Salted Almond Brittle is a delicious and crunchy snack that’s perfect for satisfying both sweet and salty cravings. Made with roasted almonds, caramelized sugar, honey, and a pinch of salt, this easy brittle recipe comes together in no time and makes a great homemade gift. The rich caramel coating and roasted almonds provide the perfect balance of flavors, while the hint of salt adds an irresistible contrast. Once the mixture has cooled and set, the brittle is broken into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for snacking or sharing at parties. It’s also an excellent addition to a holiday gift basket!
Salted Almond Brittle is a delightful, crunchy treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of salt. This easy-to-make brittle combines roasted almonds with caramelized sugar, honey, and a touch of vanilla to create a deliciously rich snack. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or as a homemade gift, this brittle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this tasty treat.
INGREDIENTS
- Roasted Almonds: You’ll need 2 cups of roasted almonds for this recipe. The roasted flavor adds a rich, nutty crunch to the brittle.
- Sugar: 2 cups of sugar will be melted down to create the caramel base that holds the brittle together.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the flavor and adds a warm, rich aroma to the brittle.
- Honey: 1 cup of honey is added to the caramel for a touch of natural sweetness and extra richness.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is sprinkled over the brittle at the end to provide a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and almonds.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tray
- Start by lining a flat baking tray with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brittle once it has cooled and hardened. Set the tray aside for now.
- Step 2: Roast the Almonds
- In a large pan, gently warm the almonds over medium heat until they are slightly golden. This will enhance their nutty flavor and give the brittle a rich, roasted taste. Set the almonds aside once roasted.
- Step 3: Melt the Sugar
- In the same pan, add 2 cups of sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar completely melts and turns into a smooth liquid, resembling a honey-like consistency. This process should take about 20 minutes, so be patient and stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Step 4: Add Honey and Vanilla
- Once the sugar has melted, stir in 1 cup of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep stirring as the mixture bubbles and thickens. These ingredients will add depth of flavor and richness to the caramel.
- Step 5: Incorporate the Almonds
- Now, add the roasted almonds to the caramel mixture. Stir everything together until the almonds are fully coated with the sweet, sticky caramel. Turn off the heat once the almonds are evenly mixed in.
- Step 6: Pour and Set the Brittle
- Pour the caramel-almond mixture onto the prepared baking tray, spreading it out into an even layer. Before it cools, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top to give it that irresistible sweet and salty contrast. Let the brittle cool completely to set.
- Step 7: Break into Pieces
- Once the brittle has hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife. For a cleaner look, you can use a knife to score the brittle and then tap it with a pestle to break it into neat squares or shards.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Salted Almond Brittle as a delightful snack at parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat during the holidays.
- This brittle also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Simply package it in a decorative tin or glass jar, tied with a ribbon, and it’s ready to share with friends and family.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, making it a great make-ahead treat.
- If the weather is particularly humid, you may want to add a small packet of silica gel (used for keeping foods dry) inside the container to prevent the brittle from getting sticky.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute other types of nuts for the almonds. Pecans, cashews, or even a mix of different nuts will all work well in this recipe.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar while it's melting. This will give the brittle a warm, spiced undertone.
- Make sure to use a good quality honey for the best flavor. The natural sweetness of the honey complements the caramel and almonds perfectly.
Tips from well-known chefs
- Martha Stewart: Always use a heavy-bottomed pan for making brittle to ensure even heating and prevent burning during the caramelization process.
- Ina Garten: Add a pinch of sea salt right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture contrast.
- Thomas Keller: For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the set brittle before breaking it into pieces.