Craving a sweet and crunchy treat? Indulge in the delightful world of nut brittle, where caramelized sugar and roasted nuts come together in a symphony of flavors and textures. Discover the art of making this irresistible confection with our comprehensive guide to creating the perfect nut brittle. From selecting the right nuts to mastering the delicate balance of sugar and butter, we'll unlock the secrets of this classic candy. Whether you prefer the classic peanut brittle, the nutty goodness of almond brittle, or the rich flavor of cashew brittle, we've got you covered. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to create the most satisfying nut brittle that will leave your taste buds dancing for joy.
Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!
MIXED NUT BRITTLE RECIPE
Nut brittle is easy to make, travels well, and actually improves in flavor with age, making it the ideal treat to give as a gift or to fill your own candy dish at home. Some trace the history of peanut brittle to a resourceful Southern housewife who, in the late 1800s, added roasted peanuts and baking soda to a failed batch of taffy, creating brittle instead. Whatever its origins are, nut brittle became a much-loved holiday tradition, not only for its tempting flavor but also for how easy it is to prepare, even for a novice candymaker. Brittle that's made with peanuts grew even more popular in the 1900s as farmers in Virginia and Georgia increased their production of the nut. We added that other Southern powerhouse-pecans-to this version, as well as a handful or two of cashews and whole almonds for a tasty change of pace.
Provided by Nancie McDermott
Categories Candy
Time 1h30m
Yield 2 pounds
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Rub an 18- x 13-inch baking sheet lightly with butter, or coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Stir together sugar, water, corn syrup, and fine sea salt in a heavy, 2-quart saucepan; attach a candy thermometer to side of pan. Place pan over medium-high, and cook, occasionally stirring gently with a wooden spoon, until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Once sugar syrup is clear and thickened, cook, undisturbed, until the thermometer reaches 230˚F to 235˚F (soft-ball stage), 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in butter, and continue cooking over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until butter melts, syrup starts to caramelize, and the thermometer reaches 300˚F to 305˚F (hard-crack stage), 6 to 8 minutes. Immediately remove pan from heat; working very quickly, vigorously stir in the mixed nuts and peanuts just until completely coated in caramelized syrup.
- Immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla. Once the baking soda hits the hot, caramelized syrup, it will lighten and start to get foamy. As soon as ingredients are combined, pour hot candy onto prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a wooden spoon, quickly and gently spread mixture, pushing into a fairly thin layer that covers most of baking sheet. (A few holes are fine. It doesn't need to be a solid sheet of candy.) Quickly sprinkle entire surface with flaky finishing salt. Let stand until brittle hardens, about 1 hour. Break into pieces. Store brittle in an airtight container or a ziplock plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
BRITTLE WITH MIXED NUTS
Nut fanciers have a lot to love about this irresistible brittle. The variety of nuts is what makes it do different. It's one of the first sweet treats to appear on my Christmas candy tray...and also the first to disappear!
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 35m
Yield about 1-3/4 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Butter a baking sheet with 1-1/2 teaspoons of butter; set aside. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 270° (soft-crack stage), stirring occasionally. , Add nuts; cook and stir until the mixture reaches 300° (hard-crack stage). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and remaining butter. Add baking soda and stir vigorously. , Quickly pour onto prepared baking sheet. Spread with a buttered metal spatula to 1/4-in. thickness. Cool before breaking into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts :
MIXED NUT BRITTLE
Peanut brittle is done one better when prepared with mixed nuts instead. This impressive candy is simply delicious. I like to pack some in pretty plastic bags to give as gifts.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 30m
Yield 2-1/2 pounds.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Uncover and cook until a candy thermometer reads 290° (soft-crack stage)., Meanwhile, grease a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with 2 teaspoons butter; set aside. Place nuts in two ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pans; bake at 325° for 10-15 minutes or until warm. (Keep warm until ready to use.), Remove sugar mixture from the heat; carefully stir in the nuts, vanilla, salt and remaining butter. Quickly spread into prepared pan. Cool completely; break into pieces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 278 calories, Fat 15g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 3mg cholesterol, Sodium 274mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
QUICK AND EASY PEANUT BRITTLE
This is my favorite brittle recipe. I hope you enjoy.
Provided by Jordan Patten
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Peanut Dessert Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 20
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir sugar and salt with melted butter to dissolve completely. Remove saucepan from heat, add peanuts, and stir to coat completely; immediately pour onto prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
- Refrigerate until brittle, at least 30 minutes. Separate from parchment and break into pieces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 91.6 calories, Carbohydrate 11.6 g, Cholesterol 3.1 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 1.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 125.7 mg, Sugar 10.3 g
NUT BRITTLE
Although peanut brittle may be the most common variety, you can also use other whole nuts such as cashews, hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans, as well as toasted pumpkin seeds. When giving as a gift, package this nut brittle block with cellophane, and include a small hammer and bow.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes one 9-by-13-inch piece
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Brush a 9-by-13-inch rimmed baking sheet with butter. Combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 3/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Wash down sides of pan with a pastry brush dipped in water to prevent any crystals from forming. Cook, swirling pan occasionally, until mixture reaches the soft-ball stage on a candy thermometer (238 degrees).
- Stir in the nuts; continue to cook, stirring often so the nuts do not burn, until the mixture is golden amber in color. Remove from heat.
- Carefully stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam up in the pan. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, and quickly spread with an oiled metal spatula. Set aside until completely cool. Break into pieces to serve. Brittle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 month.
