If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of crunch with your treats, this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe is going to become your new favorite snack. This classic candy combines buttery caramelized sugar with the satisfying crunch of almonds and salted peanuts for a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Making your own nut brittle at home is surprisingly easy and hugely rewarding, allowing you to control the sweetness, nuts, and even get creative with your preferred mix-ins. Whether you want to gift it, snack on it, or add a crunchy touch to desserts, this homemade nut brittle really hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy that makes this brittle so irresistible. From rich butter that adds depth, to the nuts that provide substance, every item is essential.
- Salted butter: Adds a creamy richness that prevents the brittle from being overly sweet and helps create the perfect texture.
- Granulated sugar: The backbone of the caramel base, giving the brittle its signature crunch and sweetness.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents sugar crystals from forming, ensuring a smooth and glossy brittle.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly for consistent caramelization.
- Baking soda: Creates tiny bubbles for a lighter, crispier brittle texture.
- Almond slices: A delicate nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Salted peanuts: Their saltiness perfectly balances the sweetness, making each piece addictive.
How to Make Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the brittle from sticking once poured. Having this ready near your stovetop means you can quickly transfer the hot mixture without any delays, which is crucial for even setting.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter completely. Be careful not to let it brown or burn as this can alter the flavor of the brittle. This butter adds that luscious base note that makes this candy so special.
Step 3: Combine Sugar Mixture
Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water directly into the melted butter. Keep stirring constantly until the sugar has fully dissolved, about 2 minutes. This step ensures your brittle will be smooth and glossy without any graininess.
Step 4: Cook to the Hard Crack Stage
Attach a candy thermometer and keep cooking while stirring frequently until the temperature reaches 300°F, also known as the hard crack stage. This usually takes around 15 minutes. Reaching this temperature is key for that signature brittle snap.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
When your candy reaches the perfect temperature, take it off the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda. This little trick aerates the candy, making your brittle delightfully light and crisp instead of rock hard.
Step 6: Stir in the Nuts and Spread Out
Immediately add your almond slices and salted peanuts into the bubbling mixture. Pour everything onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula or back of a spoon to spread it evenly before it hardens. Time is of the essence here because the mixture sets fast!
Step 7: Cool and Break
Let the brittle cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes. Once fully hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces with your hands or a knife. Now you have that perfect crunchy, sweet, and salty homemade treat ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a bit of extra flair, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading the brittle on the sheet. This enhances the sweet-and-salty balance beautifully. For a festive touch, drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the brittle after cooling.
Side Dishes
Homemade nut brittle pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast its crunch. It’s also superb when served alongside a strong cup of coffee or tea, making your snack time feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Break the brittle into various sizes and arrange on a beautiful serving platter for parties or holidays. Wrap pieces in parchment or cellophane tied with a ribbon for charming, homemade gifts. You can also crush some brittle and sprinkle it over cakes, cupcakes, or even yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way, it will stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s usually not necessary. If you decide to freeze your homemade nut brittle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, just bring it to room temperature to avoid condensation making it sticky.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t typically recommended as brittle is best eaten fresh and crisp. However, if it softens, you can briefly warm it in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes to restore some crunch. Be careful not to melt it.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with pecans, cashews, or walnuts. Each nut adds its own unique flavor and crunch, making the Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe versatile and customizable to your taste.
Why is my brittle sticky after cooling?
Sticky brittle usually means it did not reach the hard crack stage or was stored in a humid environment. Be sure to cook to 300°F and store brittle in a cool, dry place to keep it crisp.
Can I omit the butter in this recipe?
Butter adds richness and helps the brittle set with a smoother texture. Omitting it can change the flavor and cause the brittle to be less tender, so it’s best to keep it in the recipe.
Is a candy thermometer necessary?
While it’s possible to make brittle without one, a candy thermometer ensures you reach the exact temperature for the perfect hard crack stage. This is key for texture and to prevent burning.
How long will homemade nut brittle last?
If stored properly in an airtight container, your homemade nut brittle can last up to two weeks at room temperature while maintaining its crispness and flavor perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe is such a rewarding kitchen adventure that yields a crunchy, sweet, and salty treat unlike any other. Once you taste that first perfectly crisp piece, you’ll understand why this classic candy remains a beloved favorite. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for more, so get your ingredients ready and give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade nut brittle recipe delivers a classic crunchy candy treat featuring toasted almond slices and salted peanuts coated in a golden, buttery caramelized sugar base. The candy is cooked to the perfect hard crack stage, aerated with baking soda for lightness, and cooled to a crisp finish—ideal for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup almond slices
- ½ cup salted peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside near your stovetop; this will be necessary to quickly transfer the hot brittle mixture once it’s ready.
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the salted butter completely without allowing it to brown or burn to ensure a smooth base for the brittle.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Stir in the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Keep stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves fully and the mixture is smooth.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and cook while stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), which should take around 15 minutes; this ensures the brittle will harden properly.
- Add Baking Soda: Once the mixture hits 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Quickly stir in the baking soda which aerates the candy, creating a lighter texture in the finished brittle.
- Incorporate Nuts and Spread: Immediately mix in the almond slices and salted peanuts. Carefully pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, then use a knife, back of a spoon, or spatula to spread it evenly before it begins to harden.
- Cool and Break: Let the brittle cool completely on the baking sheet for about 30 minutes until fully hardened. Once crisp, break into pieces and serve or store as desired.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature for perfect texture.
- Do not leave the mixture unattended while cooking as it can burn quickly.
- Be careful when handling the hot sugar mixture as it can cause severe burns.
- Store brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Variations: Substitute nuts like pecans or cashews as preferred.
