Pumpkin Seed & Hemp Seed Brittle (4 Essential Ingredients + Options)

A Crunchy, Nutrient-Packed, Easy-to-Make Treat

Move over, traditional peanut brittle! A new, sophisticated, and incredibly nutritious brittle has entered the scene. This Pumpkin Seed and Hemp Seed Brittle is not just a candy; it’s a powerhouse snack that transforms simple seeds into a shimmering, crunchy, utterly addictive masterpiece. With just four essential ingredients, this recipe is a testament to the magic of minimalism in the kitchen. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily adaptable to be vegan, making it a perfect treat for diverse dietary needs. In less than 30 minutes, you can create a gourmet-quality confection that’s perfect for holiday gifting, a post-dinner sweet, or a protein-boosting snack. Let’s unlock the secret to making this stunning, health-conscious brittle that will impress everyone who tries it.

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Pumpkin Seed & Hemp Seed Brittle Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each core ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

The 4 Essential Ingredients:

1. 1 cup (100g) Raw Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): The star of the show. They offer a beautiful green color, a wonderful crunch, and a rich, nutty flavor packed with magnesium, zinc, and plant-based protein.
2. ½ cup (75g) Raw Hemp Seeds (Hemp Hearts): The supporting hero. These add a creamy texture, a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, and complete protein. They toast lightly and create a fantastic flavor base.
3. 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar: This is the glue that holds everything together. As it caramelizes, it creates the signature hard-crack brittle texture and that beautiful golden color.
4. ½ cup (120ml) Light Corn Syrup or Golden Syrup: The guardian against crystallization. It ensures your sugar syrup stays smooth and glassy, not grainy and sandy. Golden syrup will add a deeper, buttery note.

The Flavor Enhancer (Highly Recommended):

• ½ teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (like Maldon), plus extra for finishing: Salt is non-negotiable for balancing the sweetness. Flaky salt sprinkled on top after pouring provides delightful salty bursts.

Optional Add-Ins for Customization:

• Spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract added at the very end.
• Vegan Option: Use a verified vegan sugar (some white sugars are processed with bone char) and ensure your syrup is vegan. That’s it the base recipe is naturally dairy-free!
• Nut/Seed Variations: Swap ¼ cup of the seeds for sunflower seeds or finely chopped almonds for a different texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need: A medium-heavy-bottomed saucepan (crucial for even heating), a silicone spatula or wooden spoon, a candy thermometer (highly recommended for beginners), a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or well-greased parchment paper, and a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Brittle

Making candy can seem intimidating, but by following these clear steps, you’ll achieve perfect brittle every single time. Remember, you are working with extremely hot sugar please exercise caution and keep little ones and pets away from the stove.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you even turn on the stove, this is the most important step. Line your baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or heavily grease a sheet of parchment paper with oil or butter. Have all your ingredients measured and within arm’s reach. Once the sugar is cooking, you cannot walk away.

Step 2: Toast the Seeds (For Maximum Flavor)

1. In your dry saucepan over medium-low heat, gently toast the pumpkin seeds for 2-3 minutes until they are just fragrant and maybe making a slight popping sound. Avoid browning them.
2. Add the hemp seeds and toast for another 60 seconds. Pour the toasted seed mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading them into a thin, even layer. Set aside.

Step 3: Create the Sugar Syrup

1. In the same saucepan (no need to wash), combine the sugar and corn syrup.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with your spatula until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Cook to the Hard Crack Stage

1. Once boiling, stop stirring. This is critical. Stirring can cause the syrup to crystallize.
2. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan, ensuring the tip is immersed in the syrup but not touching the bottom.
3. Let the syrup boil, undisturbed, until it reaches 300°F (150°C), known as the “hard crack” stage. The syrup will be a clear, deep golden amber color. This process can take 7-10 minutes.

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Step 5: Combine and Pour

1. As soon as the syrup hits 300°F, immediately remove the pan from the heat.
2. Working quickly but carefully, pour the hot syrup directly over the prepared seeds on your baking sheet. Try to cover as much area as possible.
3. If using any liquid extracts (like vanilla), stir them into the hot syrup in the pan before pouring.

Step 6: Spread and Finish

1. The brittle will start setting fast. Using the back of a lightly oiled spatula or spoon, gently nudge and spread the molten candy to cover any bare spots. Don’t press too hard.
2. While still very hot, sprinkle the top generously with flaky sea salt.
3. Let the brittle cool completely and harden at room temperature. This takes about 30-45 minutes. Do not move or touch it during this time.

Step 7: Break and Enjoy!

Once the brittle is completely cool and hard (it will make a tapping sound when you touch it), lift the entire sheet off the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use your hands or the end of a rolling pin to break it into beautiful, rustic pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Pro Tips for Brittle Success

• No Thermometer? Use the Water Test: Drop a small bit of the hot syrup into a glass of cold water. If it solidifies immediately into hard, brittle threads that snap when bent, it’s at the hard crack stage.
• Prevent Crystallization: Besides not stirring after boiling, ensure no sugar crystals are on the side of the pan. You can use a wet pastry brush to wash down any crystals during the initial dissolving phase.
• Even Thickness: For easier breaking, try to spread the brittle to an even thickness (about ¼ inch) before it sets.
• Clean-Up Ease: To clean your pot, simply fill it with hot water and let it sit. The hardened sugar will dissolve.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Gourmet Treat

This Pumpkin Seed and Hemp Seed Brittle proves that healthy can be heavenly. It’s more than just a sweet; it’s a conversation-starting, nutrient-dense creation that you can feel good about sharing. The process is quick, the ingredient list is short, and the reward is immense a symphony of crunch, salty-sweet balance, and deep, toasty flavors.

Don’t let the candy thermometer scare you. Embrace the simple alchemy of sugar and seeds. Make a batch for your next gathering, package it prettily for a heartfelt gift, or simply keep it for your own well-deserved snack. Once you master this basic formula, a world of seed and spice variations opens up. So, gather those four ingredients and experience the joy and satisfaction of creating homemade brittle perfection. Your kitchen is about to become your favorite candy shop.