Irresistible Salted Caramel Nut Brittle: The Ultimate Homemade Holiday Treat & Edible Gift Recipe
There’s something uniquely magical about the holiday season, and for many of us, that magic often revolves around delicious food. While I adore indulging in all sorts of festive treats, the real joy comes from sharing homemade delights with loved ones. Gifting edible treasures like this incredible salted caramel nut brittle is one of my favorite holiday traditions. It’s a wonderful excuse to spend some delightful time in the kitchen, and everyone is sure to appreciate a thoughtful, handcrafted present.
This salted caramel nut brittle recipe might seem intimidating at first glance, but I promise it’s much easier than you think, especially with my helpful tips. The result is absolutely worth every moment: a symphony of crunchy caramel, generously studded with a mix of your favorite nuts, and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This sweet and salty confection is truly irresistible, whether you plan to give it all away or keep a stash for yourself!
Why This Salted Caramel Nut Brittle is a Must-Make
Beyond being a fantastic edible gift, this homemade nut brittle offers a delightful sensory experience. Imagine that first bite: the satisfying snap of golden, buttery caramel, followed by the rich, earthy crunch of toasted nuts. Then, the perfect counterpoint – a burst of flaky sea salt that enhances every sweet note. It’s a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting, making it a standout treat during the festive season or any time you crave something truly special.
What makes this brittle particularly appealing is its versatility. You can customize the nut mixture to your liking, making it a truly personal creation. It’s also surprisingly robust, storing well for weeks, which makes it an ideal make-ahead item for busy holiday schedules. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a curious beginner, this recipe offers a rewarding experience with a truly delicious outcome.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Salted Caramel Nut Brittle
Crafting exceptional brittle starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial for achieving that perfect crunchy, sweet, and salty balance:
- Mixed Nuts: The stars of the show! I love a combination of pecans, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts for a diverse texture and flavor profile. You can use any nuts you prefer, such as cashews, peanuts, or pistachios. Roasting the nuts beforehand is a small step that makes a huge difference, intensifying their flavor and ensuring they are perfectly crisp within the brittle. Feel free to keep them whole or roughly chop them for different bite sizes.
- Granulated Sugar & Water: These form the base of our caramel. The sugar provides the sweetness, and the water helps it dissolve and cook evenly, preventing crystallization.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy depth to the caramel and contributes to the brittle’s smooth texture and beautiful golden color. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the final salt content.
- Light Corn Syrup: A crucial ingredient for candy making! Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring your caramel stays smooth and doesn’t turn grainy. It also contributes to the brittle’s characteristic snap.
- Baking Soda: The magic ingredient that gives brittle its signature airy, porous texture. When stirred into the hot caramel, it reacts to create tiny bubbles, making the brittle easy to break and delightfully crispy, rather than rock-hard.
- Coarse or Flaky Salt: This is where the “salted” in “salted caramel” truly shines! Sprinkled on at the very end, flaky sea salt (like Maldon) or a good coarse salt provides a delightful crunch and a perfect salty counterpoint to the sweet caramel. Don’t skip this—it truly elevates the flavor.
Expert Tips for Making Flawless Homemade Brittle
Making brittle can seem daunting, but with a few key strategies, you’ll be a master in no time. Precision and speed are your allies here!
- Be Prepared (Mise en Place is Key): This is the golden rule of candy making. Once your caramel reaches the desired temperature, there’s no time to measure ingredients or search for tools. Read the entire recipe thoroughly, gather all your ingredients (pre-measured!) and equipment, and have them laid out within arm’s reach. This includes your prepared sheet pan, candy thermometer, spatula, and pre-toasted nuts.
- Invest in a Candy Thermometer: While not strictly impossible without one, a reliable candy thermometer is your best friend for guaranteed success. It eliminates all guesswork, ensuring your caramel reaches precisely 300°F (the “hard crack” stage) every single time. This critical temperature dictates the final texture of your brittle. This is the one I use and love, but I’ve had my eye on this one too for its quick read capabilities.
- Work with Speed and Confidence: The moment your caramel hits 300°F, you enter a critical window. The mixture will begin to harden very quickly. This is not the time for distractions or hesitation. Stir in the baking soda and nuts immediately and efficiently, then pour and spread the mixture onto your prepared surface with swift, decisive movements. The faster you work, the thinner and more even your brittle will be.
