Introduction
Walnut brittle is one of those winter treats that feels fancy but starts with simple pantry ingredients. Once you master a basic batch, you can turn it into bars, barks, ice-cream toppers, and party desserts that crunch and crackle in the best way. This collection gives you plenty of ways to enjoy walnut brittle all season long—whether you’re gifting jars, topping brownies, or layering it into creamy desserts.
1. Classic Golden Walnut Brittle Shards
Start with this simple, crunchy walnut brittle that becomes the foundation for many of the desserts in this list.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. Lightly grease.
- In a medium heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until mixture turns a deep amber (about 300°F / 150°C on a candy thermometer).
- Remove from heat; quickly stir in butter, walnuts, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. Work carefully; mixture will bubble.
- Immediately pour onto prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin layer with a greased spatula.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, about 30–40 minutes, then break into shards.
- Store in an airtight container at cool room temperature.
How to Serve It
Serve shards in small bowls after dinner, or pack them into clear bags with ribbon for winter gifts.
2. Sea-Salt Walnut Brittle Bark
Flaky sea salt adds contrast and makes each crunchy bite feel extra balanced and snackable.
Ingredients
- Classic walnut brittle mixture (same as Recipe 1 ingredients)
- Flaky sea salt: 1–2 tsp, for finishing
Instructions
- Prepare brittle mixture as in Recipe 1 up to step 4.
- Pour the hot mixture onto a lined baking sheet and spread to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the surface.
- Let cool 30–40 minutes until firm.
- Snap into rustic pieces and store airtight.
How to Serve It
Serve on a dessert board with dark chocolate squares, dried fruit, and espresso for a simple winter treat plate.
3. Maple-Walnut Brittle Squares
Real maple syrup adds cozy winter flavor and a deeper caramel note.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Pure maple syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line and lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan or a small baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, maple syrup, and water; cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Raise heat to medium-high and cook until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) and turns deep amber.
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, walnuts, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Cool 35–45 minutes, then cut into small squares with a sharp oiled knife.
How to Serve It
Share as a maple-themed after-dinner nibble or tuck a few squares into winter cookie tins.
4. Chocolate-Dipped Walnut Brittle Fingers
A coat of dark chocolate turns simple brittle shards into elegant, hand-held desserts.
Ingredients
- Classic walnut brittle shards (from Recipe 1): about 3 cups
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped bars: 8 oz
- Coconut oil or neutral oil: 1 tsp (optional, for smoother dipping)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave.
- Dip one end of each brittle shard into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off.
- Lay dipped pieces on parchment and let set at room temperature or in the fridge for 15–20 minutes.
- Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
How to Serve It
Arrange on a platter with espresso cups or hot chocolate for a winter dessert spread.
5. Espresso Walnut Brittle Shards
A hint of espresso deepens the caramel flavor and pairs beautifully with the toasted walnuts.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Instant espresso powder: 1½ tsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line and grease a baking sheet.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water; cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to medium-high; cook until light amber.
- Stir in butter and espresso powder; cook to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from heat; quickly stir in walnuts, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour onto prepared sheet, spread thin, and cool fully.
- Break into shards and store airtight away from moisture.
How to Serve It
Serve alongside cappuccinos, or crumble a little over vanilla ice cream for a coffee crunch.
6. Orange-Zest Walnut Brittle
Orange zest adds brightness and a gentle citrus aroma that feels very winter-friendly.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Fresh orange zest: 1½ tsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with greased parchment.
- Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat; cook to a rich amber color (300°F / 150°C).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, walnuts, orange zest, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour and spread onto the sheet; cool completely.
- Break into pieces.
How to Serve It
Pack with candied orange peel and dark chocolate in gift boxes for a citrus-themed dessert trio.
7. Cinnamon-Spiced Walnut Brittle Bark
Warm cinnamon spices up the brittle and makes the whole kitchen smell cozy.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Prepare a lined, greased baking sheet.
- Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water on medium, stirring until clear.
- Raise heat to medium-high; cook to a deep golden amber (300°F / 150°C).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, walnuts, cinnamon, baking soda, vanilla, and salt.
- Spread quickly in a thin layer and let cool 30–40 minutes.
- Break into rustic bark pieces.
How to Serve It
Pair with spiced tea, mulled cider, or coffee for a simple dessert break.
8. Honey Walnut Brittle with Sesame Seeds
Honey and sesame add a subtle twist inspired by classic nut candies.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
- Honey: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Sesame seeds: 2 tbsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Combine sugar, honey, and water in a saucepan; cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Raise heat; cook to 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, walnuts, sesame seeds, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour and spread onto the sheet; cool completely.
- Break into bite-sized pieces.
How to Serve It
Serve alongside sliced pears and sharp cheese for a sweet-savory dessert board.
