Perfect for gift giving or snacking on at parties, this walnut brittle is easy to make and so flavorful thanks to toasted walnuts and warm spices.
I’m partnering with California Walnuts to bring you a year of nutty and delicious walnut recipes. This post is sponsored by California Walnuts, but all opinions are my own.
Why you’ll love this walnut brittle
- Warm spices: Cinnamon and cloves are so warm and cozy and perfect for the holiday season. Both spices are a key player in pumpkin spice and gingerbread. Cloves can also be used in a more subtle way in savory recipes, adding a little extra something something to this 5 ingredient slow cooker ham or enhancing the flavor of a curry powder.
- Walnuts are good for you: When you make candy with heart-healthy walnuts (did you know they’re a great source of omega-3 fatty acids?), it’s practically a health food. Okay, maybe not. It’s definitely a treat but it’s a treat with some benefits.
- Unique twist on a classic: Everyone knows and loves peanut brittle but this walnut brittle will surprise and delight everyone who tries it.
Tip for Success
- Be sure to read all of the instructions carefully before starting the recipe.
- Resist the temptation to stir the boiling sugar mixture!
- Use a candy thermometer. It really helps to know exactly when to pull the pan off the heat.
Recipe
Walnut Brittle
Perfect for gift giving or snacking on at parties, this walnut brittle is easy to make and so flavorful thanks to toasted walnuts and warm spices.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoon pieces
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- flaked sea salt, such as Maldon (optional)
Instructions
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray (or rub with butter).
- In a dry frying pan, toast walnuts over medium heat until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer walnuts to a plate so they do not continue cooking.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, butter, cinnamon, cloves, and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
- Clip candy thermometer to pan, and continue cooking at a rapid boil, without stirring, until mixture is an amber color, about 25 minutes or until candy thermometer reads 300°F (hard crack stage). Remove the pan from heat and whisk in baking soda (it will bubble!).
- Stir in walnuts, working quickly, and then immediately scrape brittle onto prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt if desired.
- Let cool completely before breaking into pieces and storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Tip: Spray measuring cup with nonstick spray before measuring corn syrup. It will slide right out of the cup!
- If desired, omit the cinnamon and/or cloves.
Nutrition
Calories: 472kcal, Carbohydrates: 69g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 23mg, Sodium: 85mg, Potassium: 102mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 67g, Vitamin A: 268IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 31mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!This Walnut Brittle Recipe is sponsored by the California Walnut Board. All opinions are always my own. Thank you for supporting Rachel Cooks by reading about products and food I use and love in my own home.
This would be polished off in a matter of minutes in my home
So amazing looking – perfectly made!
Oh we love brittle at our house! I want to make this!
I need to make this! It is the peanuts in peanut brittle that I’ve never been overly fond of.
This fabulous brittle would made a terrific holiday gift! The cinnamon makes it so festive and I love the idea of using walnuts instead of peanuts—extra yummy!
Love the walnuts and cinnamon in this brittle! It’s a perfect treat for the holidays!
looks yummy & delicious
Thank you!
The recipe looks great, but when I went through the method, I see that Baking Soda and water are referenced, but they dont appear in the ingredients list. Am I missing something?
No, you aren’t, I am! Sorry about that and thank you so much for alerting me! It’s updated correctly now. :)