If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-and-salty snack that’s oh-so-crunchy and wonderfully addictive, let me introduce you to the Nut Brittle Recipe. This old-fashioned candy brings together toasted mixed nuts suspended in golden caramel, finished with a whisper of vanilla and butter. It’s a breeze to whip up at home, and with its satisfying crack and melt-in-your-mouth finish, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one piece. Whether you’re gifting a jarful or bringing a batch to your next gathering, this Nut Brittle Recipe promises to steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Nut Brittle Recipe is how it starts with simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a star role: the sugar provides the sweet crunch, while the nuts create that signature texture and contrasting flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips:

Granulated Sugar (1 cup): The foundation of your brittle, creating that crisp candy base everyone loves.
Light Corn Syrup (1/2 cup): Prevents crystallization and lends a silky-smooth chew to your brittle.
Water (1/4 cup): Dissolves the sugar and helps cook everything evenly.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance all the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
Mixed Nuts (1 cup): Use peanuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, or whatever combination makes you happy—each nut adds its own personality.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Richness and a silky finish are just what butter brings to the table.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): This little splash infuses warmth, elevating every crunchy bite.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Activated at the end for a delicate, airy texture—don’t skip this!

How to Make Nut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside. This simple step ensures that your brittle will lift off easily after cooling, sparing you any wrestling matches when it comes time to break it up.

Step 2: Start the Syrup

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble. This is when your kitchen starts to fill with the warm, sweet aroma of candy in the making!

Step 3: Cook to Hard Crack

Now, stop stirring and let the mixture cook on its own. Attach a candy thermometer and watch it closely—when it hits 300°F (the “hard crack” stage), you’re ready for the next steps. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. The color should be a pale amber; be careful, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

Step 4: Add the Good Stuff

Take the pot off the heat right away and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and mixed nuts. Stir until everything is evenly coated and the butter melts completely, infusing the syrup with flavor and richness.

Step 5: The Baking Soda Magic

Now comes the fun part—add the baking soda. The mixture will foam and lighten in color, creating those signature air bubbles that make the brittle so light and snappy. Stir fast but carefully so you don’t lose any of the airy goodness.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the foaming mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it out as thinly and evenly as possible. Don’t worry about perfection; a few rustic edges make it even more charming. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until completely set.

Step 7: Break and Enjoy

Once the brittle is hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or the back of a spoon. Take a moment to admire your handiwork—and then snack away!

How to Serve Nut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

While this brittle is delicious on its own, you can dress it up even more. Right after spreading it out, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or ground cinnamon over the top for a little extra zing and visual flair. Sometimes, even a drizzle of melted chocolate can take your Nut Brittle Recipe to gourmet heights.

Side Dishes

Nut brittle pairs beautifully with a wide array of desserts. Try adding shards to a bowl of vanilla ice cream, or set out a platter alongside seasonal fruit and cheeses for a sweet-meets-savory finish to your meal. It’s also delightful with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate during chilly evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

When it comes to showing off your Nut Brittle Recipe, the possibilities are endless. Pack pieces into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for an irresistible edible gift, or fill mason jars to keep on hand for last-minute guests. You can even crumble brittle and use it as a sundae topping or to jazz up your favorite cookie recipes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your brittle is completely cooled and broken up, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps its fresh crunch for up to two weeks—just make sure to keep it out of humid environments, as moisture will make it sticky.

Freezing

Because this is a candy, freezing isn’t ideal; the texture can suffer when thawed. If you must freeze the brittle, wrap it tightly and place in an airtight bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving and expect it might be a touch less brittle than fresh.

Reheating

Nut brittle isn’t meant to be reheated, as the sugar can melt and change texture. If your pieces soften due to humidity, you can try popping them in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes to restore some crispness, but watch closely to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use only one type Dessert

Absolutely! Feel free to stick to your favorite nut—peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans all work beautifully and deliver slightly different flavor profiles and textures.

How do I know when the syrup has reached the hard crack stage?

The safest way is to use a candy thermometer and look for 300°F. If you don’t have one, drop a bit of the syrup into a cup of very cold water; it should instantly become hard and brittle.

Can I make the Nut Brittle Recipe without corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and ensures the candy stays smooth. You can substitute with golden syrup or honey, but the final texture and flavor will be slightly different.

My brittle is sticky—what went wrong?

This usually means the syrup wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature. Try to cook it all the way to 300°F next time and store in an airtight container to preserve crunchiness.

Is this Nut Brittle Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious treat for anyone avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a treat that combines irresistible crunch with deep, toasty flavors, this Nut Brittle Recipe is bound to become a new favorite. It’s easy enough for beginners and tasty enough for seasoned candy makers to keep in their repertoire. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and have fun bringing this timeless classic to life—you’ll savor every delightful shard!

Nut Brittle Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes plus cooling
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Nut Brittle Recipe is a delightful combination of crunchy mixed nuts encased in a sweet, buttery caramel. Perfect for snacking or gifting during the holiday season, this easy brittle recipe will surely impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cook the Sugar Mixture: Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan. Cook until reaching 300°F.
Add Nuts and Flavors: Stir in butter, vanilla, and nuts. Then add baking soda.
Spread the Mixture: Pour onto the baking sheet and spread into a thin layer.
Cool and Break: Let it cool, then break into pieces.