Croccante Italian Almond Brittle
Indulge in the sweet, nutty crunch of Croccante, a classic Italian almond brittle that combines simplicity with unforgettable flavor. Made with golden toasted almonds enveloped in a rich caramel made from sugar, honey, and a hint of lemon juice, this traditional treat is a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this easy homemade brittle delivers authentic Italian charm that’s ideal for gifting, snacking, or serving as an elegant holiday dessert. The addition of lemon juice provides a subtle brightness that enhances the deep, amber caramel, while a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures a perfectly smooth brittle every time. Break it into bite-sized shards and enjoy a crisp, satisfying texture that melts into sweet perfection. This gluten-free, make-ahead favorite is a timeless confection that captures the heart of Italian cuisine.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams Granulated sugar
- 150 grams Whole almonds
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 3 tablespoons Water
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Butter (optional, for greasing)
Instructions
Begin by toasting the almonds. Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently for about 5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.
In a medium-sized saucepan, add the granulated sugar, honey, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture come to a boil. Do not stir at this stage to avoid crystallization. You can swirl the pan gently if needed.
Cook the sugar mixture until it turns a deep amber color, about 7-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Once the caramel reaches the desired color, quickly stir in the toasted almonds and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to coat the almonds in the caramel.
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a greased spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer.
Allow the croccante to cool completely at room temperature, about 30-40 minutes. It will harden as it cools.
Once fully cooled, break the croccante into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife.
Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1788 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 78.9 g | 101% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.3 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 36 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 267.6 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 241.0 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 413 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1100 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
