Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe (2024)

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Pecan brittle recipe is the perfect candy treat for the holidays with a deep buttery flavor. The brittle recipe, made with only a few ingredients adds a fun dish to your dessert table.

An Easy Recipe

Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe (1)

Butter pecan brittle is an easy recipe that is great for parties and gifts. I am going to go so far and say I think this is the best pecan brittle recipe.

If you’re nervous about making the brittle, have faith. Candy making doesn’t have to be hard. It’s a recipe that is easy to make.

What Is Pecan Brittle?

Pecan brittle is very similar to peanut brittle, but with pecans. The pecans give it a bit of a different flavor. And if you love pecans, you will love this recipe.

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Pecan Brittle Ingredient List

  • Granulated sugar
  • Light corn syrup
  • Water
  • Chopped pecans
  • Salt
  • Butter
  • Baking soda

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

How To Make The Pecan Brittle

  1. Combine sugar and light corn syrup in a medium or large saucepan and cook on medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chopped pecans and stir to coat.
  3. Next, pour the water into the pan and mix.
  4. Add the salt and mix well.
  5. Place the thermometer in the pan and cook until the mixture reaches 275-degrees, stirring often.
  6. Once the candy reaches 275-degrees, remove it from the burner and stir in the butter and baking soda.
  7. Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet pan and spread out.
  8. Leave the cookie sheet on a heat-safe counter or stovetop, until the brittle cools for at least one hour, or until it is room temperature.
  9. Break the pecan brittle recipe into pieces.
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Start by adding the sugar to a medium saucepan or a large saucepan. You will want to cook on medium-high heat for this recipe.

Be sure you have a medium or large saucepan because as the brittle cooks, it will bubble up and you don’t want it bubbling over.

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Next, pour the light corn syrup into the saucepan with the sugar and stir the sugar mixture together.

The sugar dissolves as it cooks.

For this recipe, I used a spatula to stir the ingredients. A wooden spoon will work, as well.

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Add the pecans to the pan and give it all a good stir.

If this is your first time making pecan brittle, it will seem like there’s not enough liquid. But, it will begin to bubble up more as it cooks and once you add the butter and baking soda at the end, it will grow and there will be plenty.

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Pour the water into the pan.

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Sprinkle the salt into the pan.

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Place the candy thermometer on the side of the pan.

Be sure not to allow the thermometer to touch the bottom of the pan or you will get an incorrect reading.

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You are going to cook the recipe until it reaches 275-degrees, which is getting up into the candy stage.

You are getting it a little hotter than the hard ball stage, but not quite as hot as the crack stage.

If your candy isn’t boiling, go ahead increase heat a little more.

It’s going to take about 10 minutes or so to get to 275-degrees.

Be sure to stir often so it doesn’t burn on the bottom.

If you don’t have a thermometer you can use the cold cup water method to test the doneness of the candy by dropping some in as it gets hotter.

I am not great at this method, so I like to use a thermometer.

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Once you reach 275-degrees, remove the pan from the stovetop and add the butter. Mix until the butter is melted.

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Finally, add the baking soda to the saucepan and mix. For this step, you need to stir fast and get it mixed in well.

Once the baking soda starts working and it foams up you need to get it onto the cookie pan and spread out fairly quickly.

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Spread the pecan brittle onto a greased cookie sheet.

You don’t need to spread it to the edges or it will be too much of a thin layer. It’s pretty bubbly at this point but starts to cool down fast, so don’t get sidetracked by anything (speaking from experience).

It will be foamy looking, but will get shiny and smooth as it cools.

I usually use a 9-inch by 13-inch prepared baking sheet or one that is a little smaller. Either one will work well.

I also used a rimmed baking sheet so I didn’t have candy oozing off the sides.

Before I even start cooking the brittle, I get the cookie sheet ready and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

You can use parchment paper if you’d like to, but it is a little harder to spread the candy and not fight the paper at the same time.

Be sure you have the cookie sheet on a counter that can handle the heat because the cookie sheet will get very, very hot on the bottom and the sides.

And, don’t be tempted to touch it until it totally cools off because you will burn your finger.

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Allow the pecan brittle recipe to cool. I usually give it at least an hour to get to room temperature and harden.

If you go to break the brittle and it’s kind of bendy, give it more time to cool and harden.

The brittle will be a dark golden brown color.

