Golden Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe: Sweet Crunch in Every Bite

Crafting sweet, crunchy homemade nut brittle sparks joy in every kitchen.

Candymaking becomes an art form when you select premium nuts and caramelize them to golden perfection.

Sugar transforms into a delicate amber canvas that captures rich, toasted flavors.

Each batch promises a delightful crack and melt-in-your-mouth experience that store-bought treats cannot match.

The process requires patience and precision, turning simple ingredients into a stunning confection.

Your friends and family will marvel at this classic confectionery masterpiece.

Crack into this irresistible treat and let the nutty, caramelized magic sweep you off your feet.

Why Sweet Crunchy Candy Is Hard to Resist

• Speedy Sweet Adventure: Whip up this delightful candy in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sugar cravings.
• Crunch Factor Guaranteed: Experience a magical texture that combines crispy, airy sweetness with a satisfying snap when you bite into each piece.
• Impress Without Stress: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it an ideal treat for home cooks looking to create something spectacular without complicated techniques.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses common pantry ingredients that won't break the bank, allowing you to create a gourmet-style treat at a fraction of the cost of store-bought candies.

Sweet Crunchy Candy – Ingredients Needed

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides a smooth foundation for the candy's texture and flavor.
• Sugar: The primary sweetening agent that creates the candy's signature sugary taste.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, glossy candy texture.
• Water: Dissolves sugar and helps create the initial candy mixture.

• Baking Soda: Introduces tiny air bubbles that create a light, crunchy texture in the candy.
• Nuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the sweet base.

• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for easy candy removal and cooling.
• Candy Thermometer: Ensures precise temperature control for perfect candy consistency.

How to Make Sweet Crunchy Candy at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a large baking sheet and cover it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the entire surface is smooth and flat.

Step 2: Melt Butter Base

Place a heavy-bottomed saucepan on the stove and melt butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and golden.

Step 3: Create Sugar Syrup

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Water

Stir gently until sugar dissolves completely and mixture becomes transparent and bubbling.

Step 4: Monitor Cooking Temperature

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan.

Continue cooking without stirring, watching the temperature carefully.

Step 5: Reach Caramel Stage

Cook the syrup until it reaches exactly 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically takes about 12-15 minutes.

The mixture will turn a deep amber color.

Step 6: Add Fizzy Magic

Remove pan from heat and quickly sprinkle baking soda into the hot syrup.

Stir vigorously to create a light, airy texture.

Step 7: Incorporate Nutty Crunch

• Chopped almonds
• Roasted peanuts
• Pecans

Stir quickly to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Spread Brittle

Pour the bubbling mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.

Use a silicone spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.

Step 9: Cool And Separate

Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes.

Once hardened, break into irregular, crunchy pieces.

Step 10: Store And Enjoy

Store brittle in an airtight container between layers of wax paper.

Enjoy within one week for maximum crunchiness.

Tips for the Crunchiest Sweet Candy

• Measure all ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth, stress-free candy making process.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer and monitor closely to hit exact 300F for perfect crisp texture.
• Have chopped nuts ready and add immediately after baking soda to prevent mixture from cooling down.
• Use parchment paper on baking sheet for easy candy removal and clean breaking.
• Use a silicone spatula to spread candy mixture quickly and uniformly for consistent crunch in every bite.

Candy Variations for a Sweet Twist

• Vegan Nutty Crunch: Replace butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Crisp Treat: Substitute nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for allergen-friendly alternative.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Snap: Use monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining similar texture.
• Chocolate Drizzled Brittle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled candy for extra decadent version.

Serving Crunchy Candy for Any Occasion

• Candy Cracking Party: Break the cooled candy into irregular chunks and create a sweet display on a rustic wooden board for guests to enjoy.
• Dessert Topping Delight: Crush the candy into fine pieces and sprinkle over ice cream, brownies, or yogurt for an unexpected crunch and caramel flavor.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package the broken candy pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday or thank-you gifts.
• Coffee Companion: Serve small pieces alongside espresso or cappuccino as a complementary sweet bite that enhances the coffee's rich flavor.

Storing Sweet Crunchy Candy

• Seal cooled candy pieces in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• Store candy in a sealed container away from humidity and direct sunlight. Place in a cool, dry pantry where temperature remains consistent to maintain crunchiness.
• Wrap candy pieces individually in wax paper, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Always use clean, dry utensils when handling candy. Keep silica gel packets inside storage container to absorb excess moisture and maintain crisp texture.

FAQs

• Why do I need a candy thermometer for this recipe?

A candy thermometer is crucial to accurately measure the temperature, ensuring the sugar mixture reaches exactly 300F (hard crack stage) for perfect candy texture and preventing burning.

• Can I substitute ingredients like corn syrup or types of nuts?

Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, so replacements might affect candy texture. For nuts, you can swap pecans or almonds for walnuts, but keep the total quantity consistent.

• What happens if I don't stir the mixture constantly while cooking?

Not stirring can cause uneven heating, sugar burning, and potential hot spots that create bitter or burnt spots in your candy, potentially ruining the entire batch.

Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crunchy homemade nut brittle delivers pure sweet nostalgia with golden caramelized sugars and roasted nuts. Crisp kernels shatter delightfully, promising pure pleasure for anyone craving classic candy crafted with simple ingredients and love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) salted butter
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) almond slices
• 1/2 cup (75 g) salted peanuts

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure easy candy removal and minimal sticking.
2. Gather and precisely measure all required ingredients before initiating the cooking process.
3. Utilize a medium saucepan to gently melt butter over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the candy.
4. Incorporate sugar, corn syrup, and water into the melted butter, stirring continuously until sugar dissolves completely within approximately 2 minutes.
5. Carefully position the candy thermometer into the mixture to monitor temperature accurately throughout cooking.
6. Maintain consistent stirring while heating the mixture, allowing it to reach exactly 300°F (hard crack stage), which typically requires 15-18 minutes of careful attention.
7. Remove the saucepan from heat and rapidly integrate baking soda, creating an immediate chemical reaction that generates characteristic candy texture and lightness.
8. Swiftly fold nuts into the hot mixture, ensuring even distribution before the candy begins to set.
9. Immediately transfer the molten candy onto the prepared parchment sheet, using a heat-resistant spatula to spread the mixture uniformly and create an even layer.
10. Allow the candy to cool undisturbed for approximately 30 minutes at room temperature, then fragment into irregular, bite-sized pieces using gentle pressure.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients and tools are ready before starting to avoid stress during cooking.
• Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise heat control, as even a few degrees can change the candy’s texture.
• Required Have baking soda and nuts measured and ready nearby, since you’ll need to add them rapidly during the final stages of cooking.
• Store candy in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain crunchiness and prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg