Cashew Brittle Recipe

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If you feel intimidated by making homemade candy, this cashew brittle recipe is for you. It's simple to follow and has detailed steps to ensure success every time.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword brittle, candy recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 5

Servings people

Calories 540kcal

Author Jillian Wade

Cost $8.33

Equipment

12x18-inch baking sheet
heavy-bottomed saucepan
candy thermometer
large offset spatula
small bowl
whisk

Ingredients

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for greasing the pan
2 ½ cups roasted and salted cashews
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Preheat the oven to 200°F. Place a 12x18-inch baking sheet in the oven to keep it warm while you prepare the brittle.

Cook the Caramel:

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer, about 25 minutes.

Add Butter and Cashews:

Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the butter and cashews. Return to heat and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).

Prepare the Baking Soda Mixture:

In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda, 1 teaspoon of water, and vanilla extract.

Incorporate the Baking Soda Mixture:

Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda mixture until the caramel becomes light and foamy.

Pour the Brittle:

Remove the warm baking sheet from the oven and coat it with butter. Pour the candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it to a ¼-inch thickness using a large buttered offset spatula.

Cool and Break:

Allow the brittle to cool completely. Once cooled, break it into pieces.

Store:

Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

This recipe makes 1 pound of brittle.
Be Patient: The cooking process takes time, but the results are well worth it.
Removing the Brittle: Flip the baking sheet upside down over a larger pan to easily remove the brittle. The brittle may pop out with a quick twist or tap. If needed, gently tap the back of the baking sheet with a meat mallet or another heavy object, but be careful not to damage the pan.

Nutrition