Butter Cashew Brittle

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Creamy, buttery cashew brittle with a crunchy texture and sweet caramel flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting to those who enjoy rich, nutty confections.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 1 c. white Karo syrup
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 1 c. butter
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 2 c. cashew nuts

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, Karo syrup, and water; boil to 280°F on a candy thermometer.
  2. Add butter to the boiling mixture.
  3. Cook to the hard crack stage and then add soda and cashew nuts.
  4. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Pour into a buttered jelly roll pan, cool, and break into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your Butter Cashew Brittle has the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer and watch closely as the mixture reaches 280°F. If you like a nutty variation, consider swapping out cashews for almonds or peanuts. You can also experiment with adding vanilla extract for extra flavor once you remove the pan from heat.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Cashew Brittle makes a delightful treat on its own but can also be served alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. For an impressive presentation, serve it on a platter with other confections, like those found in American recipes, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Butter Cashew Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating it to maintain its crunch. Avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other to prevent sticking.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butter Cashew Brittle contains roughly 541 calories, with 5g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value).

541 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.6g 9% DV
Total Fat 49.9g 64% DV
Carbs 21.6g 8% DV
Fiber 2.6g 9% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 171.8mg 7% DV
Potassium 238.4mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 121.8mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 4.8mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 14.6mg 16% DV
Calcium 28.7mg 2% DV
Iron 1.7mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cashew nuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans. Just make sure to adjust roasting time if you're using raw nuts to enhance their flavor before adding them to the brittle.

What happens if I overcook the sugar mixture?

If you overcook the sugar mixture, it will become too hard, resulting in a brittle that is difficult to break. It's best to keep a close eye on the temperature and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the hard crack stage.

How can I make this recipe more festive?

To make your Butter Cashew Brittle more festive, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top once it's cooled. You can also package it in decorative bags for gifts during the holiday season.

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).

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