Description
Creamy banana walnut brittle delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich caramelized flavors. Sweet and crunchy layers blend perfectly for an indulgent treat that satisfies classic comfort cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (200 g/7.05 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (100 g/3.53 oz) walnuts, chopped and toasted
- ½ cup (120 g/4.23 oz) freeze-dried banana slices, crumbled
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) light corn syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) water
- 2 tbsps (30 g/1.06 oz) unsalted butter
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, creating a non-stick surface for the brittle.
- Walnut Roasting: Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until fragrant and golden, releasing their rich, nutty essence.
- Caramel Formation: Merge sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat gently, dissolving sugar completely, then escalate to a rolling boil without additional stirring.
- Temperature Control: Utilize a candy thermometer to track the sugar mixture, aiming for the hard-crack stage at 300°F, signaling optimal caramelization.
- Flavor Infusion: Remove from heat, rapidly incorporate butter, triggering intense bubbling. Quickly introduce baking soda and vanilla extract to elevate taste and texture.
- Ingredient Integration: Fold freeze-dried banana fragments and pre-toasted walnuts into the molten caramel, ensuring comprehensive coating with the golden syrup.
- Spreading Technique: Pour the blazing mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to distribute evenly and thinly before solidification begins.
- Cooling and Fragmenting: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Once hardened, break into irregular, rustic pieces.
- Storage: Transfer brittle fragments to an airtight container, preserving their crisp texture and complex flavor profile for up to two weeks at room temperature.
Notes
- Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring the caramel once it starts boiling to prevent sugar crystals from forming, which can make the brittle grainy.
- Maintain Precise Temperature: Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the 300°F hard-crack stage, as even a few degrees can dramatically change the brittle’s texture.
- Work Quickly When Adding Ingredients: Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting, as the caramel mixture sets rapidly and requires immediate incorporation of butter, baking soda, and add-ins.
- Store Carefully to Preserve Crispness: Keep the brittle in a completely dry, airtight container away from humidity to maintain its signature crisp texture and prevent softening.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg