Orange Brittle
A sweet and tangy orange brittle with crisp texture, featuring bright citrus flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting to those who enjoy homemade confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a large cookie sheet.
- Grate the peel from the orange and set aside.
- Squeeze 1/4 cup of juice from the orange.
- In a heavy 2-quart saucepan with a candy thermometer, combine orange juice, sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat.
- Bring mixture to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the orange peel, butter or margarine, and baking soda.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet at once.
- Use two forks to lift and pull the mixture into a rectangle approximately 14 x 12 inches.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated properly to avoid under or overcooking the brittle. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or using a combination of orange and lemon juice. If you don't have light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup, but the texture may vary slightly. Always be cautious when handling hot sugar mixtures.
Serving Suggestions
Orange brittle makes a delightful treat on its own or can be crumbled over desserts like ice cream or yogurt for added texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive presentation, consider serving it alongside other confections, such as White Cherry Fudge, as part of a sweet platter.
Storage & Reheating
Once completely cooled, store the orange brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. If exposed to moisture, it may become sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe bag, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Avoid refrigerating, as the humidity can affect the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Orange Brittle contains roughly 97 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 861mg per serving (37% 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 citrus fruits instead of orange?
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, and you may need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit used.
What should I do if my brittle doesn't harden?
If your brittle doesn't harden, it may not have reached the correct temperature. Make sure to cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. If it remains soft, you can reheat it gently and cook it a bit longer.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan margarine. Ensure that your corn syrup is free from any animal products, which is typically the case. This will maintain the texture and flavor without any animal-derived ingredients.
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).