Black Sesame Brittle Snack (Printable)

Toasted black sesame seeds mixed with golden caramel create a crunchy and satisfying snack.

# What You Need:

→ Seeds

01 - 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted

→ Caramel

02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
05 - 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

# Directions:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
02 - Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves completely.
04 - Stop stirring and allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a deep golden amber color, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even coloring.
05 - Remove from heat. Immediately stir in butter and vanilla extract, then quickly stir in baking soda. The mixture will foam significantly.
06 - Add toasted black sesame seeds and stir thoroughly to combine with the caramel.
07 - Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread as thinly as possible using a greased spatula.
08 - Allow to cool completely for approximately 30 minutes, then break into individual pieces.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms into something fancy and impressive in just 25 minutes, which feels like a cheat code for homemade candy.
  • The nutty, toasted black sesame flavor is sophisticated enough to surprise people but simple enough that you'll actually make it again and again.
02 -
  • The baking soda is not optional, and adding it off heat is crucial because it needs space to foam and incorporate air into the caramel, which is what gives you that light, shattering texture instead of a dense toffee.
  • Caramel temperature matters more than time, so if your stove runs hot or cool, trust your eyes and nose over the clock, watching for that deep amber color and rich caramel aroma.
03 -
  • Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking caramel, because once that sugar hits the heat, you need to be fully present and can't rummage through your pantry.
  • If your caramel hardens before you finish spreading it, pop the pan back on low heat for 30 seconds to soften it up again, and work faster the second time.
Go Back