- Don’t Be Scared! Embrace the Process: It’s common for home cooks to be intimidated by candy making, but don’t let fear hold you back! Follow the recipe instructions precisely, trust your tools (especially that candy thermometer), and have confidence in your ability. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, it will still be delicious. Practice makes perfect, and the joy of creating something so wonderfully crunchy and flavorful is incredibly rewarding.
- Choose the Right Surface: For easy removal and a beautiful finish, ensure you’re using a non-stick sheet pan or one lined with a high-quality silicone baking mat (like Silpat) or parchment paper. Grease the surface lightly if using parchment or a regular pan to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick.
- Easy Cleanup Trick: Don’t despair over sticky pots and spatulas! Fill your saucepan with hot water immediately after pouring the brittle, and let it soak. The residual caramel will dissolve, making cleanup significantly easier.
Variations and Customizations for Your Nut Brittle
While the classic salted caramel nut brittle is heavenly, don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Consider these ideas:
- Nut Combinations: Try specific nut-only brittle like pecan brittle or peanut brittle. For a unique twist, add some toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to your nut mix.
- Spiced Brittle: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a warming kick. Add spices along with the butter and corn syrup.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once the brittle is completely cool, melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Sesame Seed Brittle: For an East Asian-inspired flavor, use sesame seeds instead of or in addition to nuts.
Serving and Gifting Your Homemade Brittle
This brittle is perfect for so many occasions! Break it into uneven shards for a rustic, appealing look. Arrange it on a holiday dessert platter, serve alongside coffee or tea, or simply enjoy a piece as an afternoon pick-me-up. For gifting, place pieces in decorative tins, clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, or small glass jars. It’s a thoughtful, delicious present that truly embodies the spirit of homemade generosity.
Storage Tips
To keep your salted caramel nut brittle fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigeration, as this can introduce moisture and make the brittle sticky. When stored properly, your homemade brittle will remain delicious for up to a few weeks, making it perfect for preparing in advance for holiday gatherings or last-minute gifts.
Other Candy Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If you’ve enjoyed making this brittle, you might love these other delightful candy recipes:
- Divinity with Walnuts
- Frango Mint Fudge
- Nutella Truffles
- English Toffee
Shop Tools for This Recipe
This recipe was originally published December 2013. It was sponsored by Diamond Nuts, a brand I still love and use for recipes like this one.
Salted Caramel Nut Brittle
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces mixed nuts (about 3 cups, 340 grams), see Notes
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- ½ cups water (118 ml)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup (100 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Coarse or flaky salt ,for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread nuts onto a sheet pan and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes, just until the nuts begin to turn golden brown and fragrant. This step enhances their flavor significantly.
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In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, water, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until the butter is completely melted and the sugar has fully dissolved. Once the mixture begins to boil, carefully insert a candy thermometer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches exactly 300°F. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes. As it cooks, the caramel will deepen in color, turning a beautiful golden brown.
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While the caramel is cooking, ensure you have already prepped all remaining ingredients and tools. Have your toasted nuts, baking soda, and a non-stick sheet pan (or a sheet pan lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper) ready and nearby. Speed is crucial in the next step.
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As soon as the candy thermometer registers 300°F, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the baking soda. The caramel will foam up vigorously due to the reaction – this is normal and desired! Moving very quickly, stir in your toasted nuts until evenly coated. Promptly dump the entire mixture onto your prepared sheet pan. Using the back of a spoon or a heat-resistant spatula, spread the mixture as thinly as you possibly can. Work swiftly, as it will start to set almost instantly. Sprinkle generously with coarse or flaky salt.
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Allow the brittle to sit undisturbed for at least 30 minutes, or until it is completely cool and firm. Once cool, use your hands to break the brittle into smaller, irregular chunks.
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Store your homemade brittle in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to a few weeks. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize your brittle by using any combination of nuts you prefer. I find that equal amounts of walnuts, pecans, almonds, and hazelnuts create a fantastic blend of flavors and textures. You can keep the nuts whole or roughly chop them before toasting.
- This recipe typically yields approximately 2 lbs (about 900 grams) of delicious brittle, perfect for sharing or savoring!