Appetizers
Walnut Brittle
Walnut brittle is a nice alternative to peanut brittle. It's a great snack, popular at parties, and a nice gift idea, too. This walnut brittle recipe is straightforward to mix and so flavorful, thanks to toasted walnuts…
At a glance
What stands out: Walnut brittle is a nice alternative to peanut brittle. It’s a great snack, popular at parties, and a nice gift idea, too. This walnut brittle recipe is straightforward to mix and so flavorful, thanks to toasted walnuts and warm spices.
How long it takes: 30 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: baking sheet, parchment paper, saucepan, candy thermometer
Servings: 8
We're partnering with California Walnuts to bring you a year of nutty and rich walnut recipes. This post is sponsored by California Walnuts, but all opinions are our own.
Crunchy walnut brittle
Unique twist on a classic. Everyone knows and loves peanut brittle but this walnut brittle will surprise and delight everyone who tries it.
Warmly spiced. Cinnamon and cloves are so cozy, and reliable for the holiday season. Both spices are a key player in pumpkin spice and gingerbread. Cloves can also be used in a more subtle way in savory recipes, adding a little extra something something to this 5 ingredient slow cooker ham or enhancing the flavor of a curry powder.
Walnuts are good for you! When you make candy with heart-lighter walnuts (did you know they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids?), it’s practically a health food. Okay, maybe not, it’s definitely a treat, but it’s a treat with some benefits.
Angie L. Said:
“Just made it YUM!”
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Tip for Success
- Be sure to read all of the instructions carefully before starting the recipe.
- Resist the temptation to stir the boiling sugar mixture!
- Use a candy thermometer. It helps to know exactly when to pull the pan off the heat.
Buckeyes Recipe (Peanut Butter & Chocolate Perfection)
This Walnut Brittle Recipe is sponsored by the California Walnut Board. All opinions are always our own. Thank you for supporting Bomumo by reading about products and food we use and love in our own home.
- Yield: 8
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 20 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup (see note #1)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- flaked sea salt, such as Maldon (optional)
Method
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray, or rub with butter. It's important to have the baking sheet ready before you begin making the brittle because once the brittle is cooked, you have to immediately spread it out or it will harden in the saucepan.
- In a dry skillet, toast walnuts in a single layer over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Once they're toasted, transfer the walnuts to a plate to cool, so they do not continue cooking in the hot skillet.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, cinnamon, cloves, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Clip candy thermometer to pan, and continue cooking at a rapid boil, without stirring, until mixture is an amber color, about 25 minutes or until candy thermometer reads 300°F (hard crack stage). Remove the pan from heat and whisk in baking soda (it will bubble!).
- Stir in walnuts, working quickly, and then immediately scrape brittle onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt if desired.
- Let brittle cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Pro tip: Spray measuring cup with nonstick spray before measuring corn syrup. It will slide right out of the cup!
Variation: If desired, you can omit the cinnamon and/or cloves for plain walnut brittle, or use a different combination of spices.
Storage: Once the brittle has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
