Benne Brittle
Benne brittle is a crunchy, nutty treat made with toasted sesame seeds and caramelized sugar, perfect for snacking or gifting to sesame lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread sesame seed (benne) in a large baking pan.
- Toast in a 350°F oven until lightly brown, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a touch of cinnamon while toasting the sesame seeds. If you don't have sesame seeds, you can use sunflower seeds as a substitute, but the taste will differ. Keep a close watch while toasting; they can go from perfect to burnt quickly. This recipe is also great for using in crunchy snacks like Amanda'S Chex Mix.
Serving Suggestions
Benne brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs beautifully with Cole Slaw To Freeze for a unique picnic spread. For added flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the brittle for a sweet twist, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover benne brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it chewy. If you need to reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to restore the crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Benne Brittle contains roughly 362 calories, with 10g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 raw sesame seeds instead of toasted ones?
It's best to toast the sesame seeds first to enhance their flavor and crunchiness before making the brittle. Raw seeds may not provide the same depth of flavor and could result in a softer texture in the final product.
How do I know when the benne brittle is ready?
The brittle is ready when it turns a golden brown color and is fragrant. Allow it to cool completely before breaking it into pieces. If you prefer a chewier texture, you can remove it from the oven a bit earlier, but be cautious not to undercook it.
Can I add other ingredients to the brittle?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds, or even dried fruits for a chewy contrast. Just make sure to adjust the sugar accordingly if you add sweet ingredients. This versatility allows you to create your own unique version of benne brittle.
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).