Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle: A Festive, Crunchy Treat for Every Occasion
A no-fuss toffee bark that delivers perfect crunch and tart sweetness in every bite.
Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle: The Ultimate Festive Crunch
A balance of textures and flavors defines classic Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle: sweet, buttery, toffee-laced graham crackers, topped with a glossy coating of chocolate, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tart dried cranberries. Not only is it dangerously addictive, it packs beautifully for gifting and stays fresh for weeks, making it the ideal make-ahead holiday confection.
Why You’ll Love This Brickle
- Perfect crunch from a sturdy graham base and crisp caramel.
- Bittersweet chocolate for a balanced, not-too-sweet finish.
- Contrast of flavors—rich chocolate, buttery toffee, tart cranberries, and toasted nuts.
- Flexible mix-ins—substitute your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
- Simple technique with no candy thermometer required.
- Stays fresh for weeks if stored properly; ideal for holiday prep and edible gifts.
What Is Brickle?
Brickle is an old-fashioned candy featuring a crunchy toffee base, often spread over graham crackers or saltines, and finished with a chocolate layer and toppings. The caramel seeps into the crackers as it bakes, creating a texture that’s somewhere between brittle and toffee, sometimes affectionately called “Christmas crack.” This version elevates tradition with bittersweet chocolate, tart cranberries, and buttery walnuts, balancing sweet, bitter, and tangy notes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Graham crackers: Form the base. Standard honey grahams work best, but other flavors (like cinnamon) can be used for variation.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of the toffee layer, lending richness and structure.
- Light brown sugar: Creates a butterscotch-like depth in the caramel.
- Bittersweet or dark chocolate: Use chips or finely chopped bars (around 60–70% cacao yields the best balance).
- Toasted walnuts: Provide crunch and a pleasant bitterness; pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives.
- Dried cranberries: Their tartness pops against the sweet base and chocolate; dried cherries or apricots can be used if desired.
- Coarse sea salt: A light sprinkle heightens flavor and adds texture.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle
1. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed half-sheet baking pan (about 13×18 inches) with aluminum foil for easy removal. Top with parchment paper for a nonstick surface. Arrange the graham crackers in tight rows to completely cover the bottom, breaking them as needed to fit the edges snugly.
2. Make the Caramel Toffee Layer
- In a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the brown sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula.
- Continue cooking, stirring and scraping down the sides, until the mixture darkens and bubbles vigorously (about 3 minutes).
- Immediately pour the hot toffee over the arranged graham crackers, using the spatula to spread it into an even layer before it sets.
3. Bake the Base
Place the tray in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake until the toffee bubbles all over and is just beginning to darken, usually about 7–10 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
4. Add and Spread the Chocolate
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and scatter chocolate chips or chopped chocolate evenly over the hot toffee base.
- Wait a few minutes for the chocolate to melt from the residual heat, then use an offset spatula to gently spread the softened chocolate into an even layer.
5. Sprinkle the Toppings
- Immediately sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts and dried cranberries evenly over the chocolate.
- Finish with a light pinch of flaky or coarse sea salt for extra flavor.
6. Cool and Set
- Let the slab cool at room temperature until firm, at least 2 hours. If needed, transfer to the fridge to speed up setting.
- Once completely chilled and set, lift the foil to remove the slab from the pan.
- Break into irregular pieces using your hands or a chef’s knife.
What others are reading
Tips for Brickle Success
- Caramel Care: Stir the toffee continuously to prevent crystallization and burning.
- Work Quickly: The chocolate needs to be spread before it cools and hardens.
- Even Toppings: Sprinkle toppings while the chocolate is still wet so they adhere firmly.
- Toasting Nuts: For best flavor and crunch, toast your walnuts in a dry skillet or in the oven before chopping and sprinkling.
- Storage: Brickle keeps for 2–3 weeks in an airtight container, layered between parchment or wax paper, at cool room temperature or in the fridge.
Recipe Variations and Flavor Swaps
- Nuts: Try pecans, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for different textures and flavors.
- Dried fruit: Swap cranberries for cherries, blueberries, apricots, or golden raisins.
- Chocolate: Use milk or white chocolate for a sweeter take, or mix chocolates for a marbled effect.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the caramel for warmth and citrus aroma.
- Base: Graham crackers can be replaced with saltines, matzo, or digestive biscuits for a twist in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Serve and Gift Brickle
- Edible Gifts: Pack brickle pieces in cellophane bags or decorative tins layered with wax paper. Attach a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
- Dessert Platters: Add to holiday cookie trays or potluck dessert spreads for extra crunch and color.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent sundae experience.
- Coffee Break: Serve with hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Nutritional Considerations
| Nutrient | Approx. per 2 oz serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220–260 kcal |
| Sugar | 18–22 g |
| Total Fat | 10–14 g |
| Protein | 2–3 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on thickness, mix-ins, and chocolate percentage used. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate information if you have dietary restrictions.
How to Store Brickle
Once the brickle has set and been broken into pieces, transfer it to an airtight container, placing layers of wax or parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. Keep it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze brickle for longer storage—just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Common Questions About Brickle (FAQs)
Q: Can I use other nuts or fruits besides walnuts and cranberries?
A: Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, dried cherries, raisins, or apricots all work well.
Q: How do I prevent my caramel from burning?
A: Stir constantly, use medium heat, and be ready to pour as soon as the caramel thickens and darkens in color—it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Q: Can I make brickle ahead of time?
A: Brickle is ideal for make-ahead preparation. It keeps fresh for weeks if stored in a cool, airtight container.
Q: Why are my toppings falling off?
A: Make sure to press the nuts and fruit lightly into the melted chocolate while still warm to help them adhere. If the chocolate hardens, more toppings will fall off.
Q: Is brickle gluten-free?
A: Traditional brickle uses graham crackers with wheat, but you can substitute with gluten-free graham crackers or matzo to make a gluten-free version.
Holiday Brickle: Perfect for Gifting
This cranberry chocolate walnut brickle is an ideal edible holiday gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, and coworkers. Package the shards in decorative tins or clear bags, tied with ribbon, for festive flair. Include the recipe so recipients can try making their own!
Recipe Recap: Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle
- Prep time: 15 min
- Cook time: 10 min
- Setting time: 2 hrs
- Makes: About 40 pieces (enough for multiple gifts and snackers)
Ingredients
- 12 sheets graham crackers (about 6 oz)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 12 oz bittersweet or dark chocolate (chips or chopped)
- 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- Coarse sea salt for sprinkling
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and parchment.
- Arrange graham crackers in a single layer to cover the sheet.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and slightly darkened (about 3 minutes). Immediately pour over graham crackers and spread evenly.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the caramel bubbles and darkens.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate evenly over toffee. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then gently spread with a spatula.
- Sprinkle walnuts, cranberries, and sea salt over the melted chocolate. Lightly press to adhere.
- Allow to cool and set, then break into pieces. Store airtight as directed above.
Conclusion
Cranberry Chocolate Walnut Brickle is a quick, flexible, and irresistible homemade treat perfect for any festive occasion. Try it for holiday parties, edible gifts, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and full of flavor.
References
- https://food52.com/recipes/25066-addictive-dark-chocolate-cranberry-walnut-brickles
- https://www.heatherdisarro.com/cranberry-white-chocolate-and-walnut-brittle/
- https://www.amylevin.co.uk/walnut-cranberry-brittle/
- https://www.thechocolateprofessor.com/blog/ruby-chocolate-bark-recipe
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/1178010/cranberry%20chocolate%20walnut%20brickle
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