What Is Coconut Brittle?
Coconut Brittle is a crunchy, golden candy made by boiling sugar, butter, and corn syrup to a crack stage — then stirring in toasted shredded coconut and letting it harden into thin sheets.
It’s like traditional peanut brittle, but with a tropical twist! Perfectly sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth crispy, this homemade treat is popular during holidays or for edible gifting.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Super easy — no candy thermometer needed
✅ Naturally gluten-free
✅ Great for holiday trays, bake sales, or snack jars
✅ Long shelf life
✅ Way better than store-bought brittle
Ingredients You’ll Need
🍬 Base:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, lightly toasted
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Coconut Brittle (Step-by-Step)
👨🍳 Total Time: 25 minutes + cooling
Makes: ~1 pound brittle
Step 1: Prep your tools
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Toast your shredded coconut in a dry skillet until golden.
Step 2: Boil the base
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Cook until golden
Continue boiling for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will deepen in color and thicken.
Step 4: Add coconut and finish
Remove from heat. Quickly stir in toasted coconut, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. It will foam slightly.
Step 5: Spread and cool
Pour onto the prepared sheet. Use a spatula to spread into a thin layer. Let cool for 30–60 minutes.
Step 6: Break and enjoy
Once hardened, break into bite-size shards and store!
Tips for Perfect Texture
- Lightly toast coconut beforehand — don’t skip this!
- Don’t overcook the sugar or it’ll burn
- Work fast when pouring — brittle sets quickly
- Want thicker pieces? Don’t spread it too much
- Use a silicone mat for super easy cleanup
Variations & Add-Ins
| Variation | Add This |
|---|---|
| Coconut almond brittle | Add sliced almonds or chopped roasted almonds |
| Chocolate-drizzled | Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled brittle |
| Spicy coconut brittle | Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes |
| Vanilla bean brittle | Use real vanilla bean paste for aroma |
How to Serve It
- Break into shards and place in glass jars
- Wrap in cellophane bags for edible gifts
- Add to dessert boards or cookie trays
- Crush over ice cream or yogurt
- Keep some in a candy dish for guests!
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container at room temp
- Keeps fresh for 2–3 weeks
- Do not refrigerate — it can soften the candy
- Add a silica packet if humidity is high (optional)
FAQs
❓ Can I make this without corn syrup?
Yes, use brown rice syrup or honey, but texture may change slightly.
❓ Can I use unsweetened coconut?
Yes — toast it first and adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness.
❓ Is this hard or chewy?
It’s classic brittle: hard and crunchy, not chewy.
❓ Can I make it nut-free?
This recipe is already nut-free — perfect for allergies!
👉 If you love coconut-based desserts, don’t miss our Mounds Bar Cake — it’s a chocolate-coconut dream come true!
Final Thoughts
Coconut Brittle is a treat that hits all the right notes — buttery, crisp, sweet, and packed with toasted coconut flavor. It’s one of those simple recipes that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
Make a batch for the holidays, or just keep some stashed away for your own sweet tooth cravings. Trust us — it’s hard to stop at just one piece!
