Pecan Or Peanut Brittle
Crunchy, sweet pecan or peanut brittle offers a delightful caramel flavor with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for sharing during holidays or as a tasty gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring sugar, Karo syrup, and water to a good boil.
- Add broken-up pecans or peanuts.
- Cook about 7 minutes or until it turns a caramel color.
- Remove from stove.
- Add margarine and stir well.
- Add soda and stir very fast to mix thoroughly.
- Pour onto a buttered cookie sheet.
- Spread evenly over the sheet and let it cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure your butter and margarine are at room temperature before adding them to the hot mixture. If you prefer peanuts, feel free to substitute them for pecans, as both work well in this brittle. Additionally, monitor the cooking closely to prevent burning, as the caramel can darken rapidly. A candy thermometer can help ensure the right temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan or peanut brittle makes a delightful treat on its own but can also be served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, package it in decorative bags for gifts. It pairs beautifully with White Velvet Pound Cake for dessert or can be crumbled over ice cream for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled, break the brittle into pieces and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze the brittle in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just let it come to room temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Or Peanut Brittle contains roughly 474 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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 nuts in this brittle recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans and peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as different nuts may require varying times to toast and flavor properly.
What should I do if my brittle is sticky?
If your brittle turns out sticky, it may not have cooked long enough. To fix this, you can reheat the brittle in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until it becomes more manageable. However, be careful not to burn it during this process.
How do I know when the brittle is ready?
The brittle is ready when it reaches a rich caramel color and hardens when dropped into cold water. If using a candy thermometer, aim for a temperature of around 300°F (149°C), which is the hard crack stage necessary for a good brittle texture.
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).