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!
(This post contains affiliate links. Read my disclaimer page for more information.)
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:
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
This super easy butter pecan brittle recipe is perfect for any special holiday!
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
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line 1 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once this happens, add the butter and toasted pecans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the mixture onto parchment paper. Smooth out with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle Sea Salt over the brittle.
- Allow the brittle to cool for at least 30 minutes before breaking into bite-sized pieces
Notes
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!
Jenny says
I am starving at the moment and this looks way too good making me drool on the keyboards. Yum! Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. Sorry to be late commenting #sharewithme
Miz Helen says
What a great treat, yum! Looking forward to seeing you again at Full Plate Thursday tonight!
Hope you are having a great day!
Miz Helen
Sarah Tully says
Just wondering if I can substitute the splenda with granulated sugar bringing granulated sugar to 2 cups or if I can substitute splenda with maple syrup.
Look forward to your reply.
Sarah
Brittany says
Hi Sarah! I ran out of Splenda before Thanksgiving. So I used 2 cups of white sugar and it worked out well. As for Maple syrup, I’ve never tried substituting it in candy. Thank you for stopping by! -Brit
Barbara Wood says
Have problem getting corn syrup what can I use instead. Can I use Golden Syrup thanks ???
Brittany says
Hi Barbara! I’ve never used golden syrup so I couldn’t say whether it can be used instead. Thank you for stopping by! -Brit
Yuvonne says
I made this last night & it is delicious! Made with regular sugar instead of Splenda. Going to make again tonight with peanuts!! ?
Brittany says
Wonderful! I think the original recipe from Pies & Plots used sugar exclusively, too. Let me know how the peanuts turn out!
Kathy Norwood says
Hi I just finished making my pecan brittle and it was easy and fun to make . Now the flavor is something else quite tasty thanks for the great recipe. Kathy Norwood
Brittany says
Thanks Kathy! I made a few batches over the holidays and it’s such a favorite over here, too! –Brittany
Ellen says
I just made my first batch it smells awesome, can’t wait for it to cool down so I can try it.
Brittany says
Wonderful! Thank you for stopping by, Ellen! –Brittany
Betty Allred says
I want to try this, but the 1/2 cup of butter seems excessive. Could I use 2 Tbsp. instead. Since I fix food for 2 diabetics, using Splenda sound great.
Brittany says
Hi Betty, I’ve never made it with less butter to share how it would taste! Thanks for stopping by! –Brittany
N says
This is fabulous recipe! Easier and much better tasting than PD’s. Made my 4th batch for holiday gift giving and for me. Lol
Brittany says
Thanks so much!
Debra Butler says
I made this last night and it tastes awesome, if I do say so myself! It was a bit thick because I made it alone. I hope everyone can chew it! I wouldn’t know, since I don’t have teeth I can chew this with anymore!😏
Jess says
I made this with Almonds and pecans and it smells wonderful! I can’t wait to try it! Very easy recipe. I made peanut brittle long long time ago and it was awful. Thanks for sharing!