If you’re craving a crunchy, sweet snack that melts in your mouth with a buttery nutty crunch, this Cashew Brittle Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of caramelized sugar and toasted cashews that comes together in a quick, stovetop treat that you can share with family and friends or savor during a cozy night at home. The rich, golden brittle shards bring just the right touch of indulgence, making it an irresistible homemade candy that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create this show-stopping snack. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the texture, flavor, and beautiful amber color of the brittle.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The sweet foundation that caramelizes to form that irresistible crunchy base.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your brittle stays smooth and glassy.
- ¼ cup water: Assists with dissolving the sugar evenly while cooking.
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews, roughly chopped: Adds nutty crunch and rich flavor, making every bite deeply satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Contributes a luscious richness and tender snap to the brittle.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel notes with a warm, inviting aroma.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Creates tiny bubbles in the mixture, giving the brittle its signature airy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Cashew Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly grease it. This simple step ensures your brittle won’t stick and will release beautifully once cooled.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar fully dissolves, causing the liquid to look clear rather than grainy, then stop stirring. This approach prevents crystal formation and gives the brittle its clear, polished finish.
Step 3: Boil to the Hard Crack Stage
Let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C), also known as the hard crack stage, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. This temperature ensures your brittle will snap perfectly and not be chewy or sticky.
Step 4: Add Cashews and Flavorings
Remove the pot from the heat immediately and quickly stir in the chopped cashews, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. Expect the mixture to foam up – that’s the magic of baking soda reacting, creating a light and airy texture within the brittle. Stir rapidly to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Spread and Cool
Pour the hot, bubbling mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a greased spatula, spread it quickly and evenly before it hardens. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature until it becomes firm enough to snap into pieces.
How to Serve Cashew Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While this Cashew Brittle Recipe is delightful on its own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading can elevate the flavor with a subtle contrast. For a festive touch, sprinkle finely chopped dark chocolate or edible gold dust for a glamorous look.
Side Dishes
This crunchy treat pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a bold black tea. Its sweet, nutty crunch can also complement creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a soft cheesecake, providing a satisfying textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Break the brittle into uniform shards and serve it in a decorative bowl alongside a cheese platter or a hot cocoa bar. Alternatively, wrap broken pieces in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to create thoughtful homemade gifts that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Cashew Brittle Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it away from humidity is crucial to maintaining that perfect snap. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a convenient treat to have on hand.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle even longer, freeze it in a sealed container or freezer bag. When wrapped tightly, it can last for several months. Just thaw it at room temperature before enjoying, and it will retain its delightful crunch.
Reheating
Generally, there’s no need to reheat brittle. If it softens slightly, letting it sit in air for a few hours will help it regain some of its crunch. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the sugar unevenly and ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted cashews in this brittle?
Absolutely! Using roasted salted cashews will add a delicious sweet-salty contrast, but be sure to reduce the added salt slightly to avoid overpowering the flavors.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is the best tool for accuracy, you can test the hard crack stage by dropping a small amount of the cooked sugar mixture into cold water — if it hardens into brittle threads that snap easily, it’s ready.
Why does my brittle sometimes turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle often results from humidity or not reaching the correct temperature. Make sure to cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage and store the brittle in a dry, airtight container at room temperature.
Can I substitute cashews with other nuts?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or peanuts work wonderfully in this recipe, each giving a unique flavor and texture to the brittle.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, this Cashew Brittle Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for those with these dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Cashew Brittle Recipe is a joyful project that rewards you with golden, crunchy goodness almost instantly. It’s perfect for holiday treats, gifts, or just an everyday indulgence. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do because once you try this brittle, it might just become your new favorite candy to whip up and savor!
Print
Cashew Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus cooling time
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Cashew Brittle is a crunchy, sweet candy made with roasted cashews embedded in a hard caramelized sugar base. This homemade treat combines the rich flavors of toasted nuts with the delicate balance of buttery, vanilla, and a hint of salt, making it a perfect snack or dessert for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews (roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Combine sugar mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring to avoid crystallization.
- Cook to hard crack stage: Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add flavorings: Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in the chopped cashews, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up, so stir rapidly to mix evenly.
- Spread the brittle: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out swiftly and evenly with a greased spatula to your desired thickness.
- Cool and break: Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature until hardened, then break it into pieces for serving.
Notes
- You can use roasted salted cashews instead of unsalted if you prefer a sweet and salty flavor; just reduce the added salt slightly.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness.
- Avoid refrigerating the brittle as humidity can cause it to become sticky.
