Almond Brittle
Almond brittle is a crunchy, sweet treat featuring caramelized sugar and toasted almonds. Its rich, nutty flavor and crisp texture make it a perfect gift or accompaniment to coffee and dessert platters, appealing to those who enjoy classic confections with a hint of almond aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Cook sugar and corn syrup in a 3-quart pan over medium-high heat to a soft crack stage, stirring constantly.
- Add almonds, butter, and almond extract, stirring constantly.
- Cook 5 minutes longer, until mixture is golden.
- Stir in baking soda; mixture will become foamy.
- Pour onto prepared cookie sheet and let stand for 1 hour.
- Peel off the candy and break into chunks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, toast the almonds before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute the almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts if desired. Ensure that you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, as the candy mixture cooks quickly. If you want a different flavor profile, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract along with the almond extract.
Serving Suggestions
Almond brittle makes a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be served as a topping for ice cream or crumbled over yogurt. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack. For festive occasions, consider wrapping pieces in decorative bags for gifting, or serve alongside other sweet treats like Vanilla Chip Cookies for a dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the almond brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid moisture, as it can make the brittle sticky. If you need to reheat it, place it on a baking sheet in a low oven for a few minutes to regain its crispness, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Brittle contains roughly 115 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 618mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sugar for this recipe?
Using brown sugar or coconut sugar may alter the flavor and texture of the almond brittle. Brown sugar will add a caramel-like flavor, while coconut sugar can add a hint of nuttiness. However, stick to granulated sugar for the best results in achieving that classic brittle texture.
What if my candy doesn't harden?
If your almond brittle doesn't harden, it's likely that it didn't reach the right temperature during cooking. It should be cooked to the soft crack stage (about 270°F to 290°F). If you find it too soft, you can reheat it in a pan to the correct temperature and pour it out again to cool.
Can I add other flavors to the almond brittle?
Absolutely! You can experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, or even a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to your taste so that they complement the almond flavor without overpowering it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).