A nutty, buttery delight perfect for sharing or gifting!
Y’all, this Almond Brittle is what holiday dreams are made of! It’s crunchy, buttery, and packed with toasted almond goodness, making it the perfect treat for Christmas trays, gift bags, or just a little sweet indulgence for yourself. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store-bought kind!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The base for that rich caramel flavor.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Keeps the brittle smooth and easy to work with.
- ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
- 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted): Adds crunch and nutty goodness.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Creates the brittle’s signature airy texture.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma.
- Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling.
Supplies Needed
- Candy thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone mat
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Instructions
Prepare Your Workspace:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and keep your tools handy—once the brittle is ready, you’ll need to work quickly.
- Combine Sugar, Syrup, and Water:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. - Cook Until Golden:
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) and turns a deep golden color. This should take about 10 minutes. - Add Butter and Almonds:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the butter, toasted almonds, and vanilla extract. - Add Baking Soda:
Stir in the baking soda—it’ll foam up a bit, which creates that airy, crunchy texture. - Spread the Brittle:
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it thin with a heatproof spatula or tilting the sheet gently. - Cool and Break:
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes. Once set, break it into pieces. - Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the pieces on a festive tray or wrap them in decorative bags for gifting. They’re as pretty as they are delicious!
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep away from humidity to maintain that perfect crunch.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Tip 1: Toast the almonds beforehand for an extra nutty flavor.
- Tip 2: Sprinkle sea salt on top before the brittle sets for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Tip 3: Work quickly when spreading the brittle—it sets fast!
Variations
- Chocolate Almond Brittle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Almond Brittle: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, seasonal flavor.
- Mixed Nut Brittle: Swap some almonds for pecans, cashews, or peanuts for variety.
FAQ
Q: Can I use whole almonds instead of sliced?
Yes, but chop them roughly for a better texture in the brittle.
Q: Can I make this without a candy thermometer?
You can! Look for a deep golden color and test a drop of the mixture in cold water—it should harden immediately.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, but work in batches to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Brittle is a crunchy, sweet treat that brings the perfect balance of nutty flavor and caramelized goodness to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re adding it to a Christmas tray or sneaking a bite straight from the jar, it’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your almonds, sugar, and butter, and let’s make some holiday magic!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this site are affiliate links. Portions of this content are generated by AI.