Old-Fashioned Buttery Pecan Brittle Candy Recipe

Name: Old-Fashioned Buttery Pecan Brittle Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Desserts
Ingredients: 200 g Raw pecan halves or chopped pecans; 200 g Granulated cane sugar; 120 ml Light corn syrup; 60 ml Water; 30 g Unsalted European butter; 5 g Baking soda (creates airy crunch); 5 ml + 2g Pure vanilla extract & fine sea salt

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Nothing rivals the comfort of pulling a freshly baked batch of Old-Fashioned Buttery Pecan Brittle Candy Recipe from your own oven. Tested repeatedly to lock in moisture and golden browning, this recipe spotlights pecan halves or pecans, granulated cane sugar and light corn syrup in just 30 min, making sweet homemade baking effortless and dependable.

Ingredients

16 servings

2 cups Raw pecan halves or chopped pecans
1 cup Granulated cane sugar
1/2 cup Light corn syrup
1/4 cup Water
2 tbsp Unsalted European butter
1 tsp Baking soda (creates airy crunch)
1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt Pure vanilla extract & fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, for **8 minutes** until syrup reaches **230°F (110°C)** on a candy thermometer.

Stir in pecans and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, for **10 minutes** until thermometer reaches **300°F (149°C / Hard-Crack Stage)**.

Remove from heat immediately. Stir in baking soda and vanilla; mixture will foam up vigorously. Pour onto a greased baking sheet; stretch thin with two forks.

Cool completely for **30 minutes**. Snap into brittle pieces and store in an airtight tin.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Have all ingredients measured and ready; candy making moves fast once 300°F is reached.
Store in an airtight tin away from humidity to keep the brittle shatter-crisp.

1. Spoon and Level Your Flour: Never scoop flour directly from the canister with your measuring cup, which packs excess volume by up to 25%. Fluff the flour with a fork, spoon it into the cup, and level the top with a knife. 2. Mind Your Butter Temperature: For creaming, butter should yield under gentle thumb pressure without melting or feeling greasy. Proper emulsion traps microscopic air pockets that ensure an airy, tender bake. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Have all ingredients measured and ready; candy making moves fast once 300°F is reached.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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Why Did My Old-Fashioned Buttery Pecan Brittle Candy Recipe Turn Out Drier Than Expected?: Dryness usually stems from slight over-measuring of flour or keeping the pan in the oven a few minutes too long. Check for doneness slightly early—a toothpick inserted into the center should emerge with a few moist crumbs rather than dry wood.
How to Prevent Uneven Browning?: Most domestic ovens have hot spots near the back corner. Rotate your baking sheet 180 degrees halfway through the timer to ensure uniform golden browning and rise.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store baked items in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 6 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar? A: Yes, substituting dark or light brown sugar adds extra moisture and subtle caramel undertones due to natural molasses content.

Q: Can I make this dessert gluten-free? A: A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend containing xanthan gum (such as Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur) produces outstanding, nearly identical results.

Home Cook Community

Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 16)

190 Calories

22g Carbs 8% DV

2g Protein 4% DV

11g Fat 14% DV

1g Fiber 4% DV

85mg Sodium 4% DV

Carbs 46% Protein 4% Fat 50%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Desserts
Dietary Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Total Time 30 min
Yield 16 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

View Full Culinary Bio →

Old-Fashioned Buttery Pecan Brittle Candy Recipe

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil Sugar Syrup

Stir in Pecans & Butter

Stir Baking Soda & Spread