Vegan Brittle Recipe: Easy, Crunchy, and Delicious Treat

Crispy, crunchy, and delightfully sweet—there’s something undeniably nostalgic about homemade brittle. But what if you could enjoy all the classic flavors and textures of this beloved treat, without any dairy or animal products?

Enter this vegan brittle recipe, a plant-based twist on the old-fashioned candy that’s just as addictive as the original. Whether you’re craving a quick snack, searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert, or looking for a thoughtful edible gift, this brittle fits the bill.

Made with pantry staples, this vegan brittle boasts a golden caramel crunch and nutty richness. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requires no special candy thermometer, and is fully customizable with your favorite nuts and seeds.

If you love discovering new vegan treats, don’t miss our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or try a savory twist with our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Completely dairy-free and vegan—no butter or honey, so everyone can enjoy!
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps and minimal equipment.
• Customizable: Use your choice of nuts, seeds, and flavorings like vanilla or spices.
• Perfect for gifting: Break it into shards, wrap it up, and share with friends and family.
• Crunchy and satisfying: Just like traditional brittle, but with a plant-based twist.
• No corn syrup: Uses coconut oil and light brown sugar for a natural caramel flavor.
• Great make-ahead treat: Stores well for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Ingredients

This classic recipe uses just a handful of pantry ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic vegan brittle:

• Granulated sugar – 1 cup (200g)
• Light brown sugar – ½ cup (100g)
• Water – ⅓ cup (80ml)
• Coconut oil – 3 tbsp (45ml), melted
• Salt – ½ tsp
• Baking soda – ¾ tsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
• Mixed nuts (such as cashews, almonds, peanuts, or pecans) – 1½ cups (180g), lightly toasted

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan (2-3 quart)
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts
• Knife or mallet (for breaking brittle)
• Small bowl (for mixing baking soda and vanilla)

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients and workspace:

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Measure out all ingredients in advance—things move quickly once the caramel is ready.

   If using raw nuts, toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then set aside.

2. Combine sugars, water, and coconut oil:

   In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, water, and coconut oil. Stir gently to combine.

3. Cook the mixture:

   Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugars dissolve and mixture comes to a simmer.

   Stop stirring and allow to boil undisturbed, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep golden color (about 290°F-300°F if using a thermometer), 8–12 minutes.

   Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the mixture to bubble vigorously and take on a rich amber color. Don’t walk away—the caramel can burn quickly!

4. Add nuts and salt:

   Once golden, quickly stir in toasted mixed nuts and salt until evenly distributed. Remove the pan from heat.

5. Stir in vanilla and baking soda:

   In a small bowl, mix vanilla extract and baking soda. Immediately stir this mixture into the hot caramel and nuts.

   The mixture will foam up—this creates the signature brittle texture.

   Be cautious: The caramel is extremely hot and sticky. Wear oven mitts and work quickly!

6. Pour and spread:

   Immediately pour the foaming brittle onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out as thinly as possible (about ¼ inch thick) before it sets.

7. Cool and break:

   Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Once set, break it into shards using your hands, a knife, or a mallet.

8. Store:

   Place brittle pieces in an airtight container, layering with parchment to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Tips & Variations

• Use different nuts and seeds:

  Swap in pistachios, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a unique flavor and beautiful color contrast.

• Add spices:

  Try a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom for a warm twist.

• Chocolate drizzle:

  Once cooled, drizzle with melted vegan chocolate for a decadent finish.

• Salted brittle:

  Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle while it’s still warm for a sweet-salty treat.

• Make it festive:

  Stir in dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a pop of color and chewiness.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is humid, store brittle with a packet of silica gel or in a zip-top bag with a paper towel to keep it crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for one serving (about 1 ounce/28g):

Note: Nutrition will vary based on nut selection and add-ins.

Serving Suggestions

• As a snack:

  Enjoy straight from the jar for a quick, sweet pick-me-up.

• On desserts:

  Crumble over vegan ice cream, yogurt, or puddings for a crunchy topping.

• With coffee or tea:

  Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a satisfying treat.

• Gift idea:

  Package in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for holiday gifts or party favors. Pair with a batch of Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat for a sweet gift basket.

• Crumbled on breakfast:

  Sprinkle brittle shards on oatmeal or smoothie bowls for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

There’s a special joy in making your own candy, and with this vegan brittle recipe, you can enjoy an old-fashioned treat that’s both compassionate and delicious. The process is simple, the flavors are bold, and the results are irresistibly crunchy.

Perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging in a little sweet nostalgia, this brittle is sure to become a new favorite in your vegan repertoire.

If you loved this recipe, why not explore more plant-based creations? Check out our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for another classic made vegan, or dive into bold flavors with our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.

Happy brittle making—let your sweet tooth and creativity run wild!

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