9. Dark-Chocolate Cranberry Walnut Brittle Bark
This bark layers dark chocolate with crunchy walnut brittle and chewy cranberries.
Ingredients
- Dark chocolate: 10 oz, chopped
- Classic walnut brittle shards: 1½ cups, roughly chopped
- Dried cranberries: ¾ cup
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short microwave bursts.
- Spread melted chocolate into a thin layer on the parchment.
- Immediately sprinkle chopped brittle and dried cranberries evenly over the chocolate.
- Press lightly so toppings adhere.
- Let set at room temperature or refrigerate 30 minutes until firm.
- Break into rough pieces.
How to Serve It
Offer as a holiday dessert snack in a big bowl, or wrap several pieces in cellophane as homemade gifts.
10. Walnut Brittle Ice Cream Sundaes
Crunchy brittle crumbles turn simple ice cream into a satisfying, textured dessert.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream: 4 cups
- Walnut brittle shards (any flavor): 1½ cups, crumbled
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup
- Whipped cream: 1 cup
Instructions
- Scoop ice cream into serving bowls or sundae glasses.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving.
- Generously sprinkle crumbled walnut brittle on top.
- Finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve It
Add a pinch of flaky salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a winter touch.
11. Walnut Brittle Yogurt Parfaits
Parfaits with brittle give you crunchy dessert vibes with a creamy, lighter base.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: 3 cups
- Walnut brittle, crushed: 1½ cups
- Berry jam or compote: 1 cup
- Honey: 2–3 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- In small jars or glasses, layer 2–3 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon jam, and 1–2 tablespoons crushed brittle.
- Repeat layers until glasses are filled.
- Drizzle a little honey on top if using.
- Garnish with a small brittle shard.
How to Serve It
Chill 15–20 minutes before serving so flavors meld while the brittle stays crunchy.
12. Walnut Brittle Cheesecake Bars
A buttery cheesecake base topped with crunchy brittle gives every bite contrast and texture.
Ingredients
Crust & Filling
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1½ cups
- Melted butter: 6 tbsp
- Cream cheese, softened: 16 oz
- Granulated sugar: ½ cup
- Eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
Topping
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1½ cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- Mix graham crumbs and melted butter; press into pan.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add eggs and vanilla, mixing just to combine.
- Pour filling over crust.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, until just set in the center.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate 2 hours.
- Sprinkle crushed walnut brittle on top and gently press it into the chilled cheesecake.
- Cut into bars with a sharp knife.
How to Serve It
Serve bars cold with extra brittle on the side for crunch lovers.
13. Walnut Brittle Brownie Bites
Fudgy brownies get a crunchy crown of walnut brittle for extra texture.
Ingredients
- Brownie batter (boxed or homemade) for an 8×8-inch pan
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1½ cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to brownie recipe (usually 325–350°F / 163–177°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment and pour in brownie batter.
- Bake as directed, but remove from oven about 5 minutes before brownies are fully done.
- Sprinkle crushed walnut brittle over the top, pressing lightly into the surface.
- Return to oven for final 5 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting into small squares.
How to Serve It
Dust with powdered sugar or serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
14. Walnut Brittle Popcorn Crunch Mix
Popcorn and walnut brittle together make an addictive movie-night dessert.
Ingredients
- Air-popped or plain popcorn: 8 cups
- Crushed walnut brittle: 2 cups
- Melted butter: 3 tbsp
- Fine salt: pinch
Instructions
- Place popcorn in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with melted butter and toss lightly.
- Fold in crushed walnut brittle, reserving a few bigger pieces for garnish.
- Taste and add a pinch of salt if desired.
How to Serve It
Serve in big bowls for movie night or pack in tins for crunchy winter gifts.
15. Walnut Brittle Fudge Swirl
Soft fudge with crunchy brittle is a texture match that works beautifully in winter.
Ingredients
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 3 cups
- Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (14 oz)
- Butter: 2 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Crushed walnut brittle: 2 cups
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment.
- In a saucepan on low heat, melt chocolate chips, condensed milk, and butter, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Gently fold in most of the crushed brittle, reserving about ½ cup.
- Spread mixture into pan; sprinkle remaining brittle on top and press lightly.
- Chill 2–3 hours until firm, then cut into small squares.
How to Serve It
Serve on a dessert tray with coffee or hot chocolate.
16. Walnut Brittle Panna Cotta Cups
Creamy panna cotta with shards of brittle on top gives a soft-and-crunchy dessert contrast.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta
- Heavy cream: 2 cups
- Whole milk: 1 cup
- Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup
- Vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Powdered gelatin: 2½ tsp
- Cold water: 3 tbsp
Topping
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1–1½ cups
Instructions
- Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl; let bloom 5–10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat; stir in bloomed gelatin until dissolved, then add vanilla.
- Pour into small glasses or ramekins and chill at least 4 hours.
