Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This cashew brittle recipe, made entirely in the microwave, will become your new go-to for satisfying those sweet cravings. Forget lengthy cooking times and complicated techniques – this recipe delivers incredible flavor and satisfying crunch in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dessert desires. This is homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious dish far superior to store-bought options. It's one of the best recipes for a quick and easy dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
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Prepare your workspace: Line a microwave-safe plate or baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
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Combine ingredients: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. If using, add the butter now.
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Microwave in intervals: Microwave on high for 1-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval. Keep a close eye on the mixture, as it will bubble and potentially splatter. This usually takes around 4-6 minutes total, depending on your microwave's power. The mixture is ready when it reaches a light amber color and a hard-ball stage (when a small amount dropped into a glass of ice water forms a firm ball).
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Stir in cashews and vanilla: Quickly remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be very hot!), and carefully stir in the roasted cashews and vanilla extract (if using). Work swiftly, as the mixture will begin to harden quickly.
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Spread and cool: Immediately pour the cashew mixture onto the prepared parchment paper. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it thinly and evenly into a rectangular shape.
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Cool completely: Allow the brittle to cool completely and harden. This usually takes about 30 minutes. The edges will start to set first.
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Break and enjoy: Once completely cooled and hardened, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Cashew Brittle:
- Use high-quality cashews: The flavor of your brittle will be directly influenced by the quality of your cashews. Choose roasted, unsalted cashews for the best results.
- Watch carefully: Keep a close eye on the sugar mixture while microwaving to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your microwave's wattage.
- Work quickly: Once the cashews are added, work quickly to spread the mixture before it hardens.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked brittle will be too hard and potentially burnt. Aim for a light amber color.
Variations:
- Add other nuts: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced brittle.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brittle for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving size, but a general estimate per serving (assuming 1/12th of the recipe) is:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 3-4g
This quick and easy microwave cashew brittle recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that can be made in minutes. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying treat! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, even if it's dessert!