Creative Brittle Recipes: Beyond the Candy Bowl

If you think brittle is just a grab-and-go candy, get ready for a happy jolt of inspiration. These brittle recipes prove that a handful of crunchy shards can transform everyday desserts, morning drinks, and even savory dishes into something seriously memorable. Whether you’re using peanut, almond, cashew, or seasonal brittle from Brittle-Brittle®, these ideas will give you completely new reasons to stock up.

Let’s dive into the most creative ways to use brittle in your kitchen: simple steps, big impact.

Why Brittle Belongs in Every Recipe

Brittle adds two things home cooks constantly chase: texture and caramelized flavor. Think of it as an instant upgrade—salty-sweet crunch, buttery richness, and roasted nut notes that pair beautifully with both desserts and savory dishes.

Most of us treat brittle as a candy bowl staple. But in recipes, it’s a flavor bomb: part topping, part mix-in, part decoration. Once you get the hang of using it as a culinary ingredient, you’ll find yourself reaching for Brittle-Brittle® every time you want to zhuzh something up.

Brittle-Topped Sundaes

This one’s a crowd-pleaser and hands-down one of the best uses for brittle.

1. Classic Vanilla Sundae with Salted Peanut Brittle

If you’ve ever wondered what the best brittle recipe for sundaes is, this might be it.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
  
  

• Warm caramel sauce
  
  

• Crushed Brittle-Brittle® Peanut Brittle
  
  

• Pinch of flaky salt (optional)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a chilled bowl.
   
   

2. Drizzle with caramel while it’s still warm.
   
   

3. Shower the top with crushed peanut brittle.
   
   

4. Add flaky salt for a sweet-salted contrast.
   
   

The peanut brittle melts slightly under the warm caramel, leaving a crispy-chewy texture that’ll ruin all future sundaes for you—in the best way.

2. Prosciutto, Fig Jam & Gourmet Peanut Brittle Sundae

Yes, it sounds wild. Yes, it’s unbelievably good.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla or mascarpone ice cream
  
  

• Spoonful of fig jam
  
  

• Brittle-Brittle® Gourmet Peanut Brittle shards
  
  

• Crispy prosciutto (or omit for vegetarian)
  
  

Instructions:
Layer everything like you’re building a tiny edible art installation. The salty prosciutto + sweet brittle + jam is a combination that feels straight off a chef’s tasting menu.

This sundae is a showstopper dessert board moment.

Decadent Brittle Caramel Lattes

This might be the most fun and unexpected idea on the list—readers search for brittle caramel latte all the time.

1. Homemade Brittle Syrup

This syrup alone is worth bookmarking.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup crushed Brittle-Brittle® Peanut or Cashew Brittle
  
  

• 1 cup water
  
  

• ½ cup sugar
  
  

Instructions:

1. Bring water and sugar to a simmer.
   
   

2. Stir in brittle until melted through.
   
   

3. Strain out nut pieces if you want it smooth.
   
   

You end up with a caramel-nut syrup that tastes like a latte from a specialty coffee shop.

2. How to Build the Latte

• Brew a strong espresso or concentrate
  
  

• Add 1–3 tbsp of brittle syrup
  
  

• Pour in steamed milk
  
  

• Finish with whipped cream and crushed brittle
  
  

For presentation, drizzle a bit of syrup along the inside of the glass. It looks fancy and tastes even better.

Brittle-Infused Baked Goods

Crushed brittle in baked goods? Absolutely. It behaves like caramel chips or toffee chunks—melty in spots, crunchy in others.

1. Brownies with Toffee Chunks

Use Brittle-Brittle® Roasted Almond Toffee  or any of the richer styles.

Instructions:

1. Make your favorite brownie batter.
   
   

2. Fold in ½–1 cup chopped toffee.
   
   

3. Sprinkle more on top before baking.
   
   

The toffee melts and creates pockets of caramelized crunch that make boxed brownies taste bakery-level.

2. Brittle Cookie Bars

Think blondies but better.

Ingredients:

• Standard cookie bar dough
  
  

• 1 cup crushed Brittle-Brittle® Almond or Cashew Brittle
  
  

• Extra shards for topping
  
  

Bake until the edges are golden but the center is slightly gooey. The brittle on top sets into a caramel crust as it cools.

Savory Applications: Salads & Cheese Boards

Yep, brittle can go savory. When paired right, it brings a sweet counterpoint that lifts everything else on the plate.

1. Butternut Salad with Almond Brittle Crumble

Perfect fall or holiday salad.

Ingredients:

• Roasted butternut squash
  
  

• Greens (arugula or spinach)
  
  

• Goat cheese
  
  

• Crushed Brittle-Brittle® Almond Brittle
  
  

• Olive oil + lemon dressing
  
  

The brittle replaces candied nuts, adding caramel notes without extra prep.

2. Brittle for Cheese Boards

Here’s a trick stylists use for food photography: add brittle for sparkle and crunch.

Pairings:

• Cheddar + peanut brittle
  
  

• Brie + cashew brittle
  
  

• Blue cheese + dark chocolate brittle (trust me)
  
  

Scatter small shards between cheeses for texture and color contrast.

Tips for Perfectly Crunchy Brittle

If you’re using brittle in recipes, you want to preserve the signature crunch.

Keep these tips handy:

• Store airtight to avoid humidity softening
  
  

• Top dishes right before serving
  
  

• Avoid mixing brittle into warm batters too soon—it can melt completely
  
  

• Use freezer storage for long-term crispness
  
  

• Experiment with spices like cinnamon, coffee dust, smoked salt, and chai blends
  
  

With all the nut, spice, and flavor variations from Brittle-Brittle®, you can customize every recipe for the season or occasion.

Brittle doesn’t have to live in a jar on the counter. Whether you’re making a showy dessert, leveling up your morning latte, or surprising guests with a savory twist, these brittle recipes make every meal a little more exciting.

Ready to get creative?

👉 Shop Brittle-Brittle® Now for Exclusive Recipe Kits