Irresistibly Crisp & Fudgy Homemade Brownie Brittle: Your New Favorite Chocolate Snack
Prepare to fall in love with homemade brownie brittle, a delightful twist on everyone’s favorite fudgy chocolate treat! This incredibly crisp, thin, and satisfyingly crunchy dessert is generously dotted with rich chocolate chips and savory chopped walnuts, all baked into a decadent dark chocolate base. It’s a truly versatile snack that strikes the perfect balance between a cookie and a brownie, offering an addictive texture that keeps you coming back for more. Best of all, this impressive brownie bark is surprisingly quick and easy to make, coming together in just about 30 minutes of active preparation and bake time.
Why This Homemade Brownie Brittle Recipe is a Must-Try
You might know these delightful chocolate snacks as brownie bark, brownie crisps, or even chocolate bark with a brownie twist. Regardless of the name, brownie brittle offers a unique and addictive experience. Unlike the thick, dense, and chewy texture of traditional fudge brownies, these are baked thin and crisp, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Imagine the rich flavor of a brownie transformed into a delicate, cookie-like wafer – that’s the magic of brownie brittle.
This recipe truly shines for several reasons:
- Unique Texture: It provides a wonderfully crisp and crunchy contrast to a soft, chewy brownie, making it a refreshing change for chocolate lovers.
- Speed and Simplicity: In less than an hour, you can create a batch of these delectable treats from scratch. The straightforward steps make it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick dessert solution.
- Ultimate Customization: Starting with a rich homemade dark chocolate base, this brittle serves as a blank canvas for your creativity. You can effortlessly personalize it with an array of different toppings to suit any taste or occasion. Think beyond chocolate chips and walnuts – sprinkles, various nuts, different flavored chocolate chips, crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet kick, or even candies like M&M’s or mini Reese’s cups can transform this brittle into something uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Gifting: Its sturdy, brittle nature and appealing appearance make it an ideal candidate for edible gifts during the holidays or for any special occasion. Packaged in cellophane bags tied with a festive bow, homemade brownie brittle is a thoughtful and delicious present that always impresses.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy it on its own, dip it in coffee or milk, crumble it over ice cream, or use it as a garnish for other desserts. Its robust flavor and satisfying crunch make it a fantastic addition to any snack repertoire.
Essential Ingredients for Your Brownie Brittle
Making delicious homemade brownie brittle starts with a careful selection of common pantry staples. While the recipe is straightforward, using quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your final product. You’ll find all precise measurements and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our brittle, providing the necessary body and crispness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the deep, rich chocolate flavor comes from. Using good quality cocoa powder makes a noticeable difference.
- Salt & Baking Soda: These are crucial for balancing the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate flavor, and contributing to the brittle’s delicate texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that signature crisp texture.
- Water & Vegetable Oil: These liquids help create a smooth batter and contribute to the brittle’s overall crispness. Vegetable oil also adds a subtle richness.
- Dark Chocolate (70% Cacao): The heart of the chocolate flavor. Using a high-quality dark chocolate adds depth and intensity to the brittle.
- Large Egg Whites: Provide structure and contribute to the thin, crispy nature of the brittle without making it too cakey.
- Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Our chosen mix-in for extra pockets of melty chocolate goodness.
- Chopped Walnuts: Adds a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Ingredient Information and Creative Substitution Suggestions
This brownie brittle recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to customization, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or whatever you have on hand. While we’re using classic semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, feel free to experiment!
Chocolate Options:
- Chocolate Chips: You can easily substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with a variety of other flavors. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness, butterscotch chips offer a distinct caramel-like note, caramel chips provide a chewy, rich addition, and peanut butter chips are perfect for a nutty twist. You can use either mini or regular-sized chips, depending on your desired chocolate distribution.
- Chocolate Chunks or Shavings: Instead of chips, consider roughly chopping a chocolate bar (milk, dark, or white) for larger pockets of melted chocolate.
Nutty Additions:
- Walnuts: While walnuts are traditional, feel free to swap them for other nuts like pecans, almonds (sliced or slivered work well), hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile and crunch. Toasting your nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly.
- Nut-Free Alternative: If you have nut allergies or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them entirely or substitute with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar textural element.
Fun & Flavorful Extras:
- Mini Marshmallows: For a s’mores-like experience, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking, or immediately after it comes out of the oven.
- Candies: Crushed M&M’s, mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, toffee bits (like Skor bits), or chopped candy bars can add extra sweetness, color, and texture.
- Pretzels: For a delightful sweet and salty contrast, crush some pretzels and sprinkle them over the batter.
- Sprinkles: Add a festive touch with colorful sprinkles, especially if you’re making this for a celebration or as a gift.
- Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries, cherries, or even finely chopped apricots can add a chewy texture and tart sweetness that complements the dark chocolate.
- Spices: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick, or a touch of cinnamon can deepen the chocolate flavor.
Remember, the key is to not overload the brittle with too many toppings, as it could affect its ability to crisp up properly. A good balance of 1-2 main toppings usually works best.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Brownie Brittle
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delicious recipe. For a concise, printable version of this recipe, complete with exact measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Baking Setup: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Line a large baking tray, approximately 18 by 13 inches, with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing the brittle from sticking and for easy removal once baked. Ensure the parchment paper extends slightly over the edges for convenient lifting.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, use a fine-mesh sieve to sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda. Sifting removes any lumps and ensures these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key for a uniform texture in your brittle. Set this bowl aside for later.
- Melt Wet Ingredients: In a 3-quart saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, vegetable oil, and dark chocolate. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the chocolate from scorching at the bottom of the pan. Continue heating until the dark chocolate is completely melted and the sugar is dissolved, forming a smooth, glossy mixture. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. It’s important for it to not be too hot when you add the egg whites.
