Christmas Brittle
Festive and crunchy, Christmas Brittle offers a rich combination of caramelized sugar, peanuts, and vanilla with a satisfying crunch, perfect for holiday gifting or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease 2 cookie sheets and keep warm in a 200° oven.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and 1 cup water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 240° (soft ball stage).
- Stir in butter, salt, and peanuts.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 300°.
- Combine baking soda, 1 teaspoon water, and vanilla extract.
- Remove saucepan from heat; stir in the soda mixture.
- Quickly spread half of the mixture on each prepared pan, spreading with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thick.
- Allow to cool and then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth candy mixture, make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning. If you don't have dry roasted peanuts, you can use unsalted roasted cashews or almonds as a substitute. For a festive twist, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla. This brittle pairs beautifully with Grandma'S Fruit Crunch for a delightful dessert spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Christmas Brittle as a delightful holiday treat or gift it in a decorative tin for friends and family. It pairs well with hot cocoa or coffee, making it a great snack for cozy gatherings. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or crumble it over yogurt for a festive breakfast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can lead to stickiness. If you need to reheat, place the brittle on a baking sheet in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Brittle contains roughly 578 calories, with 0g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 580mg per serving (25% 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 different nuts in this brittle?
Yes, you can customize the brittle by using different nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Just make sure they are roasted and unsalted to maintain the right flavor balance. This allows you to create a unique version that suits your taste preferences.
What should I do if my candy doesn't reach the right temperature?
If your candy mixture doesn't reach 300°, increase the heat slightly and continue stirring. Using a reliable candy thermometer is crucial to ensure the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, which is essential for the brittle to set correctly.
Can I add flavors or spices to the brittle?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of your brittle by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne for heat. Just be cautious with the quantities, as a little goes a long way in altering the overall taste.
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).