Brittles

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Crunchy and chocolatey brittle with a salty cracker base, sweet caramel-like topping, and rich chocolate and nuts, perfect for sharing or gifting during holidays and special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 25 to 30 saltine crackers
  • 1 package chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and brown sugar to boiling; boil for 5 minutes.
  2. Line an 8 x 11-inch jelly roll pan with foil.
  3. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer on the prepared pan.
  4. Pour the hot butter and sugar mixture over the crackers evenly.
  5. Place the pan in a 350°F oven until the crackers rise.
  6. Remove from oven and melt chocolate chips in the microwave, then spread over the crackers.
  7. Sprinkle chopped nuts over the melted chocolate.
  8. Refrigerate for 1 hour until set and firm.

Tips & Substitutions

For a crispier texture, ensure the butter and brown sugar mixture reaches a full boil for the full 5 minutes. If you want to add a twist, consider using almond or peanut butter chips instead of chocolate chips. You can also substitute the chopped nuts with seeds for a nut-free version, making this recipe more versatile for different dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

These brittles make a great treat to accompany coffee or tea during afternoon gatherings. They're also perfect for gifting during the holidays or as a sweet snack alongside Spicy Raisin Bars for a delightful dessert platter. Pair them with ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover brittles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving to regain their crispness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brittles contains roughly 1272 calories, with 17g protein, 130g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.

1272 kcal 64% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.9g 34% DV
Total Fat 80.7g 100% DV
Carbs 129.8g 47% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 23.4g 47% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 117.4mg 5% DV
Potassium 1342.5mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 63.3mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 8.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 136.6mg 11% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 different types of crackers for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of crackers, such as graham crackers or buttery Ritz crackers, to create different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

What can I do if my chocolate chips don’t melt smoothly?

If your chocolate chips don't melt smoothly, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening when melting them. This will help achieve a smoother consistency for spreading over the crackers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make brittles a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container once they are set and cooled completely. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to a week.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →