Buttery Black Walnut Brittle
Rich, buttery black walnut brittle offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, ideal for gift-giving or satisfying a classic candy craving during the holidays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook sugar, corn syrup, and water until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Add butter and cook until the mixture reaches 280°F on a candy thermometer.
- Stir in black walnuts and cook until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in baking soda.
- Immediately spread the mixture into a greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Allow to cool completely, then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth texture in your brittle, avoid stirring once the mixture starts boiling. If black walnuts are hard to find, pecans or almonds can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will change. For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt before it cools to enhance the sweetness. This brittle can also be paired with desserts like the Apple Cheddar Cornbread for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Buttery Black Walnut Brittle makes a great snack on its own or can be crumbled over ice cream for a delightful topping. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. For a festive touch, serve it as part of a gift basket alongside other sweets like Santa's Shortbread Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its original texture, but be careful not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttery Black Walnut Brittle contains roughly 201 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 826mg per serving (36% 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 a different type of nut in this brittle?
Yes, you can substitute black walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will bring its unique flavor to the brittle, but keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary. For a more traditional taste, stick with black walnuts.
What can I do if my brittle is too sticky?
If your brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. To fix sticky brittle, you can reheat it slowly in a pan until it softens, then stir in additional sugar and cook to the hard crack stage again, ensuring it reaches 300°F.
How long will the brittle keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Buttery Black Walnut Brittle can last for about 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. Avoid exposing it to moisture to keep it from becoming sticky. If it softens, you can attempt to re-crisp it in a warm oven.
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).