Crunchy Pecan Brittle Recipe – Only 5 Ingredients Needed!

There’s something magical about homemade candy—especially when it’s as effortless as this 5-ingredient pecan brittle. No fancy techniques, no hard-to-find ingredients, just pure, buttery crunch in every bite.

Maybe you remember your grandmother making something similar, the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar filling the kitchen. Or perhaps you’re looking for an easy yet impressive treat to gift during the holidays. Either way, this classic pecan brittle recipe delivers—quick to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

The best part? You don’t need to be a candy-making expert. With just a saucepan, a candy thermometer (or a keen eye), and a handful of pantry staples, you’re minutes away from golden, crispy perfection. Let’s get started.

Why This Pecan Brittle Recipe Belongs in Your Kitchen

Let’s be honest—some candy recipes are fussy. Temperatures must be exact, ingredients measured to the gram, and one wrong move can mean starting over. But this 5-ingredient pecan brittle? It’s the forgiving, no-fuss treat you’ll make again and again. Here’s why:

✅ Effortless Ingredients, Extraordinary Results

No hunting for specialty items—just sugar, butter, corn syrup, pecans, and baking soda. That’s it. Yet the payoff is huge: glossy, shatteringly crisp brittle with deep caramel notes and toasty pecans in every bite.

✅ Foolproof for Beginners, Perfect for Gifting

Even if you’ve never made candy before, this recipe walks you through each step. No crystallization worries, no guesswork—just clear instructions for perfect brittle every time. And since it keeps well, it’s ideal for holiday tins, party favors, or edible gifts (warning: recipients may beg you for the recipe).

✅ Ready in 30 Minutes Flat

From stove to cooling tray in half an hour, with minimal hands-on time. Need a last-minute dessert or a quick sweet fix? This brittle has your back.

✅ Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing

• Swap pecans for almonds or peanuts if you prefer.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of dark chocolate for flair.
• Serve it broken into rustic chunks or elegant shards—either way, it disappears fast.

Bottom line? This isn’t just another candy recipe. It’s a no-stress, big-reward staple that’ll make you feel like a confectionery pro—with barely any effort.

The Perfect 5-Ingredient Pecan Brittle Shopping List

Great brittle starts with great ingredients—and the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s everything you’ll need, with insider tips to ensure candy-making success:

Pecan Brittle Ingredients Table

The Secret Behind These Ingredients

1. The Sugar Trio (sugar + corn syrup + butter) work together to create that signature brittle texture—hard enough to snap, but never tooth-breaking.
2. Pecans should be fresh (smell them—no mustiness!) since they’re the star flavor.
3. Baking soda is the invisible hero—its chemical reaction creates hundreds of micro-bubbles for that ideal light-yet-crisp bite.

Chef’s Note: While we call for basic ingredients, quality matters. Splurge on good butter and fresh pecans—you’ll taste the difference.

Foolproof Steps for Perfect Pecan Brittle Every Time

Making candy can feel intimidating, but this step-by-step guide breaks down the process into simple, stress-free stages. Follow these instructions, and you’ll get glossy, crunchy pecan brittle with that satisfying snap every single time.

Before You Begin: Essential Prep Work

1. Gather Your Tools:
   • Heavy-bottomed saucepan (3-quart minimum)
   • Candy thermometer (crucial for accuracy)
   • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
   • Parchment-lined baking sheet (greasing isn’t needed)
2. Prep Your Ingredients:
   • Measure everything before cooking (candy-making moves fast!)
   • Chop pecans into even pieces (no whole halves)

Step 1 – Building the Sugar Base (10 minutes active time)

1. Combine 1 cup sugar, ½ cup corn syrup, and ½ cup butter in your saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter melts and sugar dissolves (about 3-4 minutes).
   • Critical Tip: Once boiling, STOP STIRRING to prevent crystallization.
3. Attach your candy thermometer and let the mixture boil undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
   • No thermometer? Test by dropping a bit into ice water—it should harden instantly and crack when bent.

