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Here is an easy recipe for butter pecan brittle! Making candy should be easy and I’m going to add a slightly healthier twist to it! 

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Here are my favorite Tips & Tricks for Making Butter Pecan Brittle!

 

 

Butter Pecan Brittle is one of those treats that once you have it, you’ll want to know how to make your own! Luckily, it’s pretty simple to make. This recipe is such a great change-up from the usual or expected brownies or cake.

When it comes to candy making, so many moms are leery– but I promise, it’s easy and super impressive.

 

 

We all know that I like to bake and have a strong dislike for cooking… Baking is an exact science and that I can get behind, but cooking? It’s so ad-hoc to me. It makes me nervous!

So you can imagine my hesitation with making CANDY. But this butter pecan brittle is SO GOOD, you’ll have to try it, too. And if I can “sweeten” the deal– I made it a tad bit healthier. Yay!

A good friend of ours made this pecan brittle a few years ago. I had never eaten homemade brittle and thought “WOW, can we have more?” 

We started with the Butter Pecan Brittle recipe from a fellow Southeastern Michigander,  Pies & Plots .

Over the years, I’ve made it several times now for special occasions. 

There are only a few items that you need to make the brittle. Invest in a good candy thermometer. I’m on my third candy thermometer and the one I have now is holding up really well. Keep that thing protected! 

Second, you need two baking sheets lined with parchment paper, and third, a large non-stick pot. Using a non-stick pan seems to keep everything from burning while cooking and makes cleanup easier.

 

Who knew pecans could look so good? Occasionally a few disappear in between baking and brittle time, I’m not pointing fingers or anything…

 

 

When the recipe calls for you to not stir, its serious business. DO NOT stir!  When the recipe tells you to stir, you better stir with your wooden spoon like there is nothing else to do. It never fails, when its time to stir, someone has to use the potty, my husband is asking for something, and I receive a text message.

 

 

I usually need a sous chef for the pouring out of the pan. One of us holds the pot and the other hurriedly pulls and drags the brittle across the countertop. Then, you have to be quick and pull it kinda, sorta thin and have the second person sprinkle sea salt. I usually hold the pot and am VERY generous with sprinkling the sea salt. 🙂

 

So how did I make it a teeny bit healthier?

Here is the secret- I used 1 cup of Splenda in place of 1 cup of sugar. Don’t get me wrong, it’s by no means healthy, but its a small step in the right direction. Each time I make it, I get bolder in my use of Splenda. When I am successful in increasing more Splenda and can lower the sugar needed, I’ll update this post.

 

Other Posts I Think You’ll Enjoy:

•  No-Bake Cookie Dough Dessert
• The Best Chocolate Chip Cowboy Cookie Recipe
• Super Easy Cake Pops

 

 

 

Items Used to Make Butter Pecan Brittle

• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven
• Wood Spatula
• Candy Thermometer
• Parchment Paper
• Gift Box (if desired)

 

Easy Butter Pecan Brittle Recipe

Yield: 20 pieces

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

This super easy butter pecan brittle recipe is perfect for any special holiday!

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Ingredients

• 3 cups of pecans
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup Splenda sugar substitute
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• Sea Salt for sprinkling, (I go a little heavy)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line 1 baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Spread pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment and toast in the oven for 5 minutes, until the pecans are fragrant and snap when broken. Set aside.
4. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a non-stick 3.5 quart or larger saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is clear. Depending on your stove top, this may take 10 minutes or more.
5. Put a candy thermometer in the pan, increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 230 degrees F on the candy thermometer.
6. Once this happens, add the butter and toasted pecans.
7. Stir the mixture constantly until it reaches 305 degrees F. It will bubble and be incredibly hot, so be careful. When it reaches the desired temperature, it should be caramel colored and fragrant. You will stir for several minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will bubble, so it is again important to use caution. If the mixture hardens too quickly, put it over either the still-warm burner or low heat until it comes back together.
9. Pour the mixture onto parchment paper. Smooth out with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle Sea Salt over the brittle.
10. Allow the brittle to cool for at least 30 minutes before breaking into bite-sized pieces

Notes

Adapted from Pies and Plots

For best results, stir in baking soda & vanilla when the pan is on a trivet next to your parchment paper. This will make the pour easiest.

For best results, use a 3.5 quart non-stick saucepan.

 

Make this easy butter pecan brittle recipe when you want to impress your family. It’s a wonderful treat to take to a family get-together or give as a gift. If you do give it as a gift, I like to break up the brittle in large pieces and place in a cute gift box. There is something luxurious about receiving homemade goods presented well!

 

 

 

 

 

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