I’ve had a few people ask if I used brown sugar because of the darker flavor. Amazingly, we only use white sugar in this recipe.

After talking with someone, we thought the oils from the pecans gave the recipe a deeper flavor and added to the darker color.

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Once the candy pecan brittle cools, you can break it up into small or large pieces.

The recipe makes quite a bit and you can hand out at least four or five small Ziplock size bags as gifts.

You can also go to the dollar store and find some cute holiday tins to store the brittle in for friends and family.

How do I store the easy pecan brittle recipe?

Store the recipe in an airtight container on the counter. You can use Ziplock bags, a Tupperware container, or any container that seals.

Can I make a second batch at the same time?

Yes, you don’t have to stop with the first batch! You can double the ingredients for a second batch and make it all at the same time.

Just make sure you have a large saucepan to cook the ingredients, as well as a second cookie sheet to pour the brittle onto.

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More Delicious Dessert Recipes

  • Peanut brittle – this recipe is almost identical to the pecan brittle. It’s super easy to make and perfect for gift giving.
  • Maple syrup fudge with walnuts – the recipe is a rich and decadent treat for the holidays.
  • Easy Christmas Toffee – the recipe is made with brown sugar, crackers, and a few other simple ingredients for a candy treat that is fantastic.
  • Rock candy – this is such a fun recipe and you can create all different types of colors.
  • Turtle candy recipe – The recipe is made with three ingredients for a chocolate, caramel, and pecan combo that’s super delish.
  • Southern praline pecans – praline pecans are a wonderful treat any time of year, but especially around the holidays.
  • Homemade toffee bits from Handle The Heat – this fun recipe is easy, delicious, and the kids will love it.

Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe

Check out the pecan brittle recipebelow, grab those ingredients, and start cooking! The final product is a delicious treat that everyone will love, especially on special occasions.

Then, share your comments below andshare a picture of yourpecan brittleon the Pinterest Pin! If you made any changes or added something different, be sure to share it with us so we can try it, too!

Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe (16)

Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe

Yield: 30 pieces

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Pecan brittle recipe is the perfect candy treat for the holidays with a sweet buttery flavor. The brittle recipe, made with only a few ingredients adds a fun dish to your dessert table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 12 ounces chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Tablespoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Grease a cookie sheet and set it aside.
  2. Add the sugar and light corn syrup to a medium to large saucepan and mix. Turn the burner on medium-high heat.
  3. Next, add the chopped pecans, water, and salt and stir to coat.
  4. Place the candy thermometer into the pan and cook until the thermometer reaches 275-degrees, stirring often.
  5. Once the thermometer reaches 275-degrees, remove it from the pan, remove the pan from on top of the burner, and stir in the butter until melted.
  6. Add the baking soda and mix well (it will foam up some).
  7. Quickly pour the pecan brittle onto the prepared cookie sheet and spread it out.
  8. Allow the pecan brittle to cool for at least one hour. (It will smooth out and get shiny as it cools).
  9. Break the pecan brittle into pieces.

Notes

TIP: Be sure to use a medium or large saucepan for the mixture as it will boil as it cooks.

TIP: Make sure you place the cookie sheet on a heat-proof counter or on a safe place as the mixture will be very hot.

TIP: Make sure the candy thermometer doesn't touch the bottom of the pan as it will give you an incorrect reading.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 30Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 143Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 157mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 1gSugar: 16gProtein: 1g

Nutrition is approximate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Julie Pollitt( Blogger Behind Back To My Southern Roots )

Hi there! I’m Julie Pollitt from ‘Back To My Southern Roots.’ My love for cooking started way back on my grandparents’ farm in Tennessee. Those sunny days, the smell of biscuits in the oven, and all the family fun really sparked my passion for cooking. On my blog, I share more than just recipes – they’re like stories from my life, full of Southern warmth and homey goodness. The best part? Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a kitchen pro, you’ll find my recipes super easy to whip up. So, come on, pull up a chair, and let’s make some delicious memories!

Easy Pecan Brittle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is pecan brittle made of? ›

In a nonstick saucepan, heat and stir sugar, corn syrup, water and salt over medium heat until sugar has dissolved. Over high heat, using a candy thermometer, cook sugar mixture to a hard crack stage (290 °F). Add pecans and butter and cook to 300 °F stirring all the time to keep the nuts from burning.

