If you’ve ever crunched into a piece of peanut brittle at the holidays, you already know the magic of candy made with caramelized sugar. But here’s a twist I absolutely love: sesame seed brittle. It’s nutty, crunchy, lightly sweet, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. This sesame brittle recipe is one of those treats that tastes fancy but only needs a few pantry staples.
Whether you call it sesame candy, sesame seed bars, or even seed brittle, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s the perfect sweet snack, edible gift, or even a nostalgic bite if you’ve grown up with sesame sweets.
Why Sesame Seed Brittle Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
There are plenty of brittle recipes out there—peanut brittle, almond brittle, and even quinoa brittle. But sesame brittle stands out. Here’s why:
- Nutty flavor without the nuts – Great for anyone who loves that deep, roasted crunch but wants a nut-free option.
- Healthy seeds – Sesame seeds are packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It feels a little less indulgent when you know you’re getting nutrients in every bite.
- Versatile – You can break it into shards, cut it into neat sesame seed bars, or crumble it over yogurt and ice cream.
For me, sesame brittle is one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can make something extraordinary. A little sugar, some seeds, and heat—that’s all it takes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this sesame brittle recipe is how straightforward it is. You won’t need to hunt down anything exotic.
- 1 cup white sesame seeds
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or light corn syrup)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
That’s it. Just seven ingredients.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sesame Seed Brittle
1. Toast the sesame seeds
Start by toasting your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir often. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden and smell nutty. This step makes a huge difference. Skipping it leaves your brittle tasting flat.
2. Prepare your surface
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Keep it ready—you’ll need to move fast once the sugar syrup is ready.
3. Cook the sugar mixture
In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and water. Heat over medium. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring. Let it bubble until it reaches a golden amber color. Watch closely. Sugar can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
4. Add butter and vanilla
Once the syrup hits that gorgeous amber stage, remove it from the heat. Quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble—don’t panic, that’s normal.
5. Fold in sesame seeds
Toss in your toasted sesame seeds and stir quickly to coat them in the caramel.
6. Spread and cool
Pour the mixture onto your prepared sheet. Use a spatula (lightly greased helps) to spread it into a thin, even layer. Work fast—it hardens quickly.
7. Break or cut
Once cool, break the brittle into rustic pieces or use a sharp knife to cut it into bars. Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Sesame Brittle Every Time
- Toast your seeds – It’s tempting to skip, but toasting deepens the flavor.
- Use a heavy pan – Thin pans heat unevenly and may scorch your sugar.
- Move fast – Sugar hardens quickly. Have everything ready before you start cooking.
- Experiment with seeds – Try black sesame seeds for a dramatic look, or mix in quinoa seeds for a twist on seed brittle.
Variations Worth Trying
One of my favorite things about brittle recipes is how adaptable they are. Once you master the base sesame brittle recipe, you can play around.
- Sesame seed bars recipe – Press the hot mixture into a greased pan, then cut into uniform bars instead of shards. Great for lunchbox snacks.
- Peanut brittle recipe with sesame – Mix sesame seeds with roasted peanuts for a hybrid brittle.
- Quinoa brittle recipe – Add a tablespoon of toasted quinoa along with the sesame for extra crunch.
- Honey sesame brittle – Use honey instead of sugar for a softer, chewier candy.
Serving Ideas
This sesame seed brittle is perfect on its own, but you can also:
- Sprinkle shards over vanilla ice cream.
- Add pieces to a charcuterie or dessert board.
- Wrap in cellophane for homemade holiday gifts.
- Toss a few chunks into trail mix for a sweet-and-salty combo.
Honestly, I’ve even crumbled it over my morning yogurt. Dessert for breakfast? Absolutely.
Storing Your Homemade Sesame Brittle
Keep your brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating it—the fridge can make the sugar sticky.
If you live somewhere humid, tuck a little piece of parchment between layers to prevent clumping.
Final Thoughts
This sesame seed brittle recipe is proof that the best desserts don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients. A handful of pantry staples turns into a sweet, crunchy candy that’s perfect for snacking or sharing.
The next time you’re in the mood for something sweet with a little crunch, skip the store-bought sweets and make your own sesame brittle at home. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it might just become your new favorite treat.
Sesame Seed Brittle
Ingredients
Method
- Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast until golden and fragrant, stirring often. Set aside.
- Prepare the baking surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with butter.
- Cook the sugar mixture: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, honey, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let it boil without stirring until the syrup turns a golden amber color.
- Add butter and flavor: Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and salt. The mixture will bubble—this is normal.
- Mix in sesame seeds: Immediately add toasted sesame seeds and stir to coat them evenly in the caramel.
- Spread the mixture: Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread into a thin, even layer with a greased spatula.
- Cool and break: Let cool completely. Break into shards or cut into bars with a sharp knife.
Notes
- Use a heavy saucepan to prevent sugar from burning.
- Toasting sesame seeds is worth the extra step—it brings out the nutty flavor.
- Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make sesame brittle without butter?
Yes! Just skip the butter. It’ll be a little less rich but still delicious.
2. Is sesame brittle healthy?
It’s still candy, but sesame seeds add protein, fiber, and minerals. So compared to some sweets, it’s a smarter choice.
3. Can I use black sesame seeds?
Absolutely. Black sesame brittle has a striking look and a slightly earthier taste.
4. How do I keep brittle from getting sticky?
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Humidity is brittle’s enemy.
5. What’s the difference between sesame candy and sesame brittle?
They’re often the same thing, but sesame candy can sometimes be softer and chewy, depending on the recipe.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but work quickly. Larger batches harden just as fast as small ones.
