Description
This homemade Cashew Brittle is a delicious, crunchy, and sweet treat. Perfect for holiday gifting or as an afternoon snack, it combines cashews with a buttery caramelized sugar coating. This recipe is quick and easy, with minimal ingredients, but the results are absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Scale
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 ¼ cups cashew halves and pieces
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or heavy-duty foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray. Also, spray a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl and a table knife with cooking spray. Heat the baking sheet in the oven to make spreading the brittle easier.
- Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In the prepared bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir until it thickens. Microwave the mixture on high for 3½ minutes until it turns clear and light in color.
- Add Cashews: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and mix in the cashew halves and pieces. Microwave for an additional 3 minutes until the mixture turns light golden brown.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter is fully melted. Microwave for another 1 minute until the mixture reaches a medium amber color.
- Add Baking Soda: Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the mixture and stir gently. The mixture will foam and change to a caramel color.
- Pour and Spread: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and pour the brittle mixture onto it. Spread the brittle thinly using a spatula that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- Cool and Break Into Pieces: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, break it into pieces.
- Store: Store the Cashew Brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Notes
- Make sure to work quickly when spreading the brittle, as it sets fast once it cools.
- Use fresh cashews for the best flavor and texture.
- This brittle makes a great homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays.
- Be careful when handling the hot mixture as it can cause burns.
- If you don’t have a silicone mat, parchment paper can also work.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg