Homemade Almond Brittle Recipe: A Deliciously Crispy Candy for the Holidays

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make candy to add to your holiday repertoire, look no further than this homemade almond brittle recipe. With its satisfying crunch and nutty sweetness, almond brittle is a classic treat enjoyed for generations. Whether you’re planning to give it as a gift or simply want to indulge in a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why this recipe works

• The combination of sugar, corn syrup, and water creates a smooth, glossy base for the brittle
• Butter adds richness and helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing
• Unblanched almonds provide a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch
• Baking soda gives the brittle its signature airy, crisp texture

Almond brittle ingredients

You probably have most of the ingredients you need for this recipe. But as the holidays come up, you might find yourself running out of ingredients. So take a look at the list and make sure you have everything you need:

Ingredients:

• Sugar – Forms the base of the brittle and caramelizes to create a rich, golden color
• Light corn syrup – Helps prevent sugar crystallization and adds shine to the brittle
• Water – Dissolves the sugar and helps create a syrup
• Salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients
• Butter – Adds richness and helps prevent sugar crystallization
• Unblanched almonds – Provide a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch
• Baking soda – Reacts with the hot sugar mixture to create a light, airy texture

How to make almond brittle without corn syrup

If you want to try making this almond brittle recipe without corn syrup, I suggest using golden syrup. It is one of the best substitutes for corn syrup.

If you cannot find golden syrup in your local grocery store, you can purchase golden syrup on Amazon.

Can I use other nuts?

You do not have to use almonds for this recipe. You can use any raw nut that you prefer. Or you can use a mixture of nuts as well.

Here are a few nuts I would suggest using in this recipe:

• Peanuts
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts

How to make almond brittle

1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, salt, and butter in a large pan.

2. Bring it to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Cover the pan for 1 minute to slide any sugar crystals from the sides down into the pan.
4. Remove the pan from the heat and insert a candy thermometer into the liquid. Cook until the mixture reaches the soft crack stage.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and stir the nuts into the sugar mixture.

6. Place the pan back on the heat and cook until it reaches the hard crack stage.
7. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Mix well.
8. Let the foam settle slightly before spreading the mixture into an even layer on a well-buttered baking sheet.
9. Allow the brittle to cool and harden, then break it into pieces, either larger chunks or bite-sized pieces.

Why is my almond brittle crumbly?

Chances are that if you are having a hard time and your brittle is crumbly, then it was not cooked long enough.

The brittle needs to reach the hard-crack stage to set up properly and look smooth. If this does not happen you will definitely not get the consistency of brittle.

That is why using a candy thermometer is very important. You cannot always tell by looking at the mixture in the pan if it has cooked long enough.

But, if you do not have a candy thermometer you will want to see a sugar strand break easily. It should also be dry and not sticky to the touch.

How to store almond brittle

The best way to store almond brittle is in an airtight container at room temperature. When the brittle is stored in the fridge it begins to lose its brittle-like consistency. It will draw the moisture from the fridge and become soft.

When kept at room temperature in a dark place, brittle can last from 6 to 8 weeks.

Can almond brittle be frozen?

As long as you store the brittle in an airtight freezer-safe container, then yes, this is a great candy to freeze. Almond brittle can be safely frozen for up to 3 months.

I like to freeze my brittle before sending out packages for the holidays to make sure it arrives nice and fresh. However, it is not necessary.

This is a great recipe to send by mail since it does have a longer shelf life and is not extremely fragile.

Enjoy making candy? Try these recipes!

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
• Homemade Twix Bars
• Microwave Peanut Brittle
• Peppermint Bark
• Peppermint Patty Candy
• Rocky Road Candy
• Spiced Pecans

Best Christmas cookie recipes

• Butterscotch Haystacks
• Cake Mix Butter Cookies
• Cream Cheese Cookies
• Pineapple Cookies
• White Chocolate Covered Oreos

Check out my easy candy recipes and the best Christmas recipes here on CopyKat!