As I watched the sugar bubble and transform into a golden amber syrup, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement—the kind that happens when you discover a hidden gem in your kitchen. This Cashew Brittle is a delightful twist on your typical dessert, combining crunchy roasted cashews with a hint of flaky sea salt for a flavor explosion. One of my favorite perks? It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, making it a perfect solution for those spontaneous snacking moments or a last-minute gift. Plus, being gluten-free means everyone can indulge without worry! Are you ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible sweet treat?
Why is Cashew Brittle a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies traditional candy-making, making it accessible even for amateur chefs.
Guilt-Free Indulgence: As a gluten-free dessert, it allows everyone to enjoy a sweet treat without dietary concerns.
Flavor-Packed Enjoyment: The delightful combination of roasty cashews and savory flaky sea salt creates a brilliant flavor that’s both sweet and salty.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap your cashew brittle in decorative packaging for a thoughtful homemade gift that will surely bring smiles.
Versatile and Customizable: Don’t hesitate to play around with different nuts or even add a hint of vanilla for a unique twist! This recipe is adaptable to suit your tastes and make each batch special.
Cashew Brittle Ingredients
For the Brittle
- Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure; no substitutions recommended for traditional brittle.
- Water – Helps dissolve the sugar and aids in achieving the right caramel consistency; essential for your cashew brittle.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and prevents sticking; can substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Light Corn Syrup – Prevents crystallization of sugar and adds chewiness; avoid high fructose corn syrup as a substitute.
- Baking Soda – Creates a porous texture, making the brittle light and crunchy; don’t omit, as it affects the texture.
- Roasted and Salted Cashews – Core ingredient providing crunch and flavor; can substitute with almonds or peanuts for different nutty variations.
- Flaky Sea Salt – Enhances flavor and adds visual appeal; Maldon is preferred, but any flaky sea salt will do.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cashew Brittle
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preparing a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Generously grease both sides of a spatula with unsalted butter to prevent sticking. This set-up will help you pour and shape your cashew brittle easily once it’s cooked, so make sure your workspace is ready while you gather the ingredients.
Step 2: Combine Key Ingredients
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, unsalted butter, and light corn syrup. Set the pan over medium-high heat and stir the mixture gently until it reaches a boil. Watch closely as it begins to bubble, keeping an eye out for the sugar to fully dissolve and start turning into a syrupy consistency.
Step 3: Cook to Hard Crack Stage
Continue cooking the mixture without stirring, allowing it to reach the hard crack stage at 300°F (149°C). This should take approximately 10–12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture transforms into a deep amber color, indicating that the sugar has caramelized beautifully, making your cashew brittle wonderfully rich.
Step 4: Incorporate Baking Soda
Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda. Be cautious, as the mixture will foam up and expand in volume. This reaction is crucial for achieving the light and crunchy texture of your cashew brittle, so make sure to mix it thoroughly until well combined.
Step 5: Mix in Cashews
Quickly add the roasted and salted cashews into the hot mixture, stirring well to ensure they’re fully coated. The warmth of the brittle will make it easier to mix, while the nuts lend all their flavor. Be swift, as the mixture will start to thicken quickly, making it imperative to act fast.
Step 6: Pour onto Baking Sheet
Carefully pour the cashew mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your buttered spatula to spread it into an even layer, working rapidly as it sets up quickly. The even layer is essential for uniform coolness, ensuring that every bite of your cashew brittle is perfectly crunchy.
Step 7: Season with Sea Salt
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the spread cashew brittle while it’s still warm. The salt not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual touch to your finished treat. Be generous, but ensure the salt is evenly distributed to balance the sweetness of the sugar.
Step 8: Allow to Cool Completely
Set the baking sheet aside and allow the cashew brittle to cool completely for about 30 minutes. As it cools, it will harden into a satisfying crunch. Resist the urge to sample it too soon, as patience now will reward you with the perfect texture in your delicious cashew brittle.
Step 9: Break into Pieces
Once fully cooled, use your hands or a knife to break the cashew brittle into bite-sized pieces. The crunchy texture will make it easy to snap, and these delightful squares are perfect for snacking or gifting! Enjoy the fruits of your labor, knowing you’ve created a sweet treat that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Cashew Brittle
Room Temperature: Store cashew brittle in an airtight container to keep it crunchy. It can last up to 8 weeks at room temperature.
Fridge: Avoid refrigerating cashew brittle, as this can cause it to become chewy rather than crunch.
Freezer: If you need to store it longer, freeze pieces of cashew brittle in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating: If the brittle softens, a quick 5-minute stay in a warm oven (around 200°F) can help regain its crunch before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Cashew Brittle pieces are an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the mixture up to 24 hours in advance by cooking it through step 5, then allowing it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the brittle fresh and prevent it from getting chewy. When you’re ready to enjoy your cashew brittle, simply spread the nut mixture on the baking sheet, season with flaky sea salt, and allow it to fully cool before breaking it into pieces. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll save time while still delivering a delightful treat just as delicious as if made fresh!