Why is baking soda added to nut brittle? ›

Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches 300 degrees F or hard crack stage. What does baking soda do to peanut brittle? Adding a little baking soda aerates the peanut brittle causing it to expand slightly for a crunchy texture that won't break your teeth when you chew it.

What is the difference between praline and brittle? ›

Pralines have a lot in common with nut brittle, with the difference being mostly in the addition of cream and the cooking temperature––the sugary syrup used to coat pralines is heated to a soft-ball consistency, a lower temperature than the hard-crack stage of peanut brittle.

Why is my pecan brittle chewy? ›

This is a temperature issue. Make sure the candy reaches exactly 300ºF / 149ºC, which is hard crack stage, before pouring onto baking sheet. See “Equipment Used to Make Peanut Brittle” for my recommended thermometer. If you're peanut brittle is still chewy after it cools, you may be able to save it!

Is brittle the same as toffee? ›

Brittles are typically composed mostly of sugar, while toffees contain a fair amount of butter and in some cases milk. This makes toffees fuller and richer in taste, while brittles are more purely sweet and sugary. Brittles are also much thinner than most toffees.

Does brittle need to be refrigerated? ›

Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month to maintain the crisp. Moisture in the refrigerator would soften the brittle.

Why is my brittle not hardening? ›

If your peanut brittle is not hardening, it's because the sugar mixture did not get hot enough to properly caramelize, cool and become hard, crisp and crunchy. If you have this issue, next time, use a thermometer to make sure the peanut brittle mixture gets to 300°F.

Why won t my peanut brittle get hard? ›

If the brittle does not reach a hard crack stage (300F degrees) it will not set up and harden properly. Also, the correct pan size matters. If your pan is too small then the brittle mixture will be too thick and won't be able to harden up properly. If you like it to have a more salty flavor, you can use salted peanuts.

Can you overcook peanut brittle? ›

Use a candy thermometer!

If you overcook the brittle, it could be bitter or burnt. If you undercook it, the brittle won't properly set and the end result will be sticky.

What is the difference between praline and pecan brittle? ›

Pecan Pralines are soft in texture while Brittle is extremely hard and cracks in your mouth. Pralines are made with brown sugar and heavy whipping creams while Brittle uses white sugar and corn syrup.

Why did my brittle crystallize? ›

If the syrup is not cooked to the correct temperature or if it cools too quickly, it can lead to crystallization. Using a reliable candy thermometer can help ensure the right temperature is reached. 4. **Humidity**: High humidity can affect the texture and appearance of peanut brittle.

Why are my pralines gritty? ›

These are creamy. The grit comes from hitting a temp other than exactly soft ball. They are fun to make and if you are doing a single batch (about 24 to 36 pralines) you can knock out a batch in about 1/2 hour, start to finish.

How do you store pecan brittle? ›

#1 - Store in an airtight container

Quality options include glass containers with lids or plastic storage dishes with snap-on tops. As long as they keep out air, it should work perfectly for storing brittle.

Why is my pecan candy not hardening? ›

If you beat too long, the candy will seize and start to crumble. If you don't beat it long enough, then pralines won't set properly and will stay soft and sticky.

Do you have to let pecans dry before cracking? ›

Because pecans often contain lots of moisture when they first fall, they'll need to dry. Pecans are laid in a shallow sheet layer and dried in a warm space for around two weeks. You can use fans or heat to help speed the process up.

What is brittle made of? ›

Brittle is a kind of smooth, crisp candy made by stirring toasted nuts into a sugar mixture cooked to the hard crack or caramel stage, then turned out onto an oiled surface to cool. Peanut brittle is the most popular type of brittle.

What is pecan candy made of? ›

Southern pecan pralines are a sweet candy confection that is made with pecans, sugar, butter, and some form of dairy. I've seen pecan praline recipes using milk, cream, half-and-half, evaporated milk, and even buttermilk.

What makes a brittle? ›

Brittleness is a material property that describes its tendency to fracture with little to no plastic deformation when stress is applied to it. Brittle behavior results when atoms in a material cannot slip past each other while maintaining the overall integrity of the atomic lattice structure.

Is pecan a hard or soft wood? ›

Pecan is a hardwood. Unfortunately, many people do not consider it a true hardwood, given its low density. However, the term hardwood refers to trees that shed leaves during fall. Because pecan does not retain its leaves all year round, it is hardwood.

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