Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that perfect sweet-and-crunchy snack that makes your taste buds dance, I’ve got just the thing for you — a Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe that’s honestly one of my all-time favorites. It’s a classic treat but with a buttery, caramel-rich twist that will have you hooked after the first bite. I’m excited to share this with you because it’s surprisingly straightforward, and once you nail it, you’ll feel like a candy-making pro in no time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe lies in how few ingredients it needs, yet how magical they become together — from butter to nuts, each adds its own magic. When you’re shopping, pick quality nuts and make sure the sugar and corn syrup are fresh for the best results.

• Salted butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor, plus a little saltiness to balance out the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: The backbone of the brittle’s sweetness and crunch.
• Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and glossy.
• Water: Just enough to dissolve the sugar and start the caramelization process.
• Baking soda: This little magic ingredient creates tiny air bubbles, making the brittle light and crisp instead of dense.
• Almond slices: I love these because they toast beautifully and add a subtle nuttiness.
• Salted peanuts: Classic and crunchy — salt enhances the sweetness and adds texture contrast.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or what you prefer. Over time, I’ve played around with different nuts and even added spices to make it my own — and you should, too!

• Nut swaps: I once made this with pecans instead of almonds and peanuts, and it added a lovely buttery flavor that my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne: For a subtle spicy kick, sprinkle your mixture with a bit of cinnamon or cayenne pepper before it sets — it gives the brittle an amazing twist.
• Diet-friendly modifications: You can use unsalted nuts and reduce the salt in the recipe, or even swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version — just keep a close eye on cooking temps.
• Chocolate drizzle: After your brittle cools, try drizzling melted dark or white chocolate on top for an extra-special touch.

How to Make Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare everything before you start

Before you turn on your stove, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper — this is crucial because the brittle sticks terribly without it. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, and keep your candy thermometer within easy reach. Trust me, once that sugar starts boiling, you won’t have time to look for things!

Step 2: Melt butter and combine sugar mixture

In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt your butter gently. Once melted, stir in sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Keep stirring consistently to help the sugar dissolve evenly — I usually take about 2 minutes here before adding the candy thermometer to monitor temp closely.

Step 3: Cook until 300°F (hard crack stage)

This is the make-or-break step! Keeping your thermometer in the pot, stir frequently to prevent burning. The mixture will bubble and darken gradually — it’ll take roughly 15 minutes to hit 300°F, the “hard crack” temperature where the brittle will snap perfectly when cooled. Don’t rush it, but watch carefully so it doesn’t go over.

Step 4: Add baking soda and nuts, then spread fast!

Once it hits 300°F, remove from heat immediately and stir in baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture foams up a bit — that’s what gives it those amazing light air bubbles. Quickly toss in your almonds and salted peanuts, then pour everything onto your prepared sheet. Use a spatula or the back of a large spoon to spread it out evenly. You have just a minute or two before it starts to harden, so be ready to move fast!

Step 5: Let it cool and break into pieces

Patience is key here — let the brittle cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once fully set, gently break it into chunks. I like making a variety of sizes, so there’s something perfect for sharing and snacking.

How to Serve Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

Honestly, nut brittle is such a star on its own that I rarely add garnishes, but if I’m feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of dark chocolate elevates it beautifully. A pinch of flaky salt right after spreading takes the flavor to another level.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this brittle with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte — the warmth contrasts with the crisp sweetness perfectly. It also makes a charming sweet note after a simple cheese board or a holiday cocktail party.

Creative Ways to Present

When I gift homemade nut brittle, I like to break it into bite-sized pieces and pack it in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a handwritten tag. For parties, try serving it broken into shards on a pretty platter with a few fresh sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment sheets if there’s multiple layers. It stays perfectly crisp for about 2 weeks — if it lasts that long!

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen nut brittle because it keeps so well on the counter, but if you want to, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When thawing, let it come to room temperature naturally to avoid condensation that could make it sticky.

Reheating

Since brittle is best crisp and cold, reheating isn’t usually needed. If it softens from humidity, try crisping briefly in a cool oven (around 250°F for 5 minutes), but watch carefully so it doesn’t melt or burn.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe turns out every single time — it’s that perfect mix of sweet, salty, buttery, and crunchy that makes snacking feel like a treat. When I first made it, I was amazed how easy candy-making can be with a little attention to detail, and now I whip it up anytime I want to impress friends or just enjoy a cozy afternoon indulgence. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do, and more importantly, that it becomes your go-to brittle recipe for celebrations, gifts, or simple sweet cravings. Give it a try and let me know what twist you add!

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