15-Minute Spicy Maple Nut and Seed Brittle
A crunchy homemade brittle combining almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds bound with maple syrup and butter. The warming spices of cinnamon and cayenne pepper add depth and gentle heat to this sweet-savory snack. Perfect for holiday gifting or serving at parties, this brittle offers a sophisticated twist on traditional candy with its complex mix of textures and flavors from multiple nuts and seeds.
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw almonds
- ¼ cup pepitas
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup sesame seeds
- ⅓ cup maple syruphoney1:1Medium confidenceFull guide →
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 340 degrees F (350°F)
- 2
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined
- 3
Line a tray with baking paper and spread the mixture evenly in one layer
- 4
Bake for 8 minutes
- 5
Stir the mixture evenly and bake for another 1-2 minutes until mixture becomes crunchy when cooled
- 6
Allow to cool completely before serving
Tips
Watch carefully during the final 1-2 minutes as the mixture can burn easily once it starts to caramelize
Test doneness by allowing some mixture to cool on your spatula - it should become crunchy when cooled
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Can be made up to 3 days ahead
Break into pieces and serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Watch timing carefully in final minutes to avoid burning the mixture
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use different nuts and seeds?
Yes, substitute with equal amounts of your preferred nuts and seeds like walnuts, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds.
How do I know when the brittle is done?
Test by letting some mixture cool on your spatula - it should become crunchy when cooled to room temperature.
Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper, or substitute with a smaller amount of mild paprika for color without heat.