Irresistible Keto Almond Brittle: A Delightful Low-Carb Treat

For those following a ketogenic diet or simply seeking a guilt-free indulgence, this Keto Almond Brittle recipe is a perfect choice. It delivers the satisfying crunch and sweetness of traditional brittle without the carbs. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this brittle is ideal for a quick snack, homemade gift, or a delightful addition to your keto dessert collection.

Why Keto Almond Brittle?

The ketogenic diet requires cutting down on carbs and increasing fat intake. This doesn't mean you have to miss out on treats! Keto Almond Brittle offers a delicious way to satisfy your sweet cravings while staying within your dietary guidelines. It's perfect for crumbling over keto ice cream for easy sundaes or packaging as a keto-friendly gift.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

• Almonds: The star of the show, providing a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Sliced or slivered almonds work best, and toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Erythritol, allulose, or Swerve are excellent sugar substitutes that provide sweetness without the blood sugar spike. Allulose is a particularly good choice, as it doesn't cause bloating like erythritol and has a less intense sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create the brittle's characteristic texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt are recommended.
• Baking Soda (Optional): A pinch of baking soda can create a lighter, airier texture.

Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Here are a few variations of the recipe, combining the best aspects of each one for a comprehensive guide.

Version 1: Simple and Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup granulated sweetener (erythritol, allulose, or Swerve)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (no alcohol)

Instructions:

1. Line a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Add butter, sweetener, and vanilla to a pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fully dissolved and no longer grainy.
3. Bring to a low simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a deep brown color. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor. Be careful not to burn the mixture.
4. Remove from heat, mix in the sliced almonds, and pour into the prepared cookie sheet pan covered with parchment.
5. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature.

Version 2: Enhanced Flavor and Texture

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup Swerve sweetener
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛-1/4 tsp.
• Coarse sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Line a 9″ x 9″ cake pan or 9″ pie pan with baking parchment.
2. Pour Swerve, butter, vanilla, and ¼ tsp. salt into a small 8″ non-stick skillet.
3. Heat over medium heat until all ingredients are dissolved.
4. Add the almonds to the candy mixture.
5. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a boil.
6. Allow to boil for 2-3 minutes until it becomes a light golden brown. Remove from heat.
7. Carefully pour it into the prepared pan. (It is very hot!)
8. With the back of a spoon, spread almonds evenly through the hot candy.
9. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if using.
10. Allow to set for 1 hour or until completely cooled.

Version 3: With Almond Flour Crunch and Chocolate Topping

Ingredients:

• For the almond crunch:
  • 2 cups blanched finely ground almond flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup Swerve confectioners'
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
• For the toffee topping:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1/4 cup packed brown granulated Swerve
• For the chocolate topping:
  • 3/4 cup keto-friendly chocolate chips
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions:

1. Make the almond crunch: Preheat oven to 325ºF (160°C). In a medium bowl, whisk the almond flour, Swerve confectioners', baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add egg and butter and stir well to fully combine; it will be a thicker dough (like pie dough).
2. Form the almond mixture into a ball and place on a sheet of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to a scant ¼" thick circle, and dust top lightly with more almond flour if dough is sticking to rolling pin. Slide parchment with the dough on it onto a baking sheet and bake until golden, about 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack, about 20 minutes.
3. Make the toffee topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown Swerve over medium heat, stirring. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, until amber in color (about a shade or two darker than its original color-essentially the butter browns a bit), about 2 to 3 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour on top of baked almond crunch. Use a spoon to spread to the edges, leaving a ¼" to ⅛" border. Let cool until hardened, about 30 minutes.
4. Make the chocolate topping: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave until just melted, stirring a few times, about 1 minute. Pour chocolate on top of toffee topping and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle with pecans.
5. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 20 minutes.

Tips for Success

• Toast the almonds: Toasting the almonds before adding them to the brittle enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), spread the blanched almonds evenly on a baking sheet, and toast them for about 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown and aromatic.
• Use a non-stick skillet: This will prevent the brittle from sticking and burning.
• Stir constantly: Stirring the mixture constantly while cooking is essential to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Watch the color: The mixture should reach a deep golden brown color, indicating that the sweetener has caramelized properly. Be careful not to burn it, as this will result in a bitter taste.
• Work quickly: Once the brittle is cooked, work quickly to mix in the almonds and pour it onto the prepared baking sheet, as it will start to harden quickly.
• Cool completely: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into pieces.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts. A mix of nuts can also be used.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, festive flavor.
• Extracts: Try different extracts like almond, maple, or rum extract for a unique twist.
• Chocolate: Drizzle melted sugar-free chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Seeds: Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or sesame seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Salt: Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a salted caramel flavor.

Storage Instructions

Store Keto Almond Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately ⅛th of recipe)

• Calories: 205
• Fat: 20.4g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Net Carbs: Approximately 1g (depending on the sweetener used)

Troubleshooting

• Brittle is too soft: This usually means the mixture wasn't cooked long enough. Next time, cook it a bit longer, until it reaches a deeper golden brown color.
• Brittle is burnt: This means the mixture was cooked for too long or at too high a heat. Next time, reduce the heat and watch the color carefully.
• Brittle is grainy: This can happen if the sweetener doesn't dissolve completely. Make sure to stir constantly until the sweetener is fully dissolved before bringing the mixture to a simmer.

Beyond Almond Brittle: Exploring Other Keto Treats

If you're looking to expand your keto dessert repertoire, here are a few other recipes to try:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

• Keto Pecan Brittle: A salty, crunchy, and sweet treat that's highly addictive.
• Keto Ice Cream: Perfect for pairing with almond brittle for a delicious sundae.
• Low Carb Salted Caramel Almond Brittle: A quick and easy recipe with just 5 ingredients.
• French Toast Cloud: A fluffy, high-protein, and lightly sweet dessert.
• 3 Easy No Bake Desserts: Perfect for when you're short on time.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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