Crunchy Sweet Candy

Category: Treats That Make Everything Better

This candy blends caramelized sugar and nuts for a crunchy, satisfying bite. Timing matters, but it’s totally worth the effort!

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:23:19 GMT
Close-up of stacked nut toffee pieces with almonds on a silver plate and scattered almonds nearby. Save
Close-up of stacked nut toffee pieces with almonds on a silver plate and scattered almonds nearby. | lilicooks.com

I've gotta tell you about my grandma's treasured Nut Brittle! This snappy homemade sweet brings together perfectly browned sugar with nuts galore. It's my go-to during Christmas time, but truth be told, it's yummy whenever you fancy making it.

Why This Brittle Stands Out

The thing I can't get enough of with this brittle is how each crunch delivers both almonds and peanuts. It's not fancy to make but wow, the taste is incredible. Everyone loves getting it as a gift, and at my place, it vanishes in no time!

Ingredients List

  • The Foundation: - Tasty salted butter - Plain sugar - Light corn syrup (honey can work in a pinch) - A splash of water
  • The Secret: - Baking soda for that airy crunch - A combo of sliced almonds and salted peanuts

Candy-Making Steps

Prep First:
Get your pan covered with parchment or slick it with butter.
Mix Your Base:
Melt the butter then throw in sugar, corn syrup and water until everything dissolves.
Cook It Down:
Let it reach 300°F while you keep the mixture moving for that perfect crack.
Toss In Extras:
Work fast! Mix in baking soda followed by your nut blend.
Cool It Down:
Pour onto your surface, flatten it out and wait till it hardens up.

Insider Tricks

Get all your stuff measured before you start cause things happen real quick. I always warm my nuts beforehand which makes spreading easier. And seriously, don't try skipping the parchment paper, you'll thank me later.

Storage Advice

Your brittle will stay crunchy up to 8 weeks if you keep it in something airtight. Just find a cool, dry spot for it. Wanna make it last even longer? Stick it in the freezer and it'll be good for 3 months.

Tasty Twists

Switch up your nuts with macadamias or pecans if you want. I sometimes drop in some vanilla or dust the top with sea salt. Using brown sugar can give you a richer flavor too.

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

Troubleshooting Problems

Got sticky brittle? Make sure you're keeping it sealed tight away from any dampness. If it won't harden up, you probably didn't hit that crucial 300°F mark. Grab a candy thermometer, it'll be your biggest helper here.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why’s my candy grainy?

Avoid too much stirring once the sugar heats up. A candy thermometer helps nail the temperature.

→ How come my candy’s soft?

It has to hit 300°F exactly. Anything lower won’t firm up right.

→ Why is it sticking to everything?

Stick with parchment, not wax paper or foil. Don’t spread it out too much either.

→ Can I switch up the nuts?

Yep, any nuts will do. Toasting them first boosts flavor big time.

→ How long will it stay fresh?

Keep it sealed tight at room temp—it’ll last for weeks.

Sweet Nut Candy

A sugary candy blend of caramel and nuts. Get that perfect mix of crunch and nuttiness in every bite.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
18 min
Overall Time
33 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Sweet Stuff

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves (Makes 1 trayful)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup almonds sliced thin.
02 1/2 cup salted peanuts.
03 3/4 cup white sugar.
04 1/2 cup of butter with salt.
05 1/3 cup plain water.
06 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
07 1/2 cup light corn syrup.

Steps

Step 01

Use parchment paper to line a bakers' tray.

Step 02

Gather and measure everything before beginning.

Step 03

On medium heat, let the butter melt completely.

Step 04

Stir water, sugar, and corn syrup till sugar's dissolved (about 2 minutes).

Step 05

Place your candy thermometer into the mixture.

Step 06

Stir mixture often. Heat it to 300°F, which will take 15 minutes.

Step 07

Quickly stir the baking soda in.

Step 08

Immediately add almonds and peanuts.

Step 09

Pour mixture on the sheet. Spread it as flat as you can with a spatula.

Step 10

Leave it to set for half an hour, then snap into chunks.

Tips

  1. Once it hits the right temperature, act fast to avoid hardening.
  2. Optional: Toast your nuts lightly before you start. It makes spreading easier.

Required Tools

  • A candy thermometer.
  • Large cooking pot.
  • Flat baking sheet.
  • Nonstick parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (almonds).
  • Includes peanuts.
  • Dairy is used (butter).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 4 g