Winter Nut and Cranberry Brittle Recipe
This Winter Brittle recipe combines a delightful mix of almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries with a rich, caramelized sugar and honey base. The result is a crunchy, sweet treat perfect for holiday snacking or gift-giving, offering a perfect balance of nutty flavors and a touch of fruity tartness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Seeds
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup cashews
- 3/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
Syrup Base
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup golden brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Others
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the brittle later. Alternatively, a silicone baking mat can be used.
- Make Sugar Mixture: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, honey, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugars completely dissolve.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue cooking the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, approximately 15-20 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Butter: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated, enriching the syrup.
- Combine Nuts and Seeds: Immediately stir in almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. Work quickly as the mixture will begin to harden.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Cool and Harden: Allow the brittle to cool completely and harden for at least 1-2 hours, until firm.
- Break into Pieces: Once cooled, lift the brittle out using the parchment overhang and break it into irregular pieces for serving or gifting.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches the correct hard crack temperature for crunchiness.
- Work quickly when mixing nuts into hot syrup to prevent premature hardening.
- Store brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- For a variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract during the syrup stage.
Keywords: Winter Brittle, Nut Brittle, Holiday Treat, Caramel Candy, Almonds, Cashews, Pumpkin Seeds, Dried Cranberries, Sweet Snack