- Right before serving, top each panna cotta with a generous spoonful of crushed walnut brittle.
How to Serve It
Drizzle a tiny bit of caramel or honey over the brittle for extra shine.
17. Walnut Brittle Trifle Jars
Layered jar trifles are easy to assemble and look impressive on a dessert table.
Ingredients
- Pound cake or sponge cake, cubed: 4 cups
- Whipped cream: 3 cups
- Caramel sauce: 1 cup
- Crushed walnut brittle: 2 cups
Instructions
- In jars or glasses, add a layer of cake cubes.
- Spoon over a small amount of caramel sauce and whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with crushed walnut brittle.
- Repeat layers until jars are nearly full, finishing with whipped cream and brittle.
- Chill 30–60 minutes before serving.
How to Serve It
Top with a small brittle shard and a drizzle of caramel right before bringing to the table.
18. Walnut Brittle Sugar Cookies
Simple sugar cookies get a crunchy upgrade with bits of brittle baked on top.
Ingredients
- Sugar cookie dough (homemade or store-bought): dough for 24 cookies
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1½ cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheets, leaving space to spread.
- Press a spoonful of crushed walnut brittle into the top of each dough ball.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on sheets 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
How to Serve It
Serve with hot cocoa or tea, or package a few cookies and brittle pieces together in gift bags.
19. Walnut Brittle & Pretzel Bark
Salty pretzels and sweet brittle make this bark hard to stop eating.
Ingredients
- Milk or dark chocolate: 10 oz, chopped
- Mini pretzels, lightly crushed: 2 cups
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1½ cups
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Spread chocolate in an even layer on the sheet.
- Immediately scatter crushed pretzels and walnut brittle over the chocolate.
- Press gently so they adhere.
- Let set at room temperature or refrigerate 20–30 minutes.
- Break into pieces.
How to Serve It
Arrange in a big bowl or wrap in small bundles for snackable winter gifts.
20. Ginger-Spice Walnut Brittle
Ginger gives this brittle a cozy bite that fits perfectly into winter dessert menus.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Light corn syrup: ½ cup
- Water: ¼ cup
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Chopped walnuts: 1½ cups
- Ground ginger: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Fine sea salt: ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with greased parchment.
- Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat; cook until golden amber and 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from heat; stir in butter, walnuts, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour onto sheet, spread thin, and cool fully.
- Break into pieces and store airtight.
How to Serve It
Pair with gingerbread cookies or spiced tea for an all-ginger dessert moment.
21. Walnut Brittle Banana Splits
Brittle adds crunch to classic banana splits, turning them into shareable winter desserts.
Ingredients
- Bananas: 3, split lengthwise
- Ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or caramel): 6–9 scoops
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1½ cups
- Chocolate sauce: ½ cup
- Caramel sauce: ½ cup
- Whipped cream: 1 cup
Instructions
- Arrange banana halves in long dishes or shallow bowls.
- Add 2–3 scoops of ice cream per serving.
- Drizzle with chocolate and caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle generously with crushed walnut brittle.
- Top with whipped cream.
How to Serve It
Add maraschino cherries or sliced strawberries if you’d like a touch of color.
22. Walnut Brittle Affogato Cups
Affogato with crunchy brittle on top feels like an easy yet impressive dessert.
Ingredients
- Vanilla ice cream or gelato: 4–6 small scoops
- Freshly brewed hot espresso: 4–6 shots
- Crushed walnut brittle: 1–1½ cups
Instructions
- Place a scoop of ice cream in each small cup.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon or two of crushed walnut brittle over each scoop.
- Right before serving, pour a shot of hot espresso over each cup.
- Add more brittle on top if desired.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately so you get the contrast of hot espresso, cold ice cream, and crisp brittle.
23. Gift-Ready Winter Walnut Brittle Tins
Turn any of the brittle flavors into gift-ready tins to share with friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
Ingredients
- Any walnut brittle from this list: 6–8 cups total
- Parchment paper: several sheets, cut into circles or squares
- Decorative tins or jars: 4–6
Instructions
- Break walnut brittle into medium pieces that fit easily into tins.
- Line each tin with parchment, letting some edges peek over the sides.
- Fill tins with brittle pieces, layering parchment between layers if desired.
- Seal tins and store in a cool, dry place until gifting.
How to Serve It
Add a handwritten tag with flavor notes (maple, ginger, espresso, etc.) and serving ideas like “crumble over ice cream” or “pair with coffee.”
Conclusion
Walnut brittle is more than just a candy dish filler—it’s a crunchy base for barks, bars, trifles, sundaes, and pretty winter gifts. Pick a flavor or two to cook first, save the rest for future dessert projects, and share your favorites with friends and family. A little bag or bowl of walnut brittle has a way of making winter evenings feel extra cozy.