- Combine Wet Ingredients & Dry: Once the cooled chocolate-sugar mixture is ready, pour it into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in the egg whites and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The egg whites will contribute to the light and crispy texture of the brittle. Next, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher brittle.
- Spread the Batter Thinly: Pour the brownie batter onto your prepared baking tray. Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the batter out as thinly and evenly as possible. Aim for it to be within about an inch of the edges of the parchment paper. A thin, even layer is absolutely essential for achieving that characteristic crispness. Uneven thickness will result in some parts being chewy and others crispy.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts over the thin layer of brownie batter. Gently press them down slightly so they adhere to the batter. This ensures they don’t fall off once baked and broken.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the brownie brittle is fully set throughout. The edges might look slightly darker and crisper, and the center should no longer appear wet or soft. To ensure even baking and prevent the edges from charring, make sure to rotate the tray every 10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes, as brittle can go from perfectly crisp to burnt very quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the tray from the oven. If you desire perfect squares or specific shapes, score the brownies while they are still hot using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. This makes for cleaner breaks. However, if you prefer rustic, irregular shards (which is often part of the charm of brittle!), allow the entire sheet to cool completely on the tray before breaking it apart with your hands. The brittle will continue to crisp up as it cools.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Brownie Brittle
Brownie brittle is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored properly, it will retain its crispness and fresh flavor for about 7 to 10 days. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can make it lose its crunch. If you live in a very humid environment, you might consider adding a desiccant packet to the container.
Uneven oven temperatures can often cause edges to burn before the center is cooked. To combat this, ensure your oven is accurately calibrated (an oven thermometer is a great investment!). More importantly, consistently rotate your baking tray every 10 minutes during baking. This helps expose all parts of the brittle to even heat, minimizing the risk of scorched edges while ensuring the center cooks through.
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, or add about ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour to help with structure and prevent crumbling. The cooking time and texture should remain very similar.
The most common reason for chewy brittle is that it wasn’t spread thin enough, or it wasn’t baked long enough. Ensure your batter is spread into a very thin, even layer, almost cracker-like. Also, extend the baking time by a few minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until it feels firm and dry to the touch. Remember, it will continue to crisp up significantly as it cools.
While it’s possible, freezing is generally not recommended as it can compromise the crisp texture upon thawing due to moisture. If you must freeze it, store cooled brittle in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and consider a brief toast in a low oven (around 200°F) to regain some crispness.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Brownie Brittle
Brownie brittle is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. If you desire neat, uniform squares for a more elegant presentation, be sure to score the baked brittle while it’s still hot and pliable. This allows for clean breaks once cooled. Otherwise, for a charmingly rustic look, simply allow it to cool completely and then break it into irregular, delicious shards. Both methods yield equally tasty results!
Here are some ideas to make the most of your homemade brittle:
- Edible Gifts: This brittle makes a fantastic homemade gift. Package cooled pieces in transparent cellophane bags, tie them with a festive ribbon or twine, and perhaps add a small handwritten tag. They’re perfect for holidays, hostess gifts, or a thoughtful gesture for friends and family.
- Dessert Topping: Crumble pieces of brownie brittle over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a bowl of rich chocolate pudding, or even a creamy yogurt parfait for an added layer of crunch and intense chocolate flavor.
- Coffee & Tea Companion: Pair a few pieces of brittle with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a luxurious hot chocolate. The crisp texture and deep chocolate notes are a perfect complement.
- Party Platter Addition: Arrange various types of brownie brittle (try different toppings!) on a dessert platter alongside other cookies and sweets for a diverse spread.
- Milk & Snack: Recreate a classic childhood snack by enjoying your brownie brittle with a cold glass of milk. It’s a comforting and satisfying treat for all ages.
More Irresistible Homemade Candy & Sweet Treat Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making this brownie brittle and have a sweet tooth, be sure to explore more of our delightful homemade candy and sweet treat recipes. These are perfect for gifting, holiday baking, or simply indulging in a little something special.
- Saltine Toffee
- Chocolate Turtles
- Microwave Caramels
- Homemade Peanut Brittle
- Peppermint Candy Cane Bark
- Crunchy Popcorn Chocolate Bark
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Brownie Brittle
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt PLUS 1/8 teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 ounces dark chocolate 70 %
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 Tablespoons chopped walnuts
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet 18×13
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Saucepan 3 quart
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- Try not to let the edges burn when you’re cooking these. Rotating the pan helps a lot with this. Also, note that the brittle will harden as it cools.
- If you want your brownie brittle served as squares, make sure to score it while it’s still hot. Otherwise, you can let it cool and then break it into pieces.
- This is a fun recipe to play with the toppings! Any type of chocolate chips and chopped nuts will work, and you can also add sprinkles.
- Store brownie brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for 7 to 10 days.
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a large baking tray (about 18 by 13-inches) with parchment paper.
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Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Add the sugar, water, oil, and dark chocolate to a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the chocolate is melted, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.
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Once the sugar mixture is cooled slightly, add it to a large bowl. Whisk in the egg whites and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, and stir until combined.
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Spread the brownie batter out as evenly as you can get it on the prepared baking tray (try to get it within about an inch of the edges).
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Sprinkle the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts evenly on top.
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Bake until the brownies are fully set throughout, about 30 minutes, rotating the tray every 10 minutes. Be careful not to let the edges char.
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If you want perfect squares, score the brownies while they’re hot. If you want shards, break them apart once they’re cool.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
We hope you enjoy this fantastic recipe for homemade brownie brittle! It’s truly a special treat that brings together the best of chocolate desserts in a crisp, addictive form. Whether you’re making it for a party, a thoughtful gift, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy baking!