Cashew Brittle
A sweet, crunchy cashew brittle with caramelized sugar and toasted cashews, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a decadent treat for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, water, light corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
- Add cashews to the saucepan and cook until the thermometer reaches 310°F.
- Stir in baking soda quickly and thoroughly.
- Pour the hot mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch square pan.
- Smooth out the mixture to fill the pan evenly.
- Allow the brittle to cool until hardened, then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your sugar mixture is well combined before adding the cashews. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup, though the flavor may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the temperature, as sugar can burn quickly past 310°F. For a unique twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cashew brittle as a delightful snack or dessert on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also makes a wonderful gift or party favor, especially around the holidays. For an elegant presentation, serve with a side of the Elegant Amaretto-Chocolate Mousse to create a decadent dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cashew brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh, separate layers of brittle with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you need to reheat it, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain its crispness, but avoid microwaving as it can become chewy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cashew Brittle contains roughly 271 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% 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 unsalted cashews instead of salted?
Yes, unsalted cashews can be used, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to the mixture to enhance the overall flavor. This will balance the sweetness of the sugar and corn syrup, creating a more complex taste in your brittle.
What should I do if my mixture doesn’t reach the right temperature?
If your mixture isn't reaching the desired temperature, make sure your stove is set to medium heat and that you're using a reliable candy thermometer. Stirring continuously will help distribute heat evenly. If it still doesn't work, consider increasing the heat slightly, but watch closely to prevent burning.
How can I tell when the brittle is fully cooled and ready to break?
The brittle is fully cooled and ready to break when it feels firm to the touch and has a hard texture. This usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at room temperature. If it feels sticky or soft, give it more time to cool completely before attempting to break it into pieces.
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).