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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet completely with parchment paper to prevent sticking and create a smooth surface for the brittle.
- Sugar Base: Combine granulated sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, mixing until fully integrated, creating a smooth initial mixture.
- Caramelization: Microwave the sugar mixture on high power for 3 minutes, observing its transformation into a clear, bubbling liquid with golden undertones.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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