Skip to main content
Epicurious

Walnut Brittle

2.0

(5)

This recipe is an accompaniment for Maple Walnut Bûche de Nöel .

Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 30 min

Cooks' note:

Brittle can be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 2 cups (1/2 cup chopped plus shards)

Ingredients

1/2 cup walnuts (2 oz), toasted , cooled, and finely chopped with a knife
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water

Special Equipment

a nonstick bakeware liner such as Silpat (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Shake nuts in a sieve to remove nut powder (this will make for a clearer brittle.)

    Step 2

    Line a baking sheet with nonstick pad or with an oiled sheet of foil.

    Step 3

    Heat sugar and water in a deep 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderately low heat, stirring slowly with a fork, until melted and pale golden. Cook caramel without stirring, gently swirling pan, until golden. Stir in walnuts, then immediately pour caramel onto baking sheet, tilting sheet to spread caramel as thin as possible. Cool brittle completely at room temperature.

    Step 4

    Coarsely chop enough brittle to measure 1/2 cup, then break remainder into shards for decorating cake.

TagsCandyDessertWalnutNutGluten FreeDairy Free5 Ingredients or FewerEasyQuickGourmet
Read More
Mango Sticky Rice
Khao niaow ma muang, or steamed coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, is a classic in Thai cuisine—and you can make it at home.
Soy-Glazed Salmon Bowls
Saucy, soy-honey salmon—cut into cubes to speed up the cooking process—makes a savory topping for a quick weeknight bowl.
Grasshopper Brownies
These decadent brownies feature a sweet, minty topping complemented by a rich dark chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for added texture.
Easy Egg Custard
With just a handful of ingredients, this old-fashioned egg custard is the little black dress of dinner party desserts—simple and effortlessly chic.
Sheet-Pan Sausage With Corn, Peach, and Cucumber Salad
This summery sheet-pan dinner celebrates the bounty of the season and couldn't be simpler to make. Chorizo plays nicely with the salad, thanks to its spice.
Tomato Aguachile
Juicy peak-season tomatoes make the perfect plant-based swap for aguachile.
Simple Hot Cocoa for One
With rich chocolate flavor and easy customization, this hot cocoa recipe is just the one you want to get you through winter.
Minty Chicken Meatballs
Who says ground chicken is boring? Two whole bunches of mint and some aromatics give these chicken meatballs their bracingly herby flavor.