Banana Walnut Brittle is a delightful and crunchy treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. Perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding as a topping to desserts, this recipe is simple to prepare and offers a unique twist to traditional brittle recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup dried banana chips, crushed
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside. - Combine sugar mixture:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. - Cook the mixture:
Allow the mixture to boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). - Add remaining ingredients:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up slightly. - Incorporate walnuts and banana chips:
Immediately fold in the chopped walnuts and crushed banana chips until evenly coated. - Spread the brittle:
Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, spread it out into an even layer. Work quickly, as the brittle will harden fast. - Cool and break:
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving:Â Enjoy Banana Walnut Brittle as a standalone snack, or use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or desserts like cakes and pies.
- Storage:Â Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bananas instead of banana chips?
Fresh bananas contain too much moisture and will not work well in this recipe. Banana chips provide the crunch and flavor needed for the brittle.
2. Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, pecans, almonds, or cashews are great alternatives to walnuts. You can even mix multiple types of nuts for a unique flavor.
3. Why did my brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle may result from not cooking the sugar mixture to the proper hard crack stage (300°F). Ensure you use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
4. Is it possible to make this brittle without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, but you can substitute it with honey or golden syrup. Be aware that the flavor and texture might slightly differ.
PrintBanana Walnut Brittle
This Banana Walnut Brittle offers a unique twist on traditional peanut brittle by incorporating the natural sweetness of dried bananas and the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. It’s a perfect snack for gifting or enjoying during the holidays.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
- ¾ cup dried banana chips, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:Â Set your oven to its lowest temperature (often labeled as “warm”). Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place the prepared sheet in the warm oven to keep it heated.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture:Â In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan.
- Monitor the Temperature: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C). Be vigilant after it reaches 280°F, as the temperature can rise quickly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Once at 300°F, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the baking soda and butter until fully incorporated. Quickly add the chopped walnuts, banana chips, and vanilla extract, stirring until evenly mixed.
- Spread the Brittle:Â Retrieve the warm baking sheet from the oven. Pour the brittle mixture onto the sheet. Using a silicone spatula or two buttered forks, spread the mixture thinly and evenly.
- Cool and Break:Â Allow the brittle to cool completely. Once hardened, break it into pieces of your desired size.
Notes
- Heating the Baking Sheet:Â Warming the baking sheet helps in spreading the brittle mixture more easily, as it prevents premature hardening.
- Storage:Â Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness.