Cocoa Almond Brittle is an easy, delicious no-bake treat that makes the perfect addition to your holiday cookie plate! Made with sugar, butter, and cocoa dusted almonds, it’s a unique twist on a classic that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!
I have to admit. I’ve gotten a bit lazy when it comes to holiday baking. In fact, these days I probably prefer NO-baking! Not only is it quick and easy and relatively foolproof, but there are so many delicious no-bake options.
Like this Cocoa Almond Brittle! It’s a fun little twist on classic peanut brittle… with a slightly chocolatey, extra crunchy finish. The dark chocolate from the almonds blends perfectly into the caramel flavor, and a little pinch of salt adds just the right contrast.
This brittle is easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting! And if you still want to get some baking in, you’ll have plenty of time to make some White Chocolate Dipped Snickerdoodles or Peppermint Snowballs when you’re done!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Sugar – As with any brittle, sugar is a key ingredient in this recipe. I used 1 cup of granulated sugar.
Corn syrup – Combined with the sugar I also used 1/2 cup of light corn syrup. Corn syrup adds a smooth, creamy texture and helps control crystallization of the sugar in this recipe.
Cocoa Almonds – Instead of peanuts, which are traditional in brittle, I used 1 cup of cocoa dusted almonds instead. Cocoa Almonds adda a delicious chocolatey flavor and next level crunch to this brittle.
Butter – Butter gives this recipe the distinct caramely flavor that brittle is known for. I used 1 Tablespoon of salted butter.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla extract adds another level of depth and flavor to this brittle. I used 1 teaspoon.
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon of salt brings out all the delicious flavors in the brittle.
Baking soda – Finally, baking soda is what makes brittle hard. I used 1 teaspoon of baking soda in this recipe.
how to make cocoa almond brittle
*These instructions are for a 1000 watt microwave. Cooking times will vary with wattage.
Combine sugar & corn syrup. In a large, microwave safe glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Heat on high power 4 minutes. Remove from microwave; mixture should be clear and bubbly.
Add additional ingredients. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and salt until butter is melted. Stir in the almonds. Return to microwave; heat on high for an additional 3 minutes.
Add the baking soda. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and stir until completely incorporated.
Spread and cool. Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cool 15 minutes or until hardened. Break into irregular pieces.
Store. Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar
- Use almond extract in place of (or in addition to) vanilla extract
- Substitute regular salted or unsalted almonds for cocoa almonds
- Substitute cashews or peanuts for cocoa almonds
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra salty + sweet contrast
more delicious no-bake treat recipes
- Caramel Cashew Haystacks
- English Toffee Haystacks
- White Chocolate Macadamia Cranberry Bark
- Toasted Coconut Bark
- Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Pretzels
- Chocolate Covered Strawberry Reindeer
- Easy Chocolate Truffles
Cocoa Almond Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup Cocoa Almonds
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- **These instructions are for a 1000 watt microwave.Cooking times will vary with wattage.**
- Combine sugar and corn syrup in a large glass (microwave safe) bowl. Heat on high power 4 minutes.
- Remove from microwave; mixture should be clear and bubbly.
- Stir in butter, vanilla, and salt until butter is melted. Stir in almonds.
- Return to microwave; heat on high for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add baking soda and stir until completely incorporated.
- Pour mixture onto baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cool 15 minutes or until hardened.
- Break into irregular pieces; store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar
- Use almond extract in place of (or in addition to) vanilla extract
- Substitute regular salted or unsalted almonds for cocoa almonds
- Substitute cashews or peanuts for cocoa almonds
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra salty + sweet contrast
Jessica+Lane says
I’ve never attempted brittle before but it looks (sort of) easy enough. You give me the hope I could actually pull it off – I’m definitely better in the candy making department than the cookie – I have a lot of goodies to make coming up so maybe I will try it! Thanks for sharing!