Crispy Crunchy Brittle
Crispy Crunchy Brittle offers a delightful combination of toasted walnuts and sweet, caramelized sugar with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for sharing or gifting, its rich flavors and crunchy texture make it an irresistible treat for nut lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place walnuts in a 9-inch glass pie plate and microwave at High for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through until toasted. Set aside.
- In a 2-quart glass measuring cup with handle, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and salt.
- Microwave at High for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring well at least once until the sugar dissolves.
- Microwave at High for 4 1/2 to 7 minutes, stirring once after 2 minutes until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Stir in baking soda and add the toasted walnuts.
- Immediately pour the mixture into a buttered 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.
- Spread the mixture thin and let it stand until cooled.
- Break the cooled brittle into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. Make sure to monitor the sugar mixture closely as it cooks. If you don’t have a microwave-safe measuring cup, a large microwave-safe bowl can work too. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the taste, but be cautious not to overpower the nutty flavor. This brittle makes a great addition to the Best Ever Cookies for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
Break the brittle into bite-sized pieces for easy serving. It can be enjoyed on its own as a sweet snack or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. This crispy treat is also a great topping for yogurt or can be crumbled over a salad like Green Pepper Pineapple Salad for a unique texture contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. Avoid humid environments, as moisture can make the brittle sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 200°F for a few minutes to restore its crispness. Just be careful not to overheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Crunchy Brittle contains roughly 188 calories, with 1g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg per serving (33% 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 other types of nuts in this brittle?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or cashews. Each nut will give a different flavor and texture to the brittle, so feel free to experiment based on your preference.
How do I know when the sugar mixture has reached 300°F?
Using a candy thermometer is the best way to check the temperature. When the mixture reaches 300°F, it will be at the hard crack stage, which is crucial for achieving the right texture for your brittle.
Can I make this brittle in advance?
Absolutely! This brittle can be made several days in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crunchiness. It also makes a lovely gift when packaged nicely.
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).