The BEST homemade cashew brittle recipe

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This homemade cashew brittle recipe has been handed down from my grandmother and made every Christmas. Make a batch today and enjoy with friends and family.

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Christmas confection

Way back when, friends and family would visit each other all through the Christmas season to catch up with each other, exchange gifts, and share great food. My Mammam would start shortly after Thanksgiving to make all kinds of candies, fudges, and nut rolls.

One of her favorite candies to make and share was cashew brittle for friends and family to enjoy. I have been making this same recipe for decades and I want to share it with you.

Cashew brittle is a confection once limited to only peanuts. Using cashews kicks the flavor up a notch and is fantastic for those with peanut allergies. Using only simple ingredients, cashew brittle has a delightful crunchy taste that finishes buttery in your mouth. The baking soda added at the end provides little airy bubbles in the candy that is sure to please.

Some of you might think candy making at home sounds intimidating, but I assure you that is it really easy. Once you try it, I guarantee you will be making this confection every year.

Tools needed to make homemade cashew brittle

All you need to make this delicious treat is a heavy bottom pot with a handle, rimmed baking sheets, wooden spoon, and candy thermometer. I highly recommend a candy thermometer, but if you don’t have one, a thermometer that will display 230 degrees (soft ball stage), 280 degrees (hard ball stage), and 300 degrees (hard crack stage) is necessary. Be sure to use a wooden spoon and not plastic (ask me how I know).

Ingredients to make homemade cashew brittle

The ingredients for this recipe are simple:

• light corn syrup
• sugar
• water
• butter
• baking soda
• roasted salted cashews

This recipe makes two sheet pans full of brittle so you will have plenty to share!

Tips for making cashew brittle

The most important tip in making candy is to have all of your ingredients measured and ready on hand before starting the recipe. This recipe requires your full attention adding ingredients quickly. Don’t worry, it really is easy to make.

How to make cashew brittle

In a heavy bottom pot, add light corn syrup, sugar, and water. Insert the candy thermometer and bring to a boil. Stirring constantly, boil until thermometer reaches soft ball stage (230 degrees).

At that temperature, add the butter and continue to stir constantly until the candy reaches the hard ball stage (280 degrees). Then add cashews and continue to stir and incorporate the nuts until the thermometer reaches 300 degrees (hard crack stage). Immediately remove from heat and add baking soda. Stir rapidly to combine thoroughly and pour out onto buttered sheet pans.

Working quickly, spread mixture out as thin as possible. This can be difficult to get too thin and don’t worry about the thickness…. it’s still delicious! Allow to cool completely then break the candy into rustic pieces.

Storage

Store your brittle in airtight containers free of moisture and heat. I like to store it in festive Christmas containers. Cashew brittle lasts up to 2 months at room temperature as long as it’s kept in a cool dry location.

More Holiday Recipes

Looking for more classic holiday recipes? Give these a try!

• Traditional suet pudding – Recipe handed down for generations
• Sourdough nut rolls – Mammam’s classic recipe with a sourdough twist!
• Peanut butter fudge – Mammam’s best recipe!
• Chocolate walnut fudge – A classic!

Give this homemade cashew brittle a try and let me know how much you love it in the comments below. Merry Christmas and thanks for stopping by!