W M Pecan Brittle
Sweet, crunchy pecan brittle features caramelized sugar and toasted pecans, offering a rich, nutty flavor. Perfect for sharing or gifting to dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, mix together sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt.
- Cook slowly until the candy reaches the soft crack stage on a candy thermometer.
- Add pecans and continue cooking to the hard crack stage. Remove from heat.
- Add soda and stir thoroughly.
- Pour quickly into a buttered pan or platter.
- Let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your pecan brittle is perfect, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you don't have corn syrup, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, but the texture may vary slightly. Remember to work quickly when pouring the mixture into the pan, as it can harden fast. For an extra twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan brittle makes a delightful treat on its own, but it can also be served alongside a charcuterie board or paired with a dessert platter featuring June's Orange Glazed Beets for a colorful contrast. It’s perfect for gifting during holidays or special occasions. For an added crunch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make the brittle chewy. If the brittle hardens too much, you can gently reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to soften.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of W M Pecan Brittle contains roughly 221 calories, with 3g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 do if my brittle is too sticky?
If your pecan brittle turns out too sticky, it may not have cooked long enough to reach the hard crack stage. To fix this, you can reheat the brittle gently in a saucepan, stirring continuously until it reaches the right temperature. Be careful not to burn it in the process!
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or even peanuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped uniformly to ensure even distribution throughout the brittle for consistent texture and taste.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make vegan pecan brittle, substitute the corn syrup with agave syrup or another plant-based sweetener. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this a simple adjustment for those following a vegan diet.
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).