Are you in search of a quick and easy snack recipe that’s also a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than this easy almond brittle recipe, made with just four simple ingredients. This is a crunchy, sweet treat that is perfect for satisfying your mid-day cravings or for serving as a dessert at your next dinner party. Not only is this recipe simple to follow, but it also requires minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Keep reading to discover how to make this delectable recipe in just a few easy steps.
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Let’s talk about what Brittle actually is:
Brittle is basically caramelized sugar with nuts added to it. Many brittle recipes are actually toffee (as is mine) because the added butter gives it a better flavor than sugar alone. Corn syrup is added in order to help to keep the sugars from crystallizing. The mixture gets heated to the brittle or hard crack stage and then gets poured onto a silicone mat or parchment to harden.
Brittle is a popular snack food that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a topping for other desserts, such as ice cream or brownies. Some of the most common types of brittle include peanut brittle, almond brittle, and cashew brittle, but it can be made with any type of nut or seed. In addition to nuts, brittle can also include other ingredients such as coconut, toffee, or even bacon. With so many variations available, brittle is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by anyone with a sweet tooth.
TIPS TO MAKE:
- Be sure to use a candy thermometer because you don’t want to guess when the brittle is ready. You could end the cooking process to early and end up with a soft candy instead of a brittle. If you cook it too long then you can over caramelize the sugar and end up with a bitter tasting candy.
- This recipe will begin to harden quickly, so when you pour it onto your mat you’ll want to spread it quickly.
- Baking soda is added because it creates a better bite by adding bubbles – making it easier to eat. When you add baking soda it will get foamy as it releases carbon dioxide, which is where all of the tiny little bubbles comes from.
Variations:
- Chocolate Almond Brittle: Melt some chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cooled almond brittle for a delicious twist on this classic recipe.
- Spiced Almond Brittle: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the sugar mixture before boiling it to give your almond brittle a warm, cozy flavor.
- Nutty Almond Brittle: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans, cashews, or hazelnuts, to create a nutty brittle with a unique texture and flavor.
- Salted Almond Brittle: Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the almond brittle before it cools to create a sweet and salty treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Almond Brittle Bark: Instead of breaking the almond brittle into small pieces, pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and spread it out thinly. Once it cools, break it into large shards to create an almond brittle bark that’s perfect for sharing.
- Coconut Almond Brittle: Add some shredded coconut to the mixture before pouring it onto the baking sheet to create a tropical twist on the classic almond brittle recipe.
- Espresso Almond Brittle: Add a shot of espresso to the sugar mixture before boiling it to create a rich, coffee-flavored almond brittle that’s perfect for serving after dinner.
Tips:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent burning and ensure even heat distribution.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature. Overcooking or undercooking can result in brittle that is either too soft or too hard.
- Work quickly once the almonds are added to the mixture, as the mixture will begin to harden rapidly.
- Use sliced almonds instead of whole almonds to ensure that the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the brittle.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Let the almond brittle cool completely before breaking it into pieces. This will ensure that the brittle is fully set and will break cleanly into bite-sized pieces.
- Store the almond brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Brittle can become sticky or soft if exposed to moisture, so it’s important to store it properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Experiment with different mix-ins and flavors to create a custom almond brittle recipe that’s uniquely yours.
Check Out More Recipes:
PrintEasy Almond Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup water
2 tbs softened butter
1 tsp vanilla exctract
1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- Cook on medium high heat.
- When mixture begins to boil, add chopped almonds.
- Heat until candy thermometer reaches 300 degrees.
- Add vanilla and stir.
- Add baking soda and stir.
- Pour onto a silicone mat or onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Quickly spread and allow to cool for 30 minutes before breaking into pieces.
Keywords: almond brittle