Grandma's Classic Nut Brittle

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

This homemade nut brittle is a salty-sweet treat that’s easy to whip up. Butter, sugar, and light corn syrup melt into the perfect base for crunchy almonds and peanuts. A candy thermometer ensures that golden, crispy texture. This crowd-pleaser is great for snacking or gifting, especially around the holidays!

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:11:23 GMT
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Classic nut brittle treat | tastyhush.com
Crunchy Nut Brittle always brings back good memories and is awesome for get-togethers. Mixing peanuts and almonds keeps it snappy and fun—folks can’t get enough.

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup salted peanuts: They add a savory bite that goes well with all the sweetness.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda: Mixing this in makes bubbles so the finished treat stays nice and light.
  • ⅓ cup water: Gives the syrup the right texture to combine everything smoothly.
  • ½ cup light corn syrup: You’ll find this helps keep things soft till you’re ready to break it up.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: This is what turns golden and crisp for the classic sweet crunch.
  • ½ cup almond slices: Almonds bring a nutty touch and more crunchiness.
  • ½ cup salted butter: Melting this first makes sure everything ends up creamy and rich.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 8:
Set your pan aside and wait about 30 minutes while the treat cools. Once it’s hard, snap it up and enjoy.
Step 7:
Pour that bubbly mix onto your parchment-lined sheet real quick, then use a spatula to spread it thin.
Step 6:
Now toss in the almond slices and salted peanuts, stirring so it all gets coated nicely.
Step 5:
Once you hit 300°F, dump in the baking soda and give it a fast mix. It’ll puff up right away.
Step 4:
Stick your candy thermometer in and keep stirring. You’re aiming for 300°F—usually takes 15 minutes.
Step 3:
Pour in the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Keep stirring until the sugar disappears, just a couple minutes.
Step 2:
Start by melting the butter in a big saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with parchment, get everything measured, and place all your stuff close to the stove.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Skip the fridge or your brittle might end up sticky instead of crunchy.
  • Keep it in a sealed container on your counter and you’ll have fresh brittle for two weeks.
  • Pack it in cute bags or tins—makes a great gift for friends or neighbors.

Helpful Notes

  • A candy thermometer is a must if you want that perfect snap—don’t skip it.
  • Go wild with other nuts like pecans or cashews if you’re looking for a new spin.
  • Dial down the peanuts and up the almonds if your sweet tooth is calling.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • If you want a deeper taste, Martha Stewart swears by top-notch butter.
  • Jacques Pépin says to keep stirring so nothing burns—don’t stop.
  • Ina Garten loves tossing in a splash of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS

  • Crowd-pleasing, salty-sweet snacks that double as holiday gifts.
  • All you need are basics from your kitchen and it takes just a little time.
  • Every bite mixes salty and sweet—folks always ask for more.

VARIATIONS

  • Swap in cashews or walnuts if you want to change things up.
  • Stir in chocolate chips after you spread it out—yum, chocolate crunch.
  • Drop in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you like it warm and spicy.

Grandma's Nut Brittle

This nut brittle combines almonds and peanuts with a sugar base for a crunchy, sweet fix. A delightful treat for any gathering!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 sheet of brittle)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ cup salted peanuts.
02 ½ teaspoon baking soda.
03 ⅓ cup water.
04 ½ cup light corn syrup.
05 ¾ cup granulated sugar.
06 ½ cup salted butter.
07 ½ cup almond slices.

Instructions

Step 01

Put parchment paper on a rimmed baking tray and set it aside. Have all your ingredients nearby and ready to go.

Step 02

Use medium-high heat to melt the butter in a large saucepan.

Step 03

After the butter melts, add sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Step 04

Clip on a candy thermometer, keep stirring often, and wait for the mixture to reach 300°F. This should take roughly 15 minutes.

Step 05

Once it hits 300°F, stir in the baking soda quickly.

Step 06

Immediately mix in almonds and peanuts, then pour it all onto your prepared baking tray. Spread it out evenly.

Step 07

Allow the brittle to cool completely, about 30 minutes. Then, break it into pieces.

Notes

  1. Be prepared! Once the candy reaches the right temperature, you’ll need to move fast.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g