12 Best Brittle Candies

Written by
Elizabeth LaBau
A professional pastry chef, cookbook author, and writer, Elizabeth LaBau has published more than 600 articles on baking and candy making.
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Elizabeth LaBau
Updated 02/19/19

If you thought peanut brittle was the only brittle around, think again! Brittles, or thin and crispy sugar candies, can be made with peanuts, of course, but they're also delicious with other nuts like macadamia nuts, pecans or cashews. You can even omit the nuts entirely and use coconut instead! So grab your sugar and try one of these delicious brittle recipes today.

  • 01 of 12

    Peanut Honey Toffee

    peanut honey toffee
    Lisa Hubbard / Getty Images

    This is it—the classic brittle, the great-grandaddy of them all! Whole salted peanuts are held together in a sweet, crunchy sugar candy. Hold on to your fillings and get ready for a sugar rush, because once you have a taste of this peanut honey toffee, an old-time favorite, you won't be able to stop.

  • 02 of 12

    Salted Chocolate Peanut Brittle

    salted chocolate peanut brittle

    The Spruce / Elizabeth LaBau

    Salted chocolate peanut brittle is a delicious twist on old-fashioned peanut brittle. The familiar nutty treat is coated with a layer of chocolate and a hefty pinch of flaked sea salt. The sweet and salty combination is fantastic, and the rich chocolate contrasts nicely with the crunchy brittle.

  • 03 of 12

    Spicy Peanut Brittle

    Spicy Peanut Brittle
    Lartal / Photolibrary / Getty Images

    This spicy peanut brittle recipe improves upon a classic candy by adding a modern element--smoky, spicy chipotle chile powder. The resulting candy is crunchy, nutty, sweet, spicy, and terribly addicting.

  • 04 of 12

    Macadamia Nut Brittle

    Macadamia Nut Brittle

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

    Peanuts aren't the only game in town! This macadamia nut brittle recipe proves that there's plenty of room for creativity when it comes to nut brittles. Buttery, salty macadamia nuts are a natural pairing to the light and crisp brittle. 

    Continue to 5 of 12 below.
  • 05 of 12

    Walnut Brittle Recipe

    Walnut Brittle
    (c) 2010 Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc.

    This walnut brittle recipe recipe has loads of crunchy nuts, the deep, rich taste of caramelized sugar and a touch of molasses flavor.

  • 06 of 12

    Chocolate Nut Brittle Recipe

    Chocolate Nut Brittle
    (c) 2012 Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc.

    Chocolate nut brittle recipe has a double dose of chocolate flavor. The brittle itself contains a touch of cocoa powder, and the finished candy is drizzled with a generous helping of melted semi-sweet chocolate.

  • 07 of 12

    Coconut Brittle Recipe

    Coconut Brittle
    (c) 2011 Elizabeth LaBau, licensed to About.com, Inc.

    A brittle recipe without any nuts at all? Yes, it is possible--and not only is it possible, it's delicious! This coconut brittle recipe is toasted a rich, dark golden brown and is packed with tropical toasted coconut flavor. It's great on its own, dipped in chocolate, or crumbled as an ice cream or cake topping.

  • 08 of 12

    Glass Peanut Brittle Recipe

    glass peanut brittle
    Elizabeth LaBau

    Glass peanut brittle recipe is a thin, translucent variation of traditional peanut brittle. We call this "glass brittle" because the peanuts are suspended in a beautiful, almost-clear brittle that has the appearance of glass.

    Continue to 9 of 12 below.
  • 09 of 12

    Vegan Peanut Brittle

    Cinnamon Peanut Brittle

    Allyson Kramer 

    Vegan peanut brittle is a wonderful treat to whip up any time of year, and it has so many options for variations. You can add cinnamon, sriracha, pumpkin pie spice, almond flavor; truly the choices are endless! 

  • 10 of 12

    Microwave Peanut Brittle

    Microwave Peanut Brittle
    Elizabeth LaBau

    Love peanut brittle but hate how long it takes to make? Then this microwave peanut brittle recipe is for you! In less than 10 minutes your peanut brittle is fully cooked in the microwave.

  • 11 of 12

    Peanut Brittle With Honey Roasted Peanuts

    Peanut Brittle With Honey Roasted Peanuts
    Diana Rattray

    This peanut brittle with honey roasted peanuts is a delicious treat. Finely chopped peanuts are sprinkled over the peanut brittle before it hardens. 

  • 12 of 12

    Crunch Pistachio Brittle

    Pistachio Brittle
    Diana Rattray

    This buttery crunch pistachio brittle is an easy preparation. Make it for gifts, or make it for a family treat.