Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful crunch, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe. It perfectly balances that rich caramel flavor with the buttery, nutty goodness of cashews, creating a treat that’s just as satisfying to bite into as it is fun to make. Whether you’re craving something for a cozy afternoon snack or looking to impress guests with a homemade delight, this recipe delivers a golden, crisp brittle that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple and few, but each one plays a starring role in creating the perfect Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe. From the creamy sweetness of sugar to the crunch of whole cashews, together they craft both flavor and texture beautifully.
- Non-stick cooking spray: Essential for easy spreading and preventing the brittle from sticking to surfaces.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The base of the caramel that provides classic sweetness.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Helps keep the texture smooth and prevents crystallization for that glossy finish.
- 1 ¼ cups cashew halves and pieces: Adds a crunchy, buttery nutty flavor that’s the star of this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the brittle with a silky texture and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces warm aromatic notes that brighten the caramel.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts to create tiny bubbles giving the brittle a light, airy texture.
How to Make Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or heavy-duty foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Don’t forget to spray a microwave-safe bowl and even the knife you’ll use later — these little touches make spreading the brittle a breeze. Warming the baking sheet in the oven helps the brittle spread smoothly once poured.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup
In your prepared bowl, mix the granulated sugar and light corn syrup, giving it a stir until it thickens slightly. Then microwave this mixture on high for about 3 and a half minutes. You want it to clear up and lighten in color, signaling the beginning transformation into caramel.
Step 3: Mix in Cashews
Carefully remove the bowl—remember it’s hot—and mix in your cashew halves and pieces. Pop it back into the microwave for another 3 minutes. Watch as the mixture deepens to a warm golden brown and the irresistible aroma of toasted cashews fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla
Now it’s time to add richness. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter melts completely. Microwave one more minute, aiming for a medium amber tone—the heart of that perfect brittle color and flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate Baking Soda
Sprinkle your baking soda evenly over the hot mixture and fold gently. You’ll see it foam up and morph into a caramel color, creating the coveted light, airy texture that defines great brittle.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Take your warmed baking sheet out of the oven and pour the bubbling caramel-cashew mixture onto it. Use a spatula lightly sprayed with cooking spray to spread the brittle thinly and evenly. This ensures each piece will snap delightfully.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow your brittle to cool completely at room temperature without disturbing it. As it hardens, it will turn into that crisp candy you crave. Once cooled, carefully break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before it cools adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet caramel. You can also dust lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg to introduce a subtle warmth if you want to switch things up.
Side Dishes
Serve brittle alongside a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or crumble it over yogurt for a delightful contrast of textures. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, making snack time feel indulgent and special.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, break the brittle into uniform pieces and arrange them in decorative boxes or jars tied with colorful ribbons. Layering it with parchment paper makes for a perfect homemade gift. You can also crush some and sprinkle over cakes or parfaits to add that satisfying crunch and nutty burst.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from softening the brittle, preserving its crisp texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not generally recommended as it can cause the brittle to absorb moisture and lose its crunch. If you really want to freeze it, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
This brittle is best enjoyed as is, without reheating. However, if you want to soften it slightly for easier biting, you can warm a piece gently in your hand or brief bursts in a microwave, but avoid overheating as it may melt.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews in this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe highlights cashews, you can substitute or mix in almonds, peanuts, or pecans for a different but equally delicious flavor.
Why is baking soda added to the brittle?
Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles within the caramel mixture, which lightens the texture and makes the brittle crisp but not too hard—giving it that perfect snap.
What should I do if my brittle turns out sticky?
If your brittle is sticky, it likely means it didn’t cook long enough or cooled in a humid environment. Ensure you cook to the right amber color and store in a dry place to keep it crisp.
Can I make this recipe without a microwave?
Yes, you can make brittle using a stovetop method by heating sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, but be attentive to avoid burning. This microwave method is just a faster alternative for convenience.
How long does the Cashew Nut Brittle stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, your brittle will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, though it’s often gone much sooner!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing a batch of homemade brittle, especially when it’s loaded with buttery cashews that add richness and crunch. This Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe is straightforward enough for a fun weekend project but special enough to impress your friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s become one of my absolute favorites to bake and snack on!
Print
Cashew Nut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Nut Brittle Recipe offers a delightful balance of crunchy cashew nuts enveloped in a sweet, caramelized sugar coating. Made quickly in the microwave and finished in the oven, this brittle is a perfect homemade treat that’s easy to prepare and ideal for sharing during holidays or as a sweet snack any time of the year.
Ingredients
Nut Brittle Ingredients
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 ¼ cups cashew halves and pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or heavy-duty foil, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Also, spray a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl and a table knife with the cooking spray. Place the baking sheet in the oven to preheat; this will help with spreading the brittle later.
- Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In the prepared microwave-safe bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and light corn syrup until combined and slightly thickened. Microwave this mixture on high for 3½ minutes, watching for it to become clear and light in color.
- Add Cashews: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, stir in the cashew halves and pieces evenly, then microwave again for an additional 3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown, indicating it is caramelizing.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is completely melted and fully incorporated. Microwave the mixture for another 1 minute until it shifts to a medium amber color, signaling the right caramel stage.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the caramel mixture and gently stir. The mixture will foam and lighten in color, changing to a caramel hue as the soda aerates the brittle, giving it a light texture.
- Pour and Spread: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Pour the bubbling brittle mixture onto the sheet and spread it thinly and evenly using a spatula that has been coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cool and Break Into Pieces: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until hardened. Once cooled, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces for serving or storage.
- Store: Transfer the broken brittle pieces to an airtight container to keep fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
- Spraying cooking spray on utensils and surfaces helps prevent the sticky brittle from adhering and makes spreading easier.
- You can substitute cashews with other nuts like peanuts, almonds, or pecans based on preference.
- Store brittle in a cool, dry place to maintain its crisp texture.
- If your environment is humid, brittle may soften faster; consume within a few days for best crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving and Baking
- Cuisine: American
