Holiday Macadamia Nut Brittle
Celebrate the season with the irresistible crunch and buttery sweetness of Holiday Macadamia Nut Brittle! This gourmet twist on a classic treat features rich, golden caramel infused with the delicate flavor of macadamia nuts, creating a luxurious candy perfect for gifting or indulging. With simple pantry ingredients like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a hint of vanilla, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy holiday schedules. A sprinkle of sea salt adds an optional pop of flavor, balancing the brittle’s sweetness with a tantalizing contrast. Whether you’re crafting homemade gifts or seeking a festive treat for your dessert table, this easy-to-make brittle is guaranteed to impress with its delightful texture and decadent taste. Perfect for the holidays or any occasion, this brittle is a must-try recipe for candy lovers!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups macadamia nuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir the mixture gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom. Do not stir the mixture while it boils.
Boil until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely as the mixture can burn quickly at this stage.
Once the temperature is reached, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, macadamia nuts, and vanilla extract. Mix carefully but quickly.
Add the baking soda and stir to combine. The mixture will foam and expand slightly—this is normal and creates the brittle's airy texture.
Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out with a spatula to an even thickness. Work quickly before it hardens.
If desired, sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the brittle while it's still warm for an extra flavor boost.
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, about 1 hour. Once hardened, break it into pieces as desired.
Store the macadamia nut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 224.9 g | 288% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.4 g | 227% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2783 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 611.9 g | 223% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.1 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 589.1 g | ||
| Protein | 20.8 g | 42% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 199 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 974 mg | 21% | |
*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.
