Peanut Or Pecan Brittle
Sweet and crunchy peanut or pecan brittle offers a perfect balance of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts, ideal for snacking or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a candy thermometer and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Combine sugar, water, and Karo syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C) on the candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda, salt, and butter.
- Add raw peanuts or pecans and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful brittle, ensure your sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage; using a candy thermometer is crucial. If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider using roasted nuts instead of raw. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract while mixing in the baking soda for added depth. If you want a sweeter treat, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut or pecan brittle makes a delightful snack on its own but can also be used as a topping for ice cream or as a garnish for desserts like Chocolate Mousse. For a festive touch, package it in decorative bags as gifts during the holidays. This treat pairs beautifully with Coconut Pie(No Crust) for a balanced dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to soften. If you need to reheat, place it in a low oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness, but be cautious not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Or Pecan Brittle contains roughly 378 calories, with 2g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 906mg per serving (39% 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 types of nuts in this brittle?
Yes, you can substitute with various nuts such as almonds or cashews. Just ensure they are raw if you prefer them toasted in the brittle. Different nuts will impart unique flavors and textures, so feel free to experiment.
What should I do if my mixture crystallizes?
If your sugar mixture crystallizes, you can try adding a small amount of water and gently heating it again to dissolve the crystals. To prevent this, avoid stirring the mixture while it cooks and ensure your saucepan is clean before starting.
How can I tell if my brittle is done cooking?
The brittle is ready when it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. You can also test by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should harden immediately when it’s ready. Make sure to monitor closely to prevent burning.
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).