Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

If you’re looking to whip up a sweet, crunchy treat that always impresses, this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. I love this because it combines that perfect caramel crunch with the rich, toasty flavor of nuts—it’s like homemade candy magic! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back again and again for this irresistibly crunchy nut brittle.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe is in the mix of caramelized sugar and crunchy nuts, balanced perfectly by a hint of butter. Having your ingredients measured and ready will make the cooking step a breeze.

• Salted Butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor that cuts through the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Granulated Sugar: The base of your caramel; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
• Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, giving you that smooth brittle texture.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar initially to ensure even cooking.
• Baking Soda: Whisked in at the end, it aerates the mixture so the brittle shatters into light, crunchy pieces.
• Almond Slices: Toasty and slightly sweet, they complement the peanut flavors beautifully.
• Salted Peanuts: The star nuts here, their saltiness balances the caramel sweetness perfectly.

Variations

I love that you can totally customize this brittle. Over time, I’ve played around with different nuts and even added flavor twists—feel free to make this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe your own little candy masterpiece.

• Different Nuts: Swap peanuts for cashews, pecans, or walnuts—I especially enjoy pecan brittle for a deeper, buttery flavor.
• Spiced Brittle: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a spicy kick that surprises your taste buds.
• Nut-Free Version: Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower and skip the nuts if allergies are a concern—I once did this for a friend, and it was a hit!
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the brittle for an extra indulgent touch.

How to Make Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything Ahead

This is such an important first step! Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—avoid wax paper or foil here, as I learned the hard way that they just don’t work—and gather all your ingredients nearby. Once the sugar syrup nears 300°F, you’ll need to move quickly, so having your nuts measured and handy makes the whole process so much less stressful.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Ingredients

Melt the salted butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, stir in the sugar, light corn syrup, and water continuously until the sugar dissolves—about 2 minutes. I like to keep a close eye here and stir just enough to prevent burning.

Step 3: Cook to the Perfect Temperature

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and let it cook until it reaches 300°F—the hard crack stage. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent any spots from burning. I recommend standing by the stove for this one because that thermometer reading is the secret to flaky, crunchy brittle.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Nuts, Then Spread

Remove the pan from heat immediately once it hits 300°F; stir in the baking soda—it might foam up a bit—that’s normal and creates that lovely light texture. Quickly toss in the almonds and salted peanuts, then pour the entire mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or the back of a large spoon to spread the brittle out evenly before it hardens. You’ve got maybe 30 seconds to work, so this is where preparing ahead really pays off!

Step 5: Cool and Break Into Pieces

Allow the brittle to cool completely—about 30 minutes is perfect. Don’t be tempted to break it too soon; if it’s still warm, it won’t crack cleanly. Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

I usually serve this nut brittle plain because it shines on its own, but sometimes I dust a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top for contrast. The salt intensifies the caramel flavor and enhances the crunch, which my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

This brittle pairs beautifully with a cup of rich coffee or a dessert wine—especially during holiday gatherings. If you want to go fancy, serve it alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a smooth cheesecake for a fun texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I like wrapping chunks of brittle in decorative parchment and tying them with a rustic twine bow. You can also arrange smaller pieces in a pretty glass jar with festive ribbons—it makes such a delightful handmade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it crispy for up to two weeks, though I swear it never lasts that long! Just make sure to avoid humid spots, or your brittle might lose its crunch.

Freezing

Freezing nut brittle isn’t usually necessary because it stores so well, but if you want to freeze it, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed at room temperature, it maintains its texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

Because brittle is a dry candy, reheating isn’t really something I do, but if pieces lose their crunch due to humidity, a quick 5-minute bake at 250°F on a baking sheet can help restore some crispiness. Just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s a simple, nostalgic treat that brings a little joy and crunch to any day. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a gift, or just because, you’ll enjoy how easy it is to create candy that tastes like it came from a fancy shop but made right in your own kitchen. Honestly, I recommend giving it a whirl—you won’t regret it!

Print