sweet Pairings

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Match the sweet and crunchy brittle with a robust cabernet sauvignon that complements its caramelized flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Complement with Craft Coffee: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee, which balances the brittle's sweetness and provides a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Enhance with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream with broken brittle pieces, creating a decadent dessert that blends crunch and creaminess.
• Create Cocktail Garnish: Crush the brittle and use it as a rimming ingredient for a caramel martini or whiskey-based cocktail, adding unexpected crunch and nutty depth.

Nut Brittle Crunchy Treat Variants

• Gluten-Free Nut Brittle: Replace corn syrup with brown rice syrup or honey for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic crunch and sweetness.
• Vegan Brittle Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup, adding mixed seeds like sunflower and pumpkin for protein-rich alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia blend with a small amount of corn syrup to reduce overall sugar content while preserving the traditional brittle texture.
• Spiced Nut Brittle: Incorporate ground cinnamon, cardamom, or cayenne pepper during the cooking process to create a warmly spiced version with complex flavor profiles.

FAQs

• Why do I need to use a candy thermometer?

A candy thermometer ensures you reach the precise temperature of 300°F, which is crucial for creating the perfect caramelization and achieving the right texture for your brittle.

• Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute almonds and peanuts with pecans, walnuts, or cashews based on your preference, maintaining the same total weight of nuts.

• What happens if I don't stir the mixture frequently while cooking?

Not stirring can cause uneven heating, potential burning, and sugar crystallization, which will ruin the smooth, glossy texture of your brittle.

• How can I tell if my sugar mixture is ready without a thermometer?

Without a thermometer, you can use the hard crack stage test: drop a small amount of the hot syrup into cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads that break when bent, it’s ready.

Nut Brittle Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crunchy caramel-kissed nut brittle delivers sweet nostalgia with each golden, crystalline bite. Crisp pecans and almonds meld perfectly into a classic confection that delights with simple, irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup salted butter

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup almond slices
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts

Other Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring all ingredients are measured and positioned near the stovetop for swift execution.
2. Place butter in a large saucepan and melt over medium-high heat until completely liquefied.
3. Incorporate sugar, corn syrup, and water into the melted butter, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes uniform, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan’s side and monitor the temperature, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
5. Continue cooking the syrup until it reaches precisely 300°F, which typically takes around 15 minutes, watching carefully to avoid scorching.
6. Immediately remove the pan from heat and swiftly introduce baking soda, stirring vigorously to create a light, foamy texture.
7. Quickly fold in almonds and salted peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the aerated mixture.
8. Promptly pour the molten brittle onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, using a heat-resistant spatula to spread it into a thin, uniform layer.
9. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, enabling it to harden and become crisp.
10. Once fully cooled, fracture the brittle into irregular, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.

Notes

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution during caramelization.
• Work swiftly once the sugar mixture reaches 300°F, as timing is crucial for perfect brittle texture.
• Calibrate your candy thermometer beforehand to ensure accurate temperature reading for precise candy-making.
• Keep a bowl of ice water nearby in case of accidental sugar syrup burns during preparation.
• Customize the recipe by swapping nuts like pecans, cashews, or macadamia for different flavor profiles.
• Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain crunchiness.
• For a gluten-free version, verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing.
• Add a pinch of sea salt after spreading the brittle for enhanced sweet-savory contrast.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg