Almond Brittle Recipe

I find there’s a special kind of joy in making candy from scratch, especially when it’s as satisfying as this. The moment that rich, buttery aroma fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for a treat with a perfectly crisp texture. This easy almond brittle recipe is perfect for busy families, comfort food lovers, or anyone needing a quick, impressive gift. It’s truly a family-friendly dessert, ideal for holiday seasons or simply a delightful snack after a busy week. You’ll love this rewarding almond brittle recipe.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Why They Matter)

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making a delicious homemade treat. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and satisfying almond brittle recipe:

• Granulated Sugar: 400 g (2 cups) — The sweet base for our rich caramel.
• Water: 120 ml (1/2 cup) — Helps dissolve the sugar evenly for a smooth start.
• Unsalted Butter: 60 g (4 tablespoons) — Adds rich, buttery flavor and helps prevent crystallization. (You can use salted butter, just reduce the added fine sea salt by half.)
• Raw Slivered Almonds: 200 g (2 cups) — Provide the signature crunch and nutty taste. For best flavor, I always lightly toast them before adding. (Consider sliced pecans for a different easy twist!)
• Baking Soda: 7 g (1.5 teaspoons) — Creates tiny air bubbles for that classic brittle texture — delightfully crisp, not rock-hard.
• Fine Sea Salt: 4 g (1 teaspoon) — A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Vanilla Extract: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) — A dash for warmth and aromatic depth.

Quality & Optional Additions

To elevate your almond brittle recipe, consider these quality choices and additions:

• High-quality Butter: Improves richness and flavor significantly.
• Organic Almonds: Offer a purer, more intense nutty taste.
• Optional Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle on top for a gourmet finish.
• Aromatic Spices: For a unique twist, try 3 g (1.5 tsp) ground cardamom or 5 ml (1 tsp) rose water instead of vanilla.

How to Make Almond Brittle Step by Step

Making this homemade almond brittle recipe is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Prep & Toast (10-15 min): Line a 30×40 cm (12×16 inch) baking sheet with a silicone mat. Toast 200 g (2 cups) slivered almonds at 175°C (350°F) for 7-10 min until golden and fragrant. Prepare other ingredients; mix baking soda with vanilla (or cardamom/rose water).
2. Cook Sugar (5-7 min): In a 3-liter saucepan, combine 400 g (2 cups) sugar, 120 ml (1/2 cup) water, 120 ml (1/2 cup) light corn syrup. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Cook on medium-high, without stirring, until 149°C (300°F) (hard crack stage) and light amber.
3. Add Butter & Flavors (3-5 min): Remove from heat. Stir in 60 g (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, 4 g (1 tsp) fine sea salt, and vanilla (or cardamom/rose water). It will smell buttery and be smooth.
4. Activate Brittle (1 min): Still off heat, quickly stir in 7 g (1.5 tsp) baking soda. The mixture will foam vigorously, crucial for crisp texture. If it doesn’t foam, your baking soda might be old; check its freshness!
5. Mix Almonds & Spread (1-2 min): Immediately add toasted almonds to the pan; stir vigorously. Pour hot brittle onto the prepared sheet. Spread thinly and evenly with a heatproof spatula or oiled spoon, ensuring a uniform look.
6. Cool & Break (30-60 min): Let the almond brittle cool completely at room temperature for 30-45 min until hard to the touch. Break into irregular pieces. For a beautiful finish, drizzle melted white chocolate (75g) and sprinkle chopped pistachios (75g).

Troubleshooting & Quick Tips

• Burnt Sugar: If sugar smokes or smells burnt, discard it and restart.
• Brittle Not Setting: Needs higher temperature (300-310°F). Aim for deep amber color.
• No Candy Thermometer? Judge by color: a deep golden hue before adding baking soda for your almond brittle.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This delightful treat isn’t just for special occasions; it’s a versatile indulgence perfect for any moment. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly ways to enjoy homemade almond brittle:

• Everyday Treat: Keep a jar on the counter for a quick, satisfying sweet bite with your coffee or tea.
• Holiday Gifting: Package pieces of this delightful almond brittle recipe in cellophane bags or decorative tins for thoughtful homemade gifts.
• Party Platter: Add broken pieces to a dessert board for a crunchy, sweet element that always impresses.
• Ice Cream Topping: Crush it lightly and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
• Yogurt or Oatmeal Crunch: A few crushed pieces can add a surprising texture to breakfast bowls.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness with Almond Brittle

While a sweet treat, homemade almond brittle can fit into a balanced lifestyle, especially when you control the ingredients.

• Naturally Gluten-Free Snack: This easy almond brittle recipe offers a satisfying crunch without any gluten-containing flours.
• Source of Healthy Fats & Fiber: The almonds provide beneficial monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber, contributing to a hearty snack.
• Homemade Advantage: When you make this almond brittle recipe at home, you skip artificial additives found in store-bought options, opting for a purer treat. Consider using organic ingredients for an even cleaner approach.
• Portion Control for Healthy Living: Enjoy this sweet in moderation as part of healthy eating. It’s a fantastic energy booster for busy days.

How This Recipe Solves Common Needs

This classic almond brittle recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly practical for a busy home cook.

• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Create a gourmet-tasting treat at a fraction of the cost of store-bought specialty candies, making it an affordable luxury.
• Quick & Easy Sweet Fix: Satisfy cravings for something sweet and crunchy with minimal effort and time in the kitchen, perfect for quick meals or snacks.
• Impressive Homemade Gift: This easy almond brittle recipe is perfect for last-minute presents, showing thoughtful effort without hours of work.

Expert Pointers and Smart Variations

Achieving perfect almond brittle every time is easier with these seasoned tips and creative twists.

• Use a Silicone Mat: For the easiest removal and cleanup, a silicone baking mat is a game-changer for this almond brittle recipe. It truly makes a difference, and I always rely on mine for fuss-free candy making.
• Prepare Ahead: Have all ingredients measured and tools ready before you start; the process moves quickly once the sugar heats up.
• Nutty Variations: Experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or cashews for a different twist on this classic brittle.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once the brittle is completely cool, melt some chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for an extra layer of flavor.

Common Questions About Almond Brittle

Can I freeze this treat for later?

It’s generally not recommended to freeze almond brittle, as it can absorb moisture and become sticky. For best results, it’s better to store it at room temperature to maintain its crisp texture. Freezing can ruin the delicate crunch.

What’s a more diet-friendly way to enjoy this brittle?

For a lighter or low-carb treat, you could experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol, using an equal volume replacement. However, be aware that the texture and setting point will differ. This almond brittle is naturally gluten-free.

Which ingredients are best for meal prepping this candy?

Good quality, unsalted butter and fresh almonds will give you the best flavor and texture for your homemade almond brittle. Having these on hand makes the process easy, suitable for family meal prep recipes. Freshness truly matters for superior taste.

How do I prevent this brittle from sticking to the pan?

Using a silicone baking mat or heavily greased parchment paper is crucial for preventing sticking when making almond brittle. These non-stick surfaces ensure easy removal and clean-up, making the process much smoother. Don’t skip this step for a perfect finish.

Can I make almond brittle without a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can rely on visual cues, cooking until the mixture reaches a deep amber color, but a thermometer offers more precision. I always look for that copper penny color for a reliable batch, ensuring it’s not too pale or too dark.

How long does homemade almond brittle last?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade almond brittle can last for 1-2 weeks. To keep it crisp, store it in a cool, dry place away from humidity. This is ideal for making ahead as a meal prep recipe component.

What if my almond brittle turns out too soft?

This usually means the sugar mixture didn’t reach a high enough temperature. Cook it longer next time until it hits the deep amber stage or 300-310°F. High humidity can sometimes affect setting, so try making it on a dry day if possible.

This almond brittle recipe is a timeless classic: simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, ideal for family dinners or a quick sweet treat. I promise, the buttery crunch brings pure joy with every bite. Pin this recipe to save it, print for your collection, or share this almond brittle recipe with a friend!

almond brittle recipe

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• Author: Elina Mirkle
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This easy almond brittle recipe offers a delightful crisp texture and rich, buttery aroma, perfect for a family-friendly dessert, holiday gift, or satisfying snack. It’s a rewarding homemade candy that’s simpler to make than you think.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup water
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups raw slivered almonds
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare & Toast: Line a 12×16 inch baking sheet with a silicone mat. Toast 2 cups slivered almonds at 350(degree)F for 7-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Prepare other ingredients; mix baking soda with vanilla.
2. Cook Sugar Mixture: In a 3-liter saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar, 0.5 cup water, and 0.5 cup light corn syrup. Stir until sugar dissolves completely. Cook on medium-high, without stirring, until 300(degree)F (hard crack stage) and light amber.
3. Add Butter & Flavoring: Remove from heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture will smell buttery and be smooth.
4. Activate Brittle: Still off heat, quickly stir in 1.5 teaspoons baking soda. The mixture will foam vigorously, which is crucial for a crisp texture.
5. Mix Almonds & Spread: Immediately add toasted almonds to the pan; stir vigorously. Pour the hot brittle onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread thinly and evenly with a heatproof spatula or oiled spoon for a uniform look.
6. Cool & Break: Let the almond brittle cool completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until hard to the touch. Break into irregular pieces. (Optionally, drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle chopped pistachios for a beautiful finish.)

Notes

If sugar smokes or smells burnt, discard and restart. If brittle isn’t setting, it needs a higher temperature (300-310(degree)F); aim for a deep amber color before adding baking soda. Check baking soda freshness if it doesn’t foam. Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (45 g)
• Calories: 220 calories
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 9 mg

Keywords: easy dessert, almond brittle, homemade candy, crisp texture, buttery, gift idea, holiday treat, family-friendly, stovetop, crunchy