Paw Paw's Texas Pecan Brittle

Crackly, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, **Paw Paw's Texas Pecan Brittle** is the ultimate homemade candy experience! This family favorite combines the deep, nutty richness of toasted raw pecans with a perfectly golden sugar syrup, creating a brittle that’s both crisp and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Infused with a hint of vanilla and a touch of salt to balance the sweetness, this pecan brittle recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The step-by-step process—from achieving the perfect hard crack stage to spreading the candy thin for that iconic crunch—ensures consistent results every time. Perfect for holiday gifts, party treats, or satisfying your sweet tooth, this Texas-inspired brittle captures the essence of homemade comfort. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a must-try for candy lovers craving a delightful Southern twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 38/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup Light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons Water
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Raw pecans
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicon mat. Lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2

In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Step 4

Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This will take about 10–15 minutes.

Step 5

While the syrup is cooking, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6

Once the candy mixture reaches 300°F, immediately remove it from heat and quickly stir in the toasted pecans, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so act carefully but quickly.

Step 7

Immediately pour the brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out as thinly as possible using a greased spatula or the back of a spoon.

Step 8

Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Step 9

Once cooled, break the brittle into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(501.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2105.1

Total Fat 105.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 1871.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 305.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 293.7g
Protein 10.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 88.4mg	0%
Iron 2.9mg	0%
Potassium 479mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.9%

Protein: 1.9%

Carbs: 55.1%