Grandma Lippert'S Cashew Nut Brittle
A rich, crunchy cashew nut brittle with a sweet caramel flavor and crispy texture, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a delightful homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook sugar, corn syrup, and water until completely dissolved.
- Add butter and cook to the thread stage, stirring constantly.
- Lift your spoon to see if the mixture threads down from spoon to pot, stirring constantly.
- At thread stage, add a candy thermometer.
- At soft ball stage (234°), add cashews.
- Cook to soft crack stage (274°).
- Remove from heat and quickly add baking soda; mix thoroughly.
- Pour out into buttered pans and stretch thin.
- Let cool and crack into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful cashew nut brittle, ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate the bubbling mixture. Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature readings, as this is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you don't have cashews, you can substitute with peanuts or almonds. When stirring, a silicone spatula can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Cashew nut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a topping for vanilla ice cream, adding a crunchy texture. Consider pairing it with a hot beverage or gifting it in decorative tins. It also complements desserts like Coconut Cheese Drops, combining sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store your cashew nut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you have leftovers, separating layers with parchment paper can help prevent sticking together and make it easier to break into pieces later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Lippert'S Cashew Nut Brittle contains roughly 240 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (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
What can I do if my brittle turns out too sticky?
If your brittle is sticky, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. To salvage it, you can place the mixture back in the pot and cook it a bit longer, ensuring it reaches the soft crack stage (274°). Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning.
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cashews are traditional, you can use a variety of nuts such as peanuts, almonds, or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but they will still create a delicious brittle.
How long does the brittle last?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, cashew nut brittle can last for up to two weeks. If you want to keep it fresh longer, consider freezing it, although it may lose some crispness upon thawing.
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).