Indulge in the sweet, nutty goodness of Maple Cashew Brittle, a delectable treat that combines the rich flavor of maple syrup with crunchy cashews.
This irresistible brittle is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or gifting to loved ones during the holiday season.
With its crunchy texture and delightful maple aroma, this homemade brittle is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, this Maple Cashew Brittle is guaranteed to delight your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup cashews (lightly toasted)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, maple syrup, and water.
Stir gently to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, without stirring, until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
This will take about 10-15 minutes.
Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the toasted cashews, unsalted butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer.
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until hardened, about 30-60 minutes.
Once cooled and hardened, break the brittle into pieces using your hands or a knife.
Store the Maple Cashew Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Nutritional Facts
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Serving size: 1 ounce (approximately 1/8 of the recipe)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 25mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can substitute cashews with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts to create different variations of brittle.
2. Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is recommended for precise temperature control, you can still make brittle by closely monitoring the color and consistency of the sugar syrup. It should turn a golden amber color and form threads when drizzled from a spoon.
3. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the brittle?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor of your brittle by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
4. How do I prevent the brittle from sticking to the baking sheet?
Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will help prevent the brittle from sticking to the baking sheet. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray for extra insurance.
5. Can I double the recipe to make a larger batch of brittle?
Yes, you can double or even triple the ingredients to make a larger batch of Maple Cashew Brittle. Just make sure to use a larger saucepan to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.