Toasted Almond Brittle Recipe

Quick & Heavenly Toasted Almond Brittle Recipe You’ll Love

Toasted almond brittle whispers sweet promises of crispy, caramelized delight.

Crafted with precision and passion, this confection upgrades ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary sensory experience.

Nutty aromas dance through your kitchen as golden sugars melt and upgrade.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike find magic in these simple yet sophisticated techniques.

The delicate balance between crunch and sweetness creates an irresistible treat that tingles taste buds.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises a moment of pure culinary joy that elevates everyday snacking.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Crunch in Almond Brittle

  • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, raw almonds with a crisp texture to ensure maximum flavor and crunch in your brittle.
  • Watch Microwave Timing: Monitor the heating process carefully to prevent burning, as sugar can quickly caramelize and turn bitter.
  • Stir Consistently: Mix the ingredients thoroughly during microwaving to distribute heat evenly and achieve a uniform golden color.
  • Prepare Workspace: Have all ingredients measured and tools ready before starting, as the brittle-making process moves quickly once sugar heats up.
  • Cool Completely: Let the brittle cool entirely at room temperature to guarantee a satisfying snap and crisp texture when breaking into pieces.

How to Keep Toasted Almond Brittle Crisp for Days

  • Refrigerate your Toasted Almond Brittle in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, the brittle will maintain its crisp texture for up to two weeks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity. Seal the container tightly to protect against moisture, which can make the candy soft and chewy. Freeze extra batches by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer-safe container for storage up to three months. Thaw frozen brittle at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore its satisfying crunch. Avoid microwaving or using heat to defrost, as this can cause the candy to become sticky or lose its delicate texture.

Tasty Combos with Toasted Almond Brittle

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Companions: Serve this crunchy almond brittle alongside a velvety latte or cappuccino, where the rich, smooth coffee beautifully contrasts the sweet, crisp texture of the brittle.
  • Match with Dessert Wine Delight: Complement the caramel notes with a glass of golden moscato or a light tawny port, enhancing the almond's nutty flavor and providing a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Combine with Vanilla Ice Cream Treat: Crumble the brittle over a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent dessert where the cool creaminess meets the warm, crunchy caramelized almonds.
  • Enjoy with Herbal Tea Harmony: Sip on a delicate chamomile or green tea that cuts through the sweetness of the brittle, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Unique Spins on Toasted Almond Brittle You’ll Want to Try

  • Nutty Crunch Blast: Swap almonds with a mix of pecans, cashews, and pumpkin seeds for a multi-textured brittle with rich, complex flavors.
  • Spiced Caramel Snap: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sugar mixture for a warming, slightly spicy brittle that tingles the taste buds.
  • Chocolate-Drizzled Dream: After the brittle cools, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top and sprinkle sea salt for an indulgent, gourmet-style treat that balances sweet and salty notes.
  • Tropical Brittle Fusion: Replace almonds with toasted macadamia nuts and add a splash of coconut extract for a Hawaiian-inspired version that transports you to a sunny beach.

Why Toasted Almond Brittle Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

  • Quicken Sweet Cravings: This microwave-friendly almond brittle delivers lightning-fast dessert satisfaction, transforming basic ingredients into a crunchy, caramelized treat in under 15 minutes.
  • Texture Party in Your Mouth: Experience a delightful crunch from perfectly toasted almonds combined with a shattering, glassy caramel base that breaks into delicate, irregular pieces with amazing sensory appeal.
  • Foolproof Flavor Adventure: Requires minimal cooking skills and standard kitchen tools, making this recipe accessible for beginners while producing a gourmet-looking confection that impresses everyone with its professional-quality results.
  • Versatile Snack Superstar: Enjoy as a standalone sweet treat, crumble over ice cream, or package as a homemade gift – this brittle transforms effortlessly between casual munching and elegant dessert accompaniment.

Ingredients That Make Toasted Almond Brittle Perfect

Main Ingredients:

Sugar, Light Corn Syrup:
  • Sugar: The primary sweetener that caramelizes and provides the classic brittle texture and golden color.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and creates a smooth, glossy finish for the brittle.
Almonds:
  • Almonds: Crunchy nuts that add rich flavor and protein, providing texture and a classic nutty taste to the brittle.

Supporting Ingredients:

Butter:
  • Butter: Adds richness, helps create a smooth texture, and enhances the overall flavor of the brittle.
Vanilla Extract:
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, subtle background flavor that complements the caramel and nuts.
Salt:
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the brittle.

Finishing Ingredient:

Baking Soda:
  • Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture by causing the brittle to foam and become slightly porous when added to the hot mixture.

How to Whip Up Toasted Almond Brittle at Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Create Sugar Base

In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup

Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes until mixture becomes clear and bubbly.

Step 3: Add Almonds

Stir almonds into the sugar mixture. Microwave on HIGH for 3 additional minutes, stirring every minute until achieving a light caramel color.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Mix in:
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Microwave on HIGH for 1½ minutes until mixture reaches a peanut butter-like color.

Step 5: Create Brittle Texture

Carefully stir in baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam and become light and airy.

Step 6: Spread Brittle

Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly, creating a layer approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Cool and Break

Let the brittle rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Once completely cooled, break into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a kitchen tool.

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Toasted Almond Brittle Recipe

Toasted Almond Brittle Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crisp, nutty Toasted Almond Brittle delivers a sweet crunch that whispers Spanish culinary tradition. Caramelized sugar and golden almonds create a delicate confection perfect for sharing with friends who savor delightful homemade treats.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (120 ml) lightly-colored corn syrup
  • ⅛ teaspoon (0.6 ml) salt

Nuts:

  • ¾ cup (90 g) coarsely chopped almonds, toasted

Flavor and Texture Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine granulated sugar and corn syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, mixing thoroughly until well integrated.
  3. Heat the sugar mixture in the microwave on high power for 3 minutes, watching as it transforms into a clear, bubbling liquid.
  4. Gently fold whole almonds into the hot syrup, continuing to microwave for an additional 3 minutes, pausing to stir every 60 seconds until the mixture develops a light golden caramel hue.
  5. Carefully add unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the caramelized mixture, microwaving for approximately 1½ minutes until the color resembles rich peanut butter.
  6. Sprinkle baking soda into the molten mixture, stirring gently to incorporate, which will cause the brittle to foam and expand slightly.
  7. Immediately pour the hot, aerated mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, using a heat-resistant spatula to spread it evenly to a uniform 1/4-inch (6 millimeters) thickness.
  8. Allow the brittle to cool and solidify at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes, then break into irregular, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a clean kitchen tool.

Notes

  • Microwave magic transforms ordinary ingredients into a golden, crunchy treat that crackles with sweet almond flavor.
  • Precise timing and careful stirring ensure the sugar syrup develops a rich caramel color without burning.
  • Baking soda creates delightful bubbles, giving the brittle its signature light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Parchment paper becomes your best friend, making removal and cleanup a breeze after crafting this addictive confection.
  • Cooling the brittle completely lets it set into a perfectly crisp, breakable candy that’s impossible to resist.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Microwaving
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 155
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 45 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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