Classic Vegan Nut Brittle (Peanut or Almond)

Whether you opt for the earthy richness of roasted peanuts or the refined sweetness of slivered almonds, this brittle captures the nostalgic warmth of a traditional confection while remaining entirely plant-based. It is a golden, shimmering treat that balances the deep notes of roasted nuts with a delicate hint of sea salt.

This recipe requires a candy thermometer for the best results and moves very quickly once the sugar is hot, so have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start!

Yields: About 1 pound

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated cane sugar (ensure it's certified vegan if you're concerned about processing)
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup or agave nectar (corn syrup gives a more traditional texture)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups raw or roasted nuts (peanuts, almonds, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp vegan butter (stick style works best)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt (omit if using salted nuts)

Equipment

• Candy thermometer
• Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 3-quart)
• Large baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or greased parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prep Everything (Crucial Step!)

• Line your baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly greased parchment paper. Have it ready near your stovetop.
• Measure out your nuts, vegan butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Place them next to the stove. Once the sugar heats up, you will not have time to measure.

2. Cook the Sugar Base

• In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup (or agave), and water. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar is dissolved and well moistened.
• Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the pan (ensure the tip is in the liquid but not touching the bottom).
• Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 280°F (138∘C).

3. Add Nuts and Cook to Hard Crack

• Once the mixture reaches 280∘F, add the nuts.
• Stir constantly until the mixture turns a light amber color and reaches 300°F (149∘C). This is the hard crack stage, which is essential for that brittle snap. Watch carefully—it can burn quickly once it reaches this temperature!

4. Finish the Brittle

• Immediately remove the pan from the heat.
• Quickly stir in the vegan butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Finally, quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will instantly foam and lighten in color. This foam creates the air pockets needed for the brittle's crisp texture

5. Pour and Cool

• Immediately pour the entire mixture onto your prepared baking sheet.
• Working quickly, use the back of a lightly greased spatula or spoon to spread the brittle into a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch thick). Do not overwork it.
• Allow the brittle to cool completely for at least 30 minutes (do not refrigerate, as this can cause crystallization and stickiness).

6. Break and Store

• Once cooled and fully set, break the brittle into pieces of various sizes.
• Store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy!

Note: To ensure the best flavor, use nuts that have been lightly pre-roasted to bring out their natural oils before adding them to the hot sugar syrup. Roasted nuts taste better!