Pumpkin Brittle

Homemade pumpkin brittle pieces on a wooden table, showcasing its crunchy texture.

Table of Contents

Recipe Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

  • Calories per serving: 200
  • Protein: 3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sugar: 24 grams
  • Sodium: 80 mg

Why Make This Pumpkin Brittle

Pumpkin brittle is a delightful treat that combines the sweet, crunchy goodness of traditional brittle with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin seeds. Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this confection offers a satisfying crunch and a sweet, caramelized taste. Not only is it a unique addition to your dessert table, but it also brings a nostalgic touch of autumn to any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients!

How to Make Pumpkin Brittle

Making pumpkin brittle is a straightforward process that anyone can master. Follow the steps below to create your own batch of this delicious snack. You’ll be rewarded with a crunchy, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • Pumpkin seeds (approximately 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

  • Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter and set it aside. This ensures that your brittle won’t stick later on.

Step 2: Mixing

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir the mixture until it begins to boil.

Step 3: Cooking

  • Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches a rich golden color. This step is crucial as it helps develop the flavors and color of your brittle.

Step 4: Finishing

  • Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and butter. The mixture will bubble up, which is a sign that the baking soda is doing its job. Quickly fold in the pumpkin seeds until they are well coated.

Step 5: Pouring

  • Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Be careful, as the mixture can be extremely hot!

Step 6: Cooling

  • Let the brittle cool completely on the baking sheet. Once it’s cool, break it into pieces.

How to Serve Pumpkin Brittle

Pumpkin brittle is best enjoyed as a snack or dessert on its own. Serve it in a decorative bowl for a treat that’s perfect for sharing during family gatherings, parties, or movie nights. It can also be a charming addition to gift baskets for the holidays. Pair it with warm apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.

How to Store Pumpkin Brittle

Store your pumpkin brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a particularly humid environment, consider wrapping pieces individually in wax paper to maintain their crispness.

Expert Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Brittle

  • Don’t Rush the Cooking Phase: Paying attention to the boiling stage is crucial. Keep a close eye on the color as it changes, and remove it from heat at the right moment to avoid burning.
  • Use Fresh Pumpkin Seeds: For the best flavor and crunch, use unsalted, raw pumpkin seeds. You can toast them lightly before adding to the mixture if you’d like a deeper flavor.
  • Work Quickly: Once the mixture is ready, work fast to ensure an even coating of pumpkin seeds before it hardens.
  • Add Spices: For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during the mixing phase for a warm, autumnal spice.

Delicious Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts along with the pumpkin seeds for an extra crunchy texture.
  • Spiced Pumpkin Brittle: Mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to enhance the fall flavor profile further.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: After breaking the brittle into pieces, drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use other types of seeds?
  • Absolutely! Sunflower seeds or even nuts can be substituted or added for variety.
  • How can I tell when the sugar mixture is ready?
  • Look for a beautiful golden color. A candy thermometer is not necessary, but if you have one, aim for about 300°F (hard crack stage).
  • What should I do if my brittle is too sticky?
  • If your brittle sticks together, it may not have been cooked long enough. Try cooking it a little longer next time.
  • Can I double the recipe?
  • Yes, you can double the recipe; just ensure you have a large enough saucepan and baking sheet to accommodate everything.
  • Is pumpkin brittle gluten-free?
  • Yes, this pumpkin brittle recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

Making pumpkin brittle is simple and incredibly rewarding. With its crunchy texture and sweet flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, this recipe is perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious homemade treat that captures the essence of fall!

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Pumpkin Brittle


Description

A delightful treat that combines the sweet, crunchy goodness of traditional brittle with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin seeds, perfect for fall gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and salt. Stir until the mixture begins to boil.
  3. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches a rich golden color.
  4. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the baking soda and butter.
  5. Quickly fold in the pumpkin seeds until well coated.
  6. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly.
  7. Let the brittle cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For best results, use fresh, unsalted pumpkin seeds.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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Pro Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Lydia, the passionate culinary creator behind Ninja Machine Recipes! I firmly believe that amazing food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here at Ninja Machine Recipes, I share my favorite recipes that bring loved ones together around the dinner table – from quick weeknight solutions to special celebration treats.

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