Sweet Crunchy Candy

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

This traditional candy combines caramelized sugar with almonds and peanuts for a perfectly crunchy treat. Timing is key for success, but the results are worth the attention.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:43 GMT
A close-up of a stack of homemade nut toffee pieces topped with almonds, served on a silver plate with scattered almonds in the background. Pin it
A close-up of a stack of homemade nut toffee pieces topped with almonds, served on a silver plate with scattered almonds in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share my grandmother's treasured Nut Brittle recipe! This crunchy homemade candy combines perfectly caramelized sugar with a double dose of nuts. I love making it during the holidays but honestly it's delicious any time of year.

What Makes This Brittle Special

What I love about this brittle is how it's packed with both peanuts and almonds in every bite. The recipe is simple but the results are amazing. It makes such wonderful gifts and never lasts long at my house!

What You'll Need

  • The Basics: - Good salted butter - Regular sugar - Light corn syrup (or honey works too) - Just a bit of water
  • The Magic: - Baking soda for perfect texture - A mix of salted peanuts and sliced almonds

Let's Make Candy

Get Ready:
Line your pan with parchment or grease it well.
Start the Base:
Melt butter add sugar corn syrup and water stir until sugar melts.
Watch it Bubble:
Cook to 300°F keep stirring you want that perfect hard crack.
Add the Good Stuff:
Quick now! Stir in baking soda then your nuts.
Let it Set:
Pour it out spread it thin let cool until crisp.

My Best Tips

Have everything measured and ready to go this recipe moves fast once it starts. I like to warm my nuts first helps everything spread easier. And don't skip the parchment paper trust me on this one.

Keep It Fresh

Your brittle will stay perfect for up to 8 weeks in an airtight container. Just keep it somewhere cool and dry. Want to save it longer? Pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Mix It Up

Try different nuts like pecans or macadamias. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of sea salt on top or a splash of vanilla. Brown sugar gives it a lovely deep flavor too.

A close-up of a piece of almond toffee candy, topped with sliced almonds, on a baking sheet. Pin it
A close-up of a piece of almond toffee candy, topped with sliced almonds, on a baking sheet. | recipesbyclare.com

Quick Fixes

If your brittle gets sticky just make sure it's stored airtight away from moisture. Not hardening? Double check your temperature hit 300°F a candy thermometer is your best friend here.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my brittle turn grainy?

Don't stir too much once sugar starts cooking. Use candy thermometer for accurate temperature.

→ Why isn't my brittle hardening?

Make sure to reach 300°F exactly. Lower temperatures won't set properly.

→ Why did my brittle stick?

Always use parchment paper, not wax paper or foil. Don't spread too thin.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Yes, any combination works. Toast nuts first for best flavor.

→ How long does this keep?

Stores well in airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.

Nut Brittle

A classic brittle candy made with butter, sugar, and mixed nuts. Perfect blend of sweet caramel crunch and nutty flavor.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
33 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup salted butter.
02 3/4 cup granulated sugar.
03 1/2 cup light corn syrup.
04 1/3 cup water.
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
06 1/2 cup almond slices.
07 1/2 cup salted peanuts.

Instructions

Step 01

Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 02

Measure all ingredients before starting.

Step 03

Melt butter over medium-high heat.

Step 04

Add sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until sugar melts (2 minutes).

Step 05

Insert candy thermometer.

Step 06

Cook to 300°F, stirring often (15 minutes).

Step 07

Stir in baking soda.

Step 08

Add nuts quickly.

Step 09

Pour onto prepared sheet and spread evenly with spatula.

Step 10

Cool for 30 minutes, then break into pieces.

Notes

  1. Work quickly once mixture reaches temperature.
  2. Optional: Toast nuts beforehand for easier spreading.

Tools You'll Need

  • Candy thermometer.
  • Large saucepan.
  • Rimmed baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Tree nuts (almonds).
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 4 g