Crackly, golden, and utterly irresistible, this Nut Brittle Recipe is a sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Imagine a glossy sheet of caramelized sugar packed with crunchy mixed nuts, finished with a whisper of vanilla and a hint of salt. It’s blissfully simple to make at home and delivers that satisfying snap with every bite. Whether you’re gifting it during the holidays, serving it at a party, or just whipping up a batch for an afternoon pick-me-up, this is the kind of classic candy recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Nut Brittle Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, lending flavor, crunch, and that trademark caramel sheen. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Granulated Sugar: The main sweetener that caramelizes to form the brittle’s glassy texture.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and keeps the brittle smooth and glossy.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and ensures even cooking.
Mixed Nuts (1 cup): Use your favorite combo of peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans for flavor and crunch.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a hint of creaminess to balance the sugar.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses the brittle with a warm, aromatic note.
Baking Soda: Creates tiny bubbles for a lighter, crispier texture.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors—don’t skip it!

How to Make Nut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little bit of prep work makes it easy to spread the hot brittle mixture and ensures a mess-free release once the candy hardens. Set the pan aside within easy reach—you’ll need it quickly once your sugar syrup has reached the perfect temperature.

Step 2: Combine and Dissolve

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture looks clear. At this point, put your spoon down—the less agitation, the smoother your Nut Brittle Recipe will be.

Step 3: Boil to Perfection

Clip a candy thermometer to the side of your pan so you can keep a close eye on the temperature. Allow the sugar mixture to come to a boil without stirring, and let it bubble away until it reaches 300°F, known as the hard crack stage. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch carefully—the color should be a deep golden and the aroma toasty, not burnt.

Step 4: Stir in the Good Stuff

Quickly but carefully add in your mixed nuts, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam and bubble up—this is exactly what you want! Give everything a fast, thorough stir to distribute the nuts and create those signature airy bubbles throughout your Nut Brittle Recipe.

Step 5: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the hot, nutty mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula (greased if you like), spread it out into an even layer. Don’t worry about perfection—some uneven spots just add character! Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once it’s set, break it into bite-sized shards and admire your homemade handiwork.

How to Serve Nut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra punch of flavor and eye appeal, sprinkle the brittle with a pinch of flaky sea salt before it sets. You can also dust it with a little cocoa powder or drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a more decadent finish. A handful of toasted coconut or a scattering of crushed freeze-dried berries can add a pop of color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Nut brittle shines on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other treats. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, tuck a piece next to a hot cup of coffee or tea, or use it as a sweet accent on a dessert cheese board. Its sweet crunch is a delightful contrast to creamy or tangy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Break your Nut Brittle Recipe into rustic shards and tuck them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt gifts. For parties, pile brittle pieces into a glass jar or candy dish for easy snacking. You can even crumble a piece over yogurt, oatmeal, or cupcakes for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your nut brittle fresh and crunchy by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. Stack the pieces with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. Stored properly, your Nut Brittle Recipe will stay delicious for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze nut brittle! Place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment. It’ll keep for up to three months. Let it come to room temperature before enjoying—freezing won’t affect the crunch, but it’s best served crisp and cool, not cold.

Reheating

While nut brittle doesn’t need reheating, if yours has softened slightly from humidity, you can revive its snap. Spread the pieces out on a lined baking sheet and warm them in a 250°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then let them cool completely. This helps restore the brittle texture without melting the candy.

FAQs

Can I use only one type Dessert

Absolutely! While a mix of nuts adds complexity and texture, you can use just peanuts, almonds, cashews, or your favorite nut. Just make sure to use a total of one cup for the perfect nut-to-candy ratio.

Why did my brittle turn out chewy instead of crisp?

If your brittle is chewy, it probably didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Using a candy thermometer is the best way to guarantee that classic brittle snap. Next time, let the sugar mixture cook until it hits that temperature before adding the nuts.

Is it safe to double the Nut Brittle Recipe?

You can double the recipe, but work quickly and be cautious—the hot sugar mixture sets fast and can be tricky to spread when making a larger batch. It’s often easier (and safer) to make two separate batches if you want more.

Can I make this Nut Brittle Recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for a vegan butter substitute, and double-check that your sugar and corn syrup are vegan-friendly. The results will be just as delicious and satisfying.

How do I clean up when sugar hardens in the pan?

No worries! Fill the pan with hot water and let it soak—the hardened sugar will dissolve, making cleanup a breeze. Avoid scraping with metal utensils, as this can scratch your pan.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about making your own candy at home, and this Nut Brittle Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, customizable, and delivers that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade brittle can be!

Nut Brittle Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

This classic Nut Brittle Recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and nutty flavors. Made with a simple combination of sugar, corn syrup, mixed nuts, and a hint of vanilla, this homemade candy is easy to prepare and perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking. The brittle’s satisfying crunch and rich taste make it a delightful dessert that can be stored and enjoyed over multiple occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Syrup Base

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water

Nuts and Flavorings

1 cup mixed nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, cashews, or pecans)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare your baking surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside. This will be used to spread the hot brittle mixture once cooked.
Cook the sugar syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil steadily.
Monitor temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue cooking until the syrup reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage, which typically takes about 10–12 minutes. This ensures the brittle sets properly and becomes crunchy.
Add nuts and flavorings: As soon as the thermometer hits 300°F, quickly but carefully stir in the mixed nuts, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will bubble up vigorously—stir swiftly to combine all ingredients evenly without burning yourself.
Pour and spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread it out into an even, thin layer to allow it to cool and harden uniformly.
Cool and break into pieces: Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider toasting the nuts lightly before adding them to the syrup.
You may sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle right after pouring it onto the sheet for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
Be extremely cautious when handling hot sugar mixtures, as they are very hot and sticky and can cause burns.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American