The Ultimate Nut Brittle (Hard Candy) — Crunchy, Golden, and Irresistible
Homemade Nut Brittle is a timeless treat: a sheet of glassy, caramelized sugar studded with toasted nuts that shatters into satisfyingly crisp pieces.
This version keeps things simple and repeatable so you get a reliable, non-sticky brittle every time.
Ingredients (with each ingredient’s role)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Role: Caramelizes to form the hard, glass-like candy base and provides the characteristic sweet flavor. - ½ cup light corn syrup
Role: Prevents premature crystallization, ensuring a smooth, clear brittle instead of grainy candy. - ¼ cup water
Role: Dissolves the sugar and helps the mixture heat evenly to the hard-crack stage. - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Role: Adds richness and mouthfeel; helps the brittle set with a slightly more tender texture. - 1 teaspoon baking soda
Role: Reacts with the hot sugar to create tiny air bubbles, producing a lighter, easier-to-chew brittle. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Role: Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the caramel flavor. - 1 ½ cups mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, pecans, or cashews)
Role: Provide crunch, nutty flavor, and texture contrast; roast slightly as the candy cools for more aroma. - Pinch of salt
Role: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the nutty and caramel notes.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Prepare your workspace. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and have a heat-resistant spatula ready.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. In a medium saucepan, stir the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water together and warm over medium heat just until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil; do not stir. Once dissolved, stop stirring. Let the mixture come to a steady boil. Attach a candy thermometer and cook to 300°F (hard-crack stage). The syrup should turn a clear golden-amber color.
- Add butter and nuts. Remove from heat briefly and stir in the butter until melted, then quickly stir in the mixed nuts. Expect vigorous bubbling—this is normal.
- Finish with baking soda and vanilla. Immediately add the baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The baking soda will foam and lighten the candy—stir gently but thoroughly.
- Pour and spread. Pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use the spatula to spread it as thinly and evenly as you like. Thinner = crispier brittle.
- Cool and break into pieces. Allow to cool completely (about 20–30 minutes). Once set, break into shards. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.
Why This Recipe Is Loved
This recipe consistently delivers crisp, non-sticky brittle that has deep caramel flavor and perfectly toasted nuts.
It uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward technique, but the small touches—like light corn syrup to prevent crystallization and baking soda to aerate the candy—make a big difference in texture and mouthfeel.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brittle
- Use a candy thermometer: Aim for 300°F (hard-crack). Visual cues alone can be misleading.
- Do not stir once boiling: Stirring can encourage sugar crystals; only swirl if necessary before boiling to dissolve sugar.
- Work quickly after baking soda: The mixture sets fast—pour and spread immediately.
- Warm the nuts: Warming nuts slightly (in the oven or microwave for 20–30 sec) helps keep the syrup from cooling too fast when combined.
- Spread thin for crispness: The thinner the layer, the more delicate and crunchy the brittle will be.
Serving Suggestions
Nut Brittle is versatile—try one of these ideas to complete a dessert spread:
- Ice cream topping: Crumble and sprinkle over vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for texture contrast.
- Coffee pairing: Serve small shards alongside espresso for a sweet, crunchy accompaniment.
- Chocolate-dipped brittle: Dip the ends of shards in melted dark or milk chocolate and let set for an elegant finish.
- Gift-ready: Break into pieces and pack in cellophane bags or tins for holiday gifts or party favors.
Conclusion — Simple, Fast, and Delicious
This Nut Brittle (Hard Candy) recipe gives you a dependable method for a crunchy, golden brittle every time. With clear instructions, a few pro tips, and pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create a gourmet-worthy treat without fuss. Perfect for gifting, topping desserts, or snacking straight from the tin—this brittle proves that simple candy can be spectacular.
Want variations? Try substituting honey for part of the corn syrup (adjust cook time), swapping nuts (pecans, cashews), or adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili for a flavor twist.