Harvest Crunch Brittle Delight
This irresistible Harvest Crunch Brittle Delight is not only a festive treat but also a staple at my holiday gatherings. With a delightful combination of toasted pumpkin seeds and a medley of optional mix-ins like pistachios, cranberries, sunflower seeds, almonds, and candied ginger, this candy recipe will surely impress friends and family alike. The process may seem daunting at first, but it's surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. Perfect for gift-giving or indulging in during the holiday season, this brittle is crispy, chewy, and bursting with flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
2 cups (granulated)
light corn syrup
1 cup (liquid)
water
1 cup (liquid)
pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
2 cups (raw)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (lump-free)
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (cubed)
pistachios
1 cup (chopped (optional))
dried cranberries
1 cup (whole (optional))
sunflower seeds
1 cup (raw (optional))
raisins
1 cup (whole (optional))
almonds
1 cup (chopped (optional))
candied ginger
1/2 cup (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper and greasing it lightly to prevent sticking.
2
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir over high heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3
Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it reaches 270°F (132°C). This may take some time, so check occasionally and give it a gentle stir if needed.
4
Once the temperature reaches 270°F, carefully add the pumpkin seeds (or your choice of seeds/nuts) and stir vigorously to incorporate. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches 290°F (143°C). The temperature may drop a bit but will rebound quickly, and you'll notice a lovely amber color and toasty aroma developing.
5
After reaching 290°F, promptly remove the saucepan from the heat. Add in the baking soda and butter, stirring quickly as the mixture will foam up significantly.
6
Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
7
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once set, you can either break it into pieces or cut it into strips or triangles using a pizza cutter for a neater appearance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harvest Crunch Brittle Delight?
Harvest Crunch Brittle Delight is a festive candy treat featuring toasted pumpkin seeds and a variety of optional mix-ins like nuts and dried fruits.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, raw pumpkin seeds, baking soda, and unsalted butter.
Which optional mix-ins can be added to the brittle?
You can include optional ingredients such as pistachios, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, raisins, almonds, and chopped candied ginger.
How should I prepare the cookie sheet?
Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly to ensure the brittle does not stick to the surface.
What is the first step in cooking the sugar mixture?
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and water, then stir over high heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
At what temperature should I add the pumpkin seeds?
Carefully add the pumpkin seeds or your choice of nuts once the candy thermometer reaches 270 degrees Fahrenheit (132 degrees Celsius).
What is the final target temperature for the brittle?
Continue stirring and cooking the mixture until it reaches a final temperature of 290 degrees Fahrenheit (143 degrees Celsius).
Why does the mixture need to reach 290 degrees Fahrenheit?
Reaching 290 degrees ensures the candy develops a lovely amber color, toasty aroma, and the proper hard-crack texture.
What happens when baking soda and butter are added?
Adding baking soda and butter causes the mixture to foam up significantly, which creates the light, aerated crunch characteristic of brittle.
How do I spread the hot brittle once it is ready?
Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the surface.
How should the brittle be cooled?
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature before attempting to break or cut it into pieces.
What is the best way to get neat shapes when portioning the brittle?
Once set, you can use a pizza cutter to cut the brittle into neat strips or triangles for a more uniform appearance.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, it is described as a perfect treat for gift-giving or indulging during the holiday season.
How many ingredients are involved in the full version?
The complete recipe includes 12 ingredients if all optional nuts, seeds, and dried fruits are utilized.
Can I use raw pumpkin seeds for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for raw pumpkin seeds as they toast while the mixture cooks from 270 to 290 degrees.
Why is a candy thermometer necessary?
A candy thermometer is essential to track the precise temperature stages needed for the sugar to set into a crunchy brittle.
What type of corn syrup should be used?
The recipe calls for one cup of liquid light corn syrup.
What preparation is needed for the butter?
The four tablespoons of unsalted butter should be cubed before being added to the hot mixture.
What texture can I expect from the Harvest Crunch Brittle Delight?
This brittle is designed to be crispy, chewy, and bursting with toasted flavor.
Do I need to stir the sugar mixture constantly?
Stir over high heat until the sugar dissolves, then allow it to cook without stirring until it reaches 270 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much baking soda is required?
The recipe uses two teaspoons of lump-free baking soda.
Can I add dried cranberries to this recipe?
Yes, one cup of whole dried cranberries is a recommended optional mix-in for added flavor.
Is it okay if the temperature drops after adding the seeds?
The temperature may drop slightly when the seeds are added, but it will rebound quickly as you continue to stir.
What type of saucepan is best for this recipe?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is recommended to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
How much candied ginger is suggested?
The recipe suggests adding up to 1/2 cup of chopped candied ginger as an optional ingredient.
Can I use sunflower seeds in this brittle?
Yes, one cup of raw sunflower seeds can be included as an optional mix-in.
Are raisins a good addition to this brittle?
Yes, one cup of whole raisins is listed as an optional ingredient to enhance the medley of flavors.
What preparation is required for the almonds if used?
If you choose to add almonds, they should be chopped before being added to the mixture.
How much sugar is used in the base recipe?
The base recipe requires two cups of granulated sugar.
When should the baking soda be added?
The baking soda should be added promptly after removing the saucepan from the heat once it reaches 290 degrees Fahrenheit.