Pecan Brittle(An Old Favorite)
A crunchy, sweet pecan brittle with caramelized sugar and toasted nuts, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a classic treat for nut lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over a buttered shallow pan.
- Put sugar in a heavy iron pan and melt very slowly, stirring constantly.
- When the syrup turns a golden color, remove from heat quickly.
- Add salt and soda to the syrup.
- Pour the hot syrup as a thin layer over the nuts.
- Allow to cool, then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the pan. If you're out of baking soda, you can substitute it with baking powder, but use half the amount. Always stir the sugar slowly to avoid burning, and remember that the syrup will harden as it cools, so work quickly when pouring it over the nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside desserts like Apple And Cranberry Pie for a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. It's also a great addition to gift baskets or as a homemade treat during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to two weeks. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If you need to reheat it, place it in a low oven for a few minutes to restore its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Brittle(An Old Favorite) contains roughly 775 calories, with 13g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe specifies pecans or walnuts, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the nut type, so keep an eye on the syrup as it cooks.
What should I do if my sugar crystallizes while cooking?
If you notice sugar crystallizing, you can add a tablespoon of water and gently heat it to dissolve the sugar again. Stir constantly to ensure it melts evenly. Using a clean, dry spoon throughout the process can also help prevent crystallization.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that any butter used to grease the pan is a plant-based alternative if you prefer. Enjoy your homemade treat guilt-free!
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).