Pecan Brittle

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

about 1 pound

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
This is a favorite of my family. I love making this candy for Christmas.—Fern Newsom, Dubach, Louisiana

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Grease a 15x10x1-in. pan with 2 teaspoons butter; set aside.
  2. In a 2-qt. microwave-safe glass dish, combine sugar and corn syrup. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 238° (soft-ball stage).
  3. Add pecans. Microwave for 4 minutes or until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage). Mixture will be very hot. Vigorously stir in the baking soda, vanilla and remaining butter until blended.
  4. Quickly pour into prepared pan; spread with a metal spatula as thin as possible. Cool completely; break into pieces. Store in an airtight container with waxed paper between layers.

Nutrition Facts

1 ounce-weight: 136 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 90mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.