MOM'S BEST PEANUT BRITTLE
This is a wonderful peanut brittle that is easy to make and wows everyone! Have all the ingredients for this recipe measured out and ready. This recipe requires that you react quickly. You do not have time to measure ingredients in between steps.
Provided by Amanda
Categories Desserts Nut Dessert Recipes Peanut Dessert Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.
- In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peanuts. Set candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking. Stir frequently until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.
- Remove from heat; immediately stir in butter and baking soda; pour at once onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and pull peanut mixture into rectangle about 14x12 inches; cool. Snap candy into pieces.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.3 g, Cholesterol 3.8 mg, Fat 6 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 132.2 mg, Sugar 15.6 g
PEANUT BRITTLE
Here is a recipe for the easiest candy to make: brittle. The only thing even remotely tricky about it is getting the sugar to the tint of brown you want -- not too light, and definitely not too dark, which can happen in a flash. You can use any nut you want with this, but do add some salt if you use unsalted nuts.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, candies, dessert
Time 20m
Yield About 1 pound
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Use a bit of butter to grease a baking sheet, preferably one with a low rim. Combine sugar and 2 tablespoons water in a heavy skillet and turn heat to medium. Stir until smooth, then cook, adjusting heat so that mixture bubbles steadily. Stir occasionally until mixture turns golden brown (which it may do rather suddenly).
- Stir in the peanuts and a large pinch of salt, if desired. Pour mixture onto greased baking sheet and spread out. Cool for about a half-hour, then break into pieces. (You can score brittle with a knife when it has solidified slightly but not yet turned hard; that way, it will break into even squares.) Store in a covered container for up to two weeks.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 327, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 45 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 6 milligrams, Sugar 41 grams, TransFat 0 grams
NUT BRITTLE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 19m
Yield 24 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put the nuts, sugar, butter, corn syrup, and honey in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until it becomes a nice walnut color and thickens, about 10 to 12 minutes. Quickly pour onto a silpat or foil lined baking sheet and spread the brittle to an even thickness of about 1/3-inch with the back of the spoon.
- Cool for 3 or 4 minutes then score the brittle with a sharp knife into about 24 (2-inch) squares. Once the brittle has cooled completely, snap along scored marks.
NUT BRITTLE
The recipe can also be found on the FoodNetwork site. That's where I got it from after watching Tyler Florence make these. FABULOUS!!!
Provided by CoffeeB
Categories Candy
Time 20m
Yield 24 pieces
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Put nuts, sugar, butter, cornsyrup and honey in saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly w/a wooded spoon until it becomes a nice walnut color and thickens about 10-12 minutes.
- Quickly pour onto a foil lined baking sheet and spread the brittle to an even thickness, about 1/3 inch w/the back of the spoon.
- Cool for 3-4 minutes, then score w/a sharp knife into about 24 2-inch squares.
- Once the brittle has cooled completely, snap along the scored marks.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.9, Fat 17.7, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 81.1, Carbohydrate 16.5, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 11, Protein 3.7
HOMEMADE NUT BRITTLE
When was it, exactly, that caramel became a fancy food, encountered only in restaurants or specialty shops? Your grandmother probably thought nothing of making it at home. Allow your homemade caramel sauce to harden and enjoy this nut brittle.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Dessert & Treats Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Prepare an ice-water bath, and set aside. Place almonds on parchment paper; spread out nuts to form a rectangle (9 by 12 inches). Follow recipe for basic caramel, adding salt to sugar. Remove caramel from heat, and set pan in ice-water bath to stop the cooking. Remove pan; let cool until slightly thick (the consistency of honey). Pour over nuts to cover. Let cool until hardened. Peel off parchment; break brittle into pieces.
MULTI-NUT BRITTLE
What a great gourmet gift to give---Yummy nuts and caramel as sweet as candy, Tip: the caramel gets very hot, so be careful when stirring. Cook time does not include cooling time.
Provided by Barb G.
Categories Candy
Time 30m
Yield 2 pounds
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Generously butter a cookie sheet.
- In a large saucepan over high heat, cook sugar, water, and corn syrup until mixture reaches 280 degrees on a candy thermometer.
- Slowly add nuts and cook, stirring, until temperature reaches 300 degrees; turn off heat.
- Carefully stir in butter and vanilla until blended; add baking soda and stir vigorously but cautiously; pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and spread as thinly as possible with a wooden spoon.
- Cool completely; Break cooled candy into pieces; store in airtight container.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 4785.8, Fat 326.3, SaturatedFat 52.3, Cholesterol 45.8, Sodium 5188.9, Carbohydrate 433.3, Fiber 54, Sugar 223.6, Protein 104
Tips:
- Choose fresh nuts: Fresh nuts have a better flavor and texture than stale nuts.
- Roast the nuts before using them: Roasting brings out the flavor of the nuts and makes them more crunchy.
- Chop the nuts finely: This will help them to distribute evenly throughout the brittle.
- Use a heavy saucepan: A heavy saucepan will help to prevent the brittle from burning.
- Stir the brittle constantly: This will help to prevent it from burning and sticking to the pan.
- Cook the brittle to the right temperature: The brittle should be cooked to a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
- Pour the brittle onto a greased baking sheet: This will help to prevent it from sticking.
- Let the brittle cool completely before breaking it into pieces: This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Nut brittle is a delicious and easy-to-make candy that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious batch of nut brittle that is sure to be a hit.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love