Crunchy Toasted Almond Brittle Recipe: Sweet Snack Magic

Crunchy, sweet, and irresistibly nutty, this toasted almond brittle recipe promises a delightful treat that shatters expectations.

Almonds dance with caramelized sugar, creating a golden-brown canvas of pure indulgence.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this brittle delivers a satisfying snap and rich, toasty flavor that beckons dessert lovers.

Each crystalline shard carries the warmth of perfectly toasted almonds and a luxurious sweetness that melts on your tongue.

The process is surprisingly straightforward, turning basic pantry staples into a gourmet confection.

Guests will marvel at your culinary prowess, unable to resist the alluring crackle and buttery richness.

Let’s find out this delectable recipe and transform an ordinary moment into a spectacular sweet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 9

Toasted Almond Brittle Ingredients You’ll Need

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the foundational sweetness and creates the crisp structure of the brittle, selecting fine-grain sugar ensures smooth melting.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds silky smoothness, choose light-colored syrup for clean flavor and consistent texture.

• Almonds: Delivers nutty crunch and depth, toast beforehand to enhance natural oils and create deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps prevent burning, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic undertones that complement the nuts' earthiness, choose pure extract for authentic taste.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Baking Soda: Creates signature airy, crisp texture by causing rapid carbon dioxide bubbles when heated, ensure fresh and active for best results.

Kitchen Essentials for Making Toasted Almond Brittle

• Jelly-roll pan: Essential for spreading and cooling the brittle evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• 2-quart microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for mixing and heating ingredients safely.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot microwave-safe bowl.
• Sharp knife or kitchen scissors: Helpful for breaking brittle into serving pieces.

How to Cook and Cool Toasted Almond Brittle at Home

• Preparation Surface

Grab a jelly-roll pan and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth workspace for your sweet adventure.

• Sugar Transformation

Combine sugar and syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, zapping it until the mixture becomes a clear, bubbly liquid that promises deliciousness.

• Nutty Caramelization

Toss almonds into the heated syrup, continuing to microwave and stir, watching the color shift to a golden caramel embrace.

• Flavor Enhancement

Blend butter, vanilla, and salt into the mixture, microwaving until the color deepens to a rich, nutty brown.

• Magical Foaming

Sprinkle in baking soda, creating a dramatic foamy reaction that adds lightness and texture to your brittle.

• Spreading the Joy

Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan, spreading it quickly to create a thin, even layer of sweet crunch.

• Cooling and Cracking

Let the brittle rest at room temperature, then break it into irregular pieces that showcase its handmade charm.

Tricks and Variations to Perfect Your Almond Brittle

• Easy twists to elevate your brittle game.
• Lightly toast almonds in a skillet before adding to the mixture for deeper, nuttier flavor that intensifies the overall crunch and aroma.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or sea salt to create unexpected taste dimensions that surprise your taste buds.
• Keep your brittle in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper at room temperature for up to two weeks, maintaining its perfect crispy texture.
• Package broken brittle pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine for stunning homemade food gifts that look professionally crafted and personally special.

Presentation Tips for Serving Toasted Almond Brittle

• Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair this crunchy almond brittle with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Package the brittle in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine, creating a homemade treat perfect for holiday gifting or special occasions.
• Coffee Break Delight: Serve small shards alongside espresso or cappuccino, allowing the caramel notes to complement the rich coffee flavors for an elevated snacking experience.
• Cheese Board Accent: Crumble brittle pieces over a cheese platter featuring aged cheddar or creamy brie, adding a sweet and nutty crunch to your sophisticated appetizer spread.

Best Way to Store Homemade Toasted Almond Brittle

• Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Let the almond brittle sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, allowing it to solidify completely without refrigeration, which might create unwanted moisture.
• Smart Storage Solution: Store your crispy treat in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, keeping it at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its delightful crunch.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual brittle pieces in wax paper, place inside a freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months without losing texture or flavor intensity.
• Moisture Management: Add a small silica gel packet inside the storage container to prevent potential softening, ensuring your almond brittle remains wonderfully crisp and snappy.

Irresistible Almond Brittle Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade toasted almond brittle delivers a perfect balance of sweet crunch and nutty depth. Crisp caramelized sugar embraces golden almonds, creating an irresistible treat you’ll savor down to the last delicate shard.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml or 8 fl oz) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (90 g or 3.2 oz) coarsely chopped almonds, toasted
• ½ cup (120 ml or 4 fl oz) lightly-colored corn syrup
• 1 tbsp (15 ml or 0.5 fl oz) butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml or 0.17 fl oz) baking soda
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml or 0.08 fl oz) pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml or 0.02 fl oz) salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet completely with parchment paper to prevent sticking and create a smooth surface for the brittle.
2. Sugar Base: Combine granulated sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, mixing until fully integrated, creating a smooth initial mixture.
3. Caramelization: Microwave the sugar mixture on high power for 3 minutes, observing its transformation into a clear, bubbling liquid with golden undertones.
4. Nutty Infusion: Fold whole almonds into the hot syrup, continuing to microwave for an additional 3 minutes, stirring every minute until achieving a rich caramel color.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt into the caramelized mixture, microwaving for 1½ minutes until developing a deep, nutty brown shade.
6. Aeration and Setting: Sprinkle baking soda into the molten mixture, gently stirring to create a foamy, expanded texture, then immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Cooling and Finishing: Spread the hot mixture evenly to a uniform thickness using a heat-resistant spatula, allowing it to cool at room temperature for 30-40 minutes before breaking into irregular, crunchy pieces.

Notes

• Ensure Even Heating: Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve consistent caramelization.
• Protect Your Workspace: Use heat-resistant gloves and tools to handle the extremely hot sugar mixture safely.
• Watch Color Carefully: The transition from clear syrup to golden caramel happens quickly; timing is crucial for perfect flavor and texture.
• Cool Completely: Let brittle rest undisturbed at room temperature to develop a crisp, satisfying snap when broken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg