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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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Did you know that our wedding favors were Southern Pecan Pralines made from the BEST little kitchen in Alabama? 

I loved the salty & sweet flavor combination that is uniquely found only in the deep South. Since we can’t readily order pralines from Punta Clara, I wanted to try and recreate something similar– but only a butter pecan brittle version.

 

 

 

Butter Pecan Brittle Recipe

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 people are leery– but I promise, it’s easy and super impressive for potlucks.

 

 

 

There are only a few items that you need to make the pecan brittle recipe. 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.

When the recipe calls for you to not stir, it’s 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 it’s time to stir, someone has to use the potty, my husband is asking for something, and I receive a text message.

 

Pecan Brittle Recipe Ingredients

–Freshly Toasted Pecans
–White Sugar (I use half Splenda– keep reading)
–Light Corn Syrup
–Water
–Unsalted Butter
–Baking Soda
–Pure Vanilla Extract
–Sea Salt for sprinkling, (I go a little heavy)

 

 

 

What Is The Difference Between a Southern Pecan Praline and Pecan Brittle?

Pecan Pralines are soft in texture while Brittle is extremely hard and cracks in your mouth. Pralines are made with brown sugar and heavy whipping creams while Brittle uses white sugar and corn syrup. You’ll find that Pecan Pralines are cooked on the stop to a lower temperature and then dropped by heaping a spoonful onto a sheet pan for cooling. Brittle is cooked on the stove to 305 degrees which causes the brittle effect. 

 

 

Pecan Brittle Recipe Pro-Tips

• I will repeat this several times, a great candy thermometer and a non-stick 3.5-quart pot are your best friends for making this nut brittle turn out so well!
• Be prepared to never stop stirring once the pot heats up to 230 degrees all the way to 305 degrees
• The pot is HOT! Be careful when spreading the brittle onto the countertop
• Phone a friend– it’s easiest to have one person pour the brittle and have another smooth out the brittle using a wooden spoon at the same time. Have the person smoothing be the one who sprinkles the sea salt over the brittle.
• Do not double this recipe. I’ve tried doubling multiple times to save myself time but I’ve never been successful. There is too much candy to stir and the way it cooks just doesn’t give the “right” consistency. Now I will double my pecans in the toasting step to save time and use later for a second batch.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I Substitute Other Nuts? Yes! While I haven’t tried it personally, you should be able to substitute cashews to make cashew brittle.
• Can I use Splenda? Yes! I always sub out 1 cup of sugar for 1 cup of Splenda. It makes a slight bit healthier with no effect on the candy making. Note: I’ve never used 2 cups of Splenda to completely replace the sugar yet.
• Why is my Pecan Brittle Chewy? If your brittle didn’t reach 305 degrees, which is the hard crack phase, your candy will not harden. It’s imperative to use a candy thermometer throughout the entire cooking process

 

Other Desserts I Think You’ll Enjoy:

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

 

 

Storage Suggestions:

Once cooled, store brittle in a closed container.  If making ahead a few days, keep your brittle stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Let it warm up to room temperature before serving.  

Butter Pecan Brittle is a great gift idea for someone who is hard to shop for or may not need more “things” in their home. If you do give it as a gift, I like to break up the brittle into large pieces and place them in a cute gift box. There is something luxurious about receiving homemade goods presented well!

 

Tools Used to Make Butter Pecan Brittle

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

 

When you make this recipe, please tag me @ourhomemadeeasy and leave a review!

 

 

 

 

 

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