This Old Fashioned Pecan Brittle is perfect any time of year! Not only does this simple recipe make delicious treats, but it's also a great gift to share with family and friends.
I love making homemade candy! It has the perfect flavor and is so much better than store-bought. I typically make this brittle mixture around the holiday season, but honestly, it's good all year long. Why save something this scrumptious only for holiday treats?
Candy recipes like this are fun, delicious, and easy to make the first time. If you're ready to give candy making a try, this is the recipe for you.
Fair warning - you'll find this homemade pecan brittle irresistable, which can be both a good and a bad thing about having an easy recipe like this! I find that the best way to enjoy this easy homemade brittle is to eat as much as I want, knowing that I still have some waiting for me later in the day.
Speaking of other candy recipes, be sure to try our 3 Ingredient Microwave Fudge and these Strawberry Chocolate Candies.
Ingredients
- White sugar - Adds sweetness to the brittle.
- Brown sugar - Adds sweetness and also a darker color.
- Light corn syrup - Helps the brittle get to that hard crack stage after cooking.
- Salt - A hint of salt is great for balancing the sweet-salty flavor.
- Roasted salted pecans - Adds the perfect balance for that butter pecan flavor.
- Butter - We use salted butter. If you have unsalted butter, add an extra pinch of salt.
- Vanilla extract - For added flavor.
- Baking soda - The baking soda mixture is important for the overall texture.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Old Fashioned Pecan Brittle
Add parchment paper to a baking sheet. Also, prep ahead and have the ingredients measured out for the pecans, butter, vanilla, and baking soda so you can add them right away when needed.
Step One: Mix the sugars, corn syrup, and salt in a pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring the whole time. The mixture needs to reach 295 degrees. Use a candy thermometer to make sure that you get the desired temperature.
Step Two: Take the pan off the heat. Add the butter.
Step Three: Stir in the pecans, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture may bubble up.
Step Four: Mix until the nuts are evenly distributed.
Step Five: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula and spread the mixture into a 12X14-inch rectangle.
Step Six: Let it cool until firm, which will take at least 30 minutes.
Top Tip
The longer you let it firm up, the more it will get to that hard-crack stage so that you can break it into large pieces and smaller ones. If you rush it, it won't be hard and will lose that "brittle" texture.
Substitutions
- Peanuts - You can easily use peanuts instead of pecans and make an easy homemade peanut brittle as well. Either is a yummy classic recipe option.
Variations
- Sea salt - To add more of a sweet and salty flavor, add some sea salt to the top of the brittle. That just might be how you want to make your own perfect batch!
- Chocolate - Drizzle or spread with melted chocolate for an amazing treat.
- Smoked pecans - Try making this with homemade Smoked Pecans for a flavor boost!
See this Brownie Brittle Recipe for another fun option.
Equipment
To make this homemade brittle, you'll want to have a large saucepan, a wooden spoon, a cookie sheet, parchment paper, and a candy thermometer.
Storage
Let the brittle pieces cool to room temperature, and then store them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge or covered on the counter.
Common Questions
You can easily grab the cooled brittle and break off pieces by hand. You can also take a spatula and kinda of break it apart by popping pieces off. It's totally up to you.
You may not have accurately measured the ingredients, or maybe you didn't stir the entire time while it was on the stove. Also, be sure that you are using your candy thermometer to get the mixture to 295 degrees, as that is an extremely important step in the outcome of making brittle.
You bet! A thin layer of chocolate would be super yummy added right onto the top of this treat! Just keep in mind that it is an extra step, and you'll need to be sure that the brittle is firm and cooled, and then also plan for extra time for any added toppings to cool and set as well.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Pecan Brittle
Equipment
- candy thermometer
Ingredients
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- pinch salt
- 1 cup roasted salted pecans
- 2 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Have the ingredients for step 4 measured and ready.
- Combine sugars, corn syrup, and salt in a medium sauce pan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from the heat. Stir in the pecans, butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread into a 12x14-inch rectangle using a spatula. Let cool until firm, at least 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Like what you see? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
Comments
No Comments