Step 2 – The Magic Moment: Adding Pecans & Baking Soda (5 minutes)

1. When the syrup hits 300°F, immediately:
   • Remove from heat
   • Stir in 1½ cups pecans (mixture will thicken)
   • Quickly add 1 tsp baking soda (it will foam dramatically—this is normal!)
2. Working fast (before it sets), pour onto your parchment-lined sheet.
   • Pro Move: Tilt the sheet to spread thinly for extra crispness.

Step 3 – Cooling & Breaking (1 hour passive time)

1. Let cool completely at room temperature (~1 hour).
   • Resist touching! Hot sugar burns (and fingerprints ruin the shine).
2. Once hardened, lift the slab and break into pieces:
   • Use your hands for rustic shards
   • Or place under a towel and tap with a rolling pin for even portions

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Why This Method Works

• Heavy saucepan ensures even heat distribution (no scorching).
• No-stir boiling prevents sugar crystals from forming.
• Baking soda timing is key—too early or late affects texture.

“I’ve burned more batches than I’d like to admit—but this method hasn’t failed me once.” — Recipe Tester Sarah K.

5 Can’t-Miss Tips for Perfect Pecan Brittle

1. Use a Candy Thermometer – The difference between chewy and crunchy is just 5°F. 300°F = perfect snap.
2. Prep Everything First – Measure all ingredients and line your pan before heating the sugar. Candy waits for no one.
3. Don’t Stir After Boiling – Once bubbling starts, hands off! Stirring causes grainy texture.
4. Work Fast After Baking Soda – You’ve got about 30 seconds to pour before it sets. Move like you mean it.
5. Toast Your Pecans – 5 minutes in a 350°F oven = deeper, nuttier flavor.

Bonus: For extra-thin brittle, immediately tilt the baking sheet to spread the mixture. Thinner = crispier!

Pecan Brittle Nutrition Facts (What You’re Really Eating)

Let’s be real—this is candy, not kale. But here’s the honest breakdown so you can enjoy it guilt-free:

Nutrition Facts (Per 1oz Serving)

Serving size: About 12 pieces per batch (1″ shards)

The Good News:

✅ Pecans deliver healthy fats (monounsaturated + omega-3s)
✅ No artificial additives – Just real ingredients
✅ Portion-controlled – A little satisfies big cravings

Pro Tip for Balance:

Pair a piece with:

• Black coffee (cuts sweetness)
• Greek yogurt (adds protein)
• Fresh fruit (fiber helps slow sugar absorption)

“I budget for 2 pieces with my afternoon tea—no regrets!” — Recipe tester Mark

FAQ – Your Top Pecan Brittle Questions, Solved

Still stuck? Lightly grease your pouring sheet next time with butter.

The Joy of Homemade Pecan Brittle

There’s something undeniably special about transforming just 5 simple ingredients into a batch of golden, buttery pecan brittle. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifting, a party treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, this recipe proves that great candy doesn’t have to be complicated.

With its shattering crunch, toasty pecans, and that irresistible caramel depth, this brittle is more than just candy—it’s a little bite of homemade magic. And now that you know the secrets (thermometer vigilance, no stirring, and that all-important baking soda), you’re equipped to make it perfectly every time.

So go ahead—break off a piece, listen to that satisfying snap, and enjoy. (And maybe hide a few pieces for yourself before the whole batch disappears.)

Final Tip: Double the recipe if you plan to share. Trust us—it goes fast.

Author’s Top Picks: More Irresistible Recipes to Try

If you loved this Crunchy Pecan Brittle, you’ll adore these other crowd-pleasing favorites from my kitchen:

🍫 Chocolate Chip Cupcakes – Moist, fluffy cupcakes studded with melty chocolate chips and topped with silky buttercream. Perfect for birthdays or anytime you need a chocolate fix!

🍤 Creamy Coconut Shrimp – Succulent shrimp simmered in a rich, tropical coconut sauce with a hint of spice. *A restaurant-worthy dish ready in 20 minutes!*

Each of these recipes shares the same easy, no-fuss approach with big, delicious results. Happy cooking!