Indulge in the sweet crunchiness of homemade pecan brittle with this easy-to-follow recipe. Packed with the buttery goodness of pecans and caramelized sugar, this delightful treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or making a thoughtful handmade gift for loved ones. Let’s dive into making this delicious Easy Pecan Brittle!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups pecan halves
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Your Baking Sheet:** Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside for later use.
2. **Toast the Pecans:** In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecan halves for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the skillet and roughly chop them. Set them aside.
3. **Create the Brittle Mixture:** In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
4. **Cook the Mixture:** Increase the heat to medium-high and clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan. Cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This should take about 10-15 minutes.
5. **Add in Butter and Pecans:** Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
6. **Add Baking Soda:** Sprinkle the baking soda over the mixture and stir quickly. The mixture will foam up — this is normal.
7. **Spread the Brittle:** Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to quickly spread it out into an even layer. Work fast, as the mixture will harden quickly.
8. **Cool and Break Apart:** Allow the brittle to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until completely hardened. Once cooled, use your hands or a kitchen mallet to break the brittle into bite-sized pieces.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Store the pecan brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Enjoy the sweet and nutty goodness on its own or use it to top your favorite desserts.
Creating this Easy Pecan Brittle is a simple and rewarding way to add a touch of homemade sweetness to your life. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with others, this recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this delightful pecan brittle!
