Pecan Brittle Candy
Rich and crunchy pecan brittle candy offers a perfect blend of caramelized sugar and toasted pecans, ideal for sweet snack lovers and festive treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Stir in pecans.
- Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add baking soda and butter, then stir quickly.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Break into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely as you cook the sugar mixture. If you don't have corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Stir the mixture gently to avoid crystallization, and be cautious of the hot sugar to prevent burns.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. It can also be crumbled over salads for added crunch, or served alongside coffee or tea for a sweet treat. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags as gifts during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid humid environments as moisture can make the brittle sticky. If you need to reheat it, place the brittle in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes, but be careful not to overheat as it can melt.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Brittle Candy contains roughly 403 calories, with 5g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 612mg per serving (27% 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 use instead of pecans in this recipe?
You can substitute pecans with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each nut will bring its own unique flavor to the brittle, so choose one that you enjoy. Just ensure that the nuts are roasted and unsalted for the best results.
How do I know when the candy reaches 300°F?
Use a reliable candy thermometer clipped to the side of your saucepan to monitor the temperature accurately. The mixture should bubble vigorously as it cooks, and at 300°F, it will reach the 'hard crack' stage, which is perfect for brittle. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test a small amount in cold water to see if it hardens.
Can I add flavors to the pecan brittle?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon when you stir in the butter and baking soda. Be careful with strong flavors, as they can overpower the nutty taste of the pecans. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
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).