Grandma's Crunchy Sweet Nut

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

This nostalgic brittle brings warmth and sweetness to your table. A buttery, sugary base with salted almonds and peanuts creates an irresistible crunch. Super simple with just a thermometer for that flawless texture. Perfect for holidays or anytime snacking!

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:14:06 GMT
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Sweet Nut Brittle Treat | tasteofsavor.com
Bring back sweet memories with this crunchy classic packed with almonds and peanuts. This old-school treat is great for snacking any time and has an awesome snap everyone digs.

INGREDIENTS

  • ½ cup salted peanuts: Peanuts throw in some salty flavor and a crunchy bite every time you munch.
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda: When tossed in, baking soda helps the candy puff and turn light.
  • ¼ cup almond slices: Almonds bring a nutty taste and crispy goodness in every chunk.
  • ⅓ cup water: Mixes with sugar to make that sweet and sticky syrup that holds it all together.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sugar melts down and gives you that irresistible caramel crunch.
  • ½ cup salted butter: Butter makes things creamy and adds a rich flavor base.
  • ½ cup light corn syrup: This makes the mix smooth so you can easily spread it before it hardens.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 8:
Let it cool down all the way for about 30 minutes. Crack into pieces once it's firm and dive in.
Step 7:
Quickly pour the hot mix onto your lined pan and spread it flat using a spatula or knife.
Step 6:
Toss in both the peanuts and almonds, making sure they're mixed in well.
Step 5:
At 300°F on your thermometer, dump in the baking soda for a foamy, bubbly stir.
Step 4:
Clip on your candy thermometer, keep stirring, and let everything bubble until you hit 300°F. This usually takes 15 minutes or so.
Step 3:
Once your butter's melted, add the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir and let the sugar melt in—it should only take a couple of minutes.
Step 2:
Grab a big saucepan and melt the butter over medium-high heat.
Step 1:
Line a baking sheet with parchment and get all your stuff laid out and ready by the stove.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Avoid chilling your brittle in the fridge since it will go sticky—keep it dry at room temp for best crunch.
  • If you want to give it to someone, pop it in a cute tin or little bag for an easy treat.
  • Stash your brittle in a sealed container right on the counter and it'll stay great for up to 2 weeks.

Helpful Notes

  • Feel free to swap in pecans, cashews, or any other nut if you're not into almonds.
  • Cut down on peanuts and boost the almond amount if you've got a major sweet tooth.
  • Don't skip the candy thermometer—it keeps things foolproof and gets the crunch just right.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Sticking with top-quality butter will boost the taste, according to Martha Stewart.
  • Chef Jacques Pépin says you've gotta keep mixing so nothing burns while it's cooking.
  • Ina Garten likes to throw in a splash of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS

  • You'll toss this together fast with stuff already in your pantry—no need to shop.
  • It's got that perfect salty-sweet thing going and disappears at any party.
  • Makes a killer gift or holiday snack everyone wants to share.

VARIATIONS

  • Sometimes it's fun to toss in walnuts or cashews for a change of pace.
  • Want a cozier vibe? Add a dash of cinnamon or even nutmeg to spice things up.
  • Sprinkle chocolate chips on top while it's still warm—melts in for a tasty twist.

Crunchy Sweet Treat

This timeless crunchy treat marries almonds, peanuts, and sweet caramelized sugar. Great for sharing!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 brittle sheet)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 ½ cup almond slices.
02 ½ cup salted butter.
03 ⅓ cup water.
04 ¾ cup granulated sugar.
05 ½ cup light corn syrup.
06 ½ teaspoon baking soda.
07 ½ cup salted peanuts.

Instructions

Step 01

Cover your baking sheet with parchment and leave it nearby. Get everything measured out and within arm's reach before starting.

Step 02

Heat up your butter in a big saucepan over medium-high heat until it's melted completely.

Step 03

Add sugar, water, and corn syrup to the melted butter. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until all the sugar dissolves.

Step 04

Clip on the candy thermometer and cook while stirring now and then. Wait for it to reach 300°F, which can take about 15 minutes.

Step 05

Once you've reached 300°F, stir the baking soda into your mixture quickly.

Step 06

Stir in the almonds and peanuts without wasting time, then pour everything onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly.

Step 07

Give it roughly 30 minutes to cool down completely. Then crack it into smaller pieces.

Notes

  1. Have everything prepped and on hand before starting. You'll need to act fast once the candy mix hits the right temperature.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
  • Protein: 2 g