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Walnut Brittle

This walnut brittle topping is crunchy, sweet, and the perfect topping for any dessert! It’s the perfect way to add texture and depth of flavor to any recipe.

image of a walnut brittle topping being sprinkled over carrot cake cupcakes

How to Make This Walnut Brittle Topping

Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.

Combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 3 Tbsp of water a small saucepan and heat over a medium-high heat. Do not stir the mixture!

image of sugar and water being cooked until it reaches hard ball stage at 320 F

Continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 320 F / 160 C, then remove the mixture from heat. This usually takes me about 10 minutes.

Pour 1/3 cup of finely chopped walnuts into the sugar mixture, then pour the mixture onto the prepared pan to cool.

image of walnut brittle that's been cooked and is cooling on a piece of parchment paper

Once the mixture has fully cooled and hardened, use a sharp knife to cut the brittle into small pieces. Sprinkle over your favorite desserts and enjoy!

image of walnut brittle being cut into small pieces with a share knife

How to Store Walnut Brittle

This walnut brittle topping is best when used the same day it’s made. Over time the chopped bits have a tendency to stick together.

However, if you want to make this recipe in advance, I recommend storing it spread out in a Ziplock bag at room temperature for up to a week.

Do NOT store this topping in the fridge!! The fridge will cause the bits of brittle to soften and melt together.

image of a moist easter carrot cake cupcake that's been cut into to show how tender and soft it is

Tips for Making the Best Walnut Brittle Topping

  • Do not stir the water and sugar mixture! The sugar will dissolve as it cooks and stirring the mixture can cause large bits of sugar to caramelize on the side of the saucepan.
  • Use a candy thermometer to make sure the mixture reaches 320 F / 160 C. This ensure the walnut will be nice and crunchy once it cools.
  • Line a baking sheet before you start to cook the sugar syrup. You need to be able to quickly pour out the mixture to let it cool.
  • Make sure the brittle has fully cooled and hardened before you cut into it.
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Let Me Know What You Think!

If you try this walnut brittle topping, I’d love to hear what you think of it!

Please leave a rating and let me know your thoughts by sharing a comment.

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image of a walnut brittle topping being sprinkled over carrot cake cupcakes
Print Recipe
5 from 1 rating

Walnut Brittle Topping

This walnut brittle is crunchy, sweet, and the perfect topping for any dessert!
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Additional Time10 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Specialty Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 /2 cup
Calories: 612kcal

Ingredients

Walnut Brittle Topping

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
  • 3 Tbsp water 45gml
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped 40g

Instructions

  • Walnut Brittle Topping
  • Line a baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 3 Tbsp of water a small saucepan and heat over a medium-high heat. Do not stir the mixture!
  • Place a candy thermometer in the pan and continue to cook the mixture until it reaches 320 F / 160 C, then remove the mixture from heat. This usually takes me about 10 minutes.
  • Pour 1/3 cup of finely chopped walnuts into the sugar mixture, then pour the mixture onto the prepared pan to cool.
  • Once the mixture has fully cooled and hardened, use a sharp knife to cut the brittle into small pieces. Sprinkle over your favorite desserts and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tips for Making the Best Walnut Brittle Topping

  • Do not stir the water and sugar mixture! The sugar will dissolve as it cooks and stirring the mixture can cause large bits of sugar to caramelize on the side of the saucepan.
  • Use a candy thermometer to make sure the mixture reaches 320 F / 160 C. This ensure the walnut will be nice and crunchy once it cools.
  • Line a baking sheet before you start to cook the sugar syrup. You need to be able to quickly pour the mixture out to let it cool.
  • Make sure the brittle has fully cooled and hardened before you cut into it.

Making This Walnut Brittle In Advance & Storage Tips

This walnut brittle topping is best when used the same day it's made. Over time the chopped bits have a tendency to stick together.
However, if you want to make this recipe in advance I recommend storing it spread out in a Ziplock bag at room temperature for up to a week.
Do NOT store this topping in the fridge!! The fridge will cause the bits of brittle to soften and melt together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 105g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g | Sodium: 3mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 101g
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
Recipe Rating




Walnut Brittle Topping - Crunchy, Nutty & Perfectly Sweet - pedia15

Thursday 5th of May 2022

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