Imagine a decadent treat that combines the satisfying crunch of caramelized nuts with the rich, velvety embrace of dark chocolate - a dessert so addictive, you'll want to hide it from everyone else! This Chocolate Dipped Nut Brittle is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet masterpiece that will have your friends and family begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all the ingredients and equipment you will need. You will require a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, a medium saucepan, a wooden spoon, a candy thermometer, and a heatproof bowl for melting the chocolate.
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar and cocoa powder are fully dissolved.
- Once dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Attach the candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches a temperature of 300°F (hard crack stage).
- While the sugar mixture is boiling, prepare your nuts. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of mixed nuts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the nut mixture until all the nuts are evenly coated.
- Pour the nut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with the wooden spoon. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature, which should take about 10-15 minutes.
- While the brittle is cooling, melt 1 cup of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Once the nut brittle has cooled and hardened, break it into pieces of your desired size.
- Dip each piece of nut brittle into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork to lift the pieces out and allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the chocolate-dipped nut brittle back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the dipping process until all pieces are coated.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature until firm, or place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for quicker setting, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, your Chocolate Dipped Nut Brittle is ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- Use a candy thermometer for precision - hitting exactly 300°F is crucial for the perfect brittle texture.
- Choose high-quality dark chocolate for a more luxurious flavor profile.
- Toast your nuts beforehand for an extra depth of flavor.
- Work quickly when adding nuts to the caramel to ensure even coating.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for a glossy finish.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the brittle's crisp texture.
- Experiment with different nut combinations for unique variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