Cashew Brittle Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this Cashew Brittle even more delightful with these fun twists!
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Nut Varieties: Experiment with almonds or pecans for a different nutty flavor that still packs a crunch. Each nut brings its own character to the brittle, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap unsalted butter for vegan butter to create a plant-based version that everyone can savor. A little bit of flavor adjustment goes a long way in making it suitable for all dietary preferences.
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Sweet & Spicy: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick. The heat will contrast beautifully with the sweetness, creating a spicy-sweet sensation that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Vanilla Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the baking soda for a subtle yet aromatic flavor boost. This aromatic addition will envelop your kitchen in a wonderful scent as the brittle cooks.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled brittle. This rich layer adds sweetness and a contrasting flavor that transforms your cashew brittle into an indulgent treat.
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Coconut Lovers: Mix in a handful of toasted coconut flakes along with the cashews for a tropical twist. The added coconut enhances both the flavor and texture, giving a chewy element to complement the crunch.
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Floral Note: Feeling adventurous? Infuse your sugar with rose water or orange blossom water while cooking for a unique floral flavor. It’s a beautiful way to elevate your treat for special occasions.
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Nut-Free Option: For a simple nut-free alternative, use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead of cashews. They’ll still offer a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor without the allergens.
What to Serve with Irresistible Cashew Brittle?
A sweet treat like this cashew brittle pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures, creating an enticing experience.
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Rich Dark Chocolate Dip: A luscious chocolate coating adds a decadent twist, enhancing the sweet and salty notes of the brittle.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream brings a cool contrast to the warm, crunchy brittle—perfect for a delightful dessert.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing burst of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cashew brittle.
Cashew brittle loves company! The vibrant tang of berries can lighten the richness, while the ice cream introduces a creamy dimension that keeps you reaching for more.
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Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced or smoked nuts adds depth and contrast, heightening the overall flavor experience with each crunchy bite.
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Hot Coffee: A warm cup of coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully, creating a cozy pairing perfect for afternoon snacking.
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Herbal Tea: For a lighter option, a fragrant herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, brings a soothing complement, balancing the brittle’s crunch and sweetness.
Enjoy experimenting with these pairings, enhancing your cashew brittle experience!
Expert Tips for Cashew Brittle
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Temperature Matters: Always use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 300°F. If undercooked, your cashew brittle will be chewy instead of crunchy.
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Prep Ahead: Gather all ingredients and prepare your baking sheet beforehand. The mixture sets quickly, and you need to work fast once the cashews are added.
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Watch for Foam: When adding baking soda, be careful—the mixture will bubble up! A large saucepan helps prevent overflow during this crucial step.
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Choose the Right Nuts: While this recipe shines with cashews, experimenting with almonds or peanuts can create exciting flavor profiles.
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Cool Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting it sit for a full 30 minutes ensures a perfect crunchy texture for your cashew brittle.
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Storage Savvy: Keep your cashew brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness for up to 8 weeks.
Cashew Brittle Recipe FAQs
What type of cashews should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using roasted and salted cashews for an enhanced flavor profile. The roasting amplifies the nutty taste while the salt balances the sweetness of the brittle beautifully. If you’re in the mood for experimentation, you can also try using almonds or peanuts for a unique twist!
How do I store leftover cashew brittle?
Storage is simple! Just keep your cashew brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, it will stay crispy for up to 8 weeks. Just remember to avoid the fridge, as chilling can make it lose that wonderfully crunchy texture.
Can I freeze cashew brittle for later use?
Absolutely! To freeze your cashew brittle, simply place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it at room temperature. If it has softened, you can warm it in a 200°F oven for about 5 minutes to regain its crunch.
What if my cashew brittle turned out chewy?
If you’re encountering chewy cashew brittle, it typically means that the sugar mixture didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). For next time, invest in a candy thermometer to ensure you’re hitting the right temperature. If you’re in a pinch and your current batch is chewy, you can quickly reheat it in a saucepan over low heat and remelt it, stirring in some more baking soda as it softens, then re-spread it onto a baking sheet to allow it to harden again.
Is cashew brittle suitable for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, due to the primary ingredient being cashews, this brittle is not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. However, you can explore alternatives by using seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a similar crunch, but the flavor will differ from traditional nut-based brittles.
Delicious Cashew Brittle: Your Quick Sweet Snack Solution
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet by lining it with parchment paper and greasing the spatula with unsalted butter.
- Combine Granulated Sugar, Water, Unsalted Butter, and Light Corn Syrup in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir gently until it reaches a boil.
- Continue cooking without stirring until mixture reaches hard crack stage at 300°F (149°C).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in Baking Soda; mixture will foam up.
- Mix in Roasted and Salted Cashews until fully coated.
- Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle Flaky Sea Salt over the warm cashew brittle.
- Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, break into pieces for serving.
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