Description
A classic homemade nut brittle recipe that combines the rich flavors of butter, sugar, and toasted nuts to create a crunchy, sweet treat. This easy-to-make candy features a perfect balance of caramelized sugar and salty peanuts and almonds, ideal for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Nuts
- ½ cup almond slices
- ½ cup salted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set it aside near your stovetop to place the hot brittle mixture quickly once it’s ready.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter completely, ensuring it does not brown or burn.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Continue stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely, approximately 2 minutes.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and cook while stirring frequently until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which should take about 15 minutes.
- Add Baking Soda: Once the mixture hits 300°F, remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda to aerate the candy, giving the brittle a light texture.
- Incorporate Nuts and Spread: Immediately add the almond slices and salted peanuts, and carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a knife, back of a spoon, or spatula to spread the brittle evenly before it hardens.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes until fully hardened, then break into pieces for serving.
Notes
- Do not use wax paper or aluminum foil to line the baking sheet; parchment paper or a non-stick surface is essential to prevent sticking.
- Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting as the process requires quick action once the brittle reaches the target temperature.
- For easier spreading, nuts can be toasted beforehand—microwave for 30 seconds or oven-toast at 350°F for 10 minutes—to prevent the caramel from cooling too quickly.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (~30g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
