Pecan Brittles
Crunchy, sweet pecan brittles with a buttery caramel flavor, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing as a homemade treat during holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and shortening until smooth.
- Add the well-beaten eggs and beat until incorporated.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients along with crushed corn flakes, chopped pecans, and vanilla to the creamed mixture.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto well-greased and floured cookie sheets.
- Bake at 325°F for 11 to 12 minutes, until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, try using light brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Ensure your corn flakes are crushed well for even distribution, and consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor. Keeping the dough chilled before baking can help maintain shape.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan brittles make a delightful treat on their own or can be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. These brittles also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan brittles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them crisp, avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make them chewy. If they become soft, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Brittles contains roughly 152 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of 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
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the nuts are chopped to a similar size for even distribution in the batter.
What can I do if my batter is too dry?
If your batter feels too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. This will help the ingredients blend properly and ensure a moist final product.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make pecan brittles gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda, are also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe is suitable.
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).