Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This cashew brittle recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic option for homemade cooking, perfect for gifting or simply enjoying a delightful, crunchy snack. This easy recipe is a quick dinner dessert solution or a fantastic addition to your healthy meals plan. Get ready to experience the irresistible combination of crunchy cashews and sweet, buttery toffee!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups roasted, unsalted cashews
Instructions:
Getting Started: Prepare Your Pan
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures easy removal of your brittle once it's cooled.
Making the Toffee:
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
- Cook to the Hard-Crack Stage: Without stirring, continue cooking the mixture until it reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F or 149°C on a candy thermometer). This is crucial for the brittle's texture. Be patient – it takes time for the sugar to caramelize properly.
- Add Cashews and Seasoning: Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Quickly add the roasted cashews and gently fold them into the hot toffee until they are evenly coated.
Setting and Breaking the Brittle:
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the cashew mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into a thin, even layer. Work quickly, as the toffee will begin to harden rapidly.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brittle to cool completely and harden at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Break into Pieces: Once completely cooled, break the brittle into irregular pieces. You can use a knife or simply break it by hand.
Tips for the Best Cashew Brittle:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage, which determines the brittle's texture.
- Don't stir while cooking: Stirring the sugar mixture before it reaches the hard-crack stage can cause crystallization.
- Work quickly: Once the cashews are added, work efficiently to spread the brittle before it hardens.
- Store properly: Store your brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness.
Variations:
- Add other nuts: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
- Add chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on serving size and nut type)
- Fat: High in healthy fats from cashews
- Sugar: High in sugar content - enjoy in moderation.
This cashew brittle recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and easy recipes. It's perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful, homemade treat. Enjoy!