Doris' Pecan Brittle
Doris' Pecan Brittle offers a crunchy, caramelized treat with rich pecans and vanilla, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack during holidays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch jellyroll pan with aluminum foil, butter the foil, and set aside.
- Combine pecan pieces, sugar, light corn syrup, and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring gently, until sugar dissolves.
- Cover and cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes to wash down sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
- Uncover and cook to the hard crack stage (300°F).
- Stir in butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it thinly.
- Let it cool completely.
- Break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy texture, make sure to stir the mixture frequently while cooking. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the pecans with walnuts. Keep an eye on the temperature, as cooking beyond the hard crack stage can lead to a burnt taste. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan brittle is a delightful treat on its own but also pairs beautifully with coffee or hot chocolate. Consider serving it alongside Mary'S Bread Pudding for a sweet dessert spread. It can also be crumbled over ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you're in a humid environment, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the brittle sticky.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Doris' Pecan Brittle contains roughly 1776 calories, with 16g protein, 256g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped into similar sizes for even cooking. Keep in mind that different nuts may bring their own unique flavors to the brittle.
What do I do if my brittle isn't hardening?
If your brittle isn't hardening, it may not have reached the right temperature. Ensure that you cook the mixture to the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F. If it's still sticky after cooling, you can reheat it gently and cook it a bit longer.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This pecan brittle recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that any substitutes, like butter or margarine, are also gluten-free. You can also explore gluten-free versions of corn syrup if desired.
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).