Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with a dazzling, crunchy treat that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar, then this Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Krokan, a classic Scandinavian nut brittle, is a perfect marriage of caramelized sugar and toasted nuts, delivering a sweet, nutty crunch that’s utterly addictive. This recipe will take you through making that perfect golden brittle studded with almonds and hazelnuts, giving you a beautiful, glossy finish that’s just waiting to be broken into pieces and savored. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and shine of the krokan. From the rich, toasty nuts to the sweet caramel base, everything comes together effortlessly to create an irresistible treat.

• 1 cup Whole Almonds: Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and a deep, woody flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• 1 cup Hazelnuts: These provide a rich, buttery flavor and a slightly softer crunch, balancing the almonds perfectly.
• 1.5 cups Granulated Sugar: The backbone of the caramel, sugar caramelizes to give the krokkan its beautiful amber color and signature sweetness.
• ½ cup Water: Helps to dissolve the sugar and guide its transformation into smooth caramel, ensuring a glossy finish.
• ¼ teaspoon Lemon Juice: Adds just a touch of acidity to prevent crystallization and deepen the caramel’s flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Oil: A small amount of oil ensures the krokan won’t stick to your surface, making it easier to handle once cooled.

How to Make Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Toast the Nuts

Start by lightly toasting the almonds and hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re fragrant and golden brown. This brings out their oils and enhances their flavor dramatically. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the caramel.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. From here, avoid stirring and let the mixture bubble and slowly turn a rich amber color. This process demands patience because that perfect caramel flavor and color come from slow, careful cooking.

Step 3: Combine Nuts with Caramel

Once your caramel reaches that beautiful golden-brown hue, quickly stir in your toasted almonds and hazelnuts to coat them evenly. Work fast because caramel can harden swiftly once off the heat.

Step 4: Shape and Cool the Krokan

Immediately pour the nutty caramel onto a greased or oiled baking sheet or marble slab. Use a spatula to spread it out to your preferred thickness – thinner for a crispier bite, thicker if you like a bit of chew. Let it cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into chunks.

How to Serve Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the krokan just before it hardens to add an exceptional contrast that makes each bite pop. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled pieces for an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve your krokan alongside creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or panna cotta. Its crunchy texture pairs beautifully with silky smoothness and can elevate a simple dessert to something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Break the krokan into irregular shards and use them as a garnish for cake or cupcakes. You can also crush it and sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal for a decadent breakfast treat. The possibilities are endless when you have this versatile Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe in your repertoire.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover krokan in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Avoid moisture and humidity as they can soften the brittle and ruin its signature crunch.

Freezing

If you want to keep your krokan for an extended period, freezing is an option. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bring them back to room temperature; this will help preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

Generally, reheating isn’t necessary for krokan, but if it loses its crispness, you can briefly warm pieces in a low oven for a few minutes. Just make sure to keep a close eye to avoid melting or burning.

FAQs

What type of nuts can I substitute for almonds or hazelnuts?

You can experiment with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, but almonds and hazelnuts give krokan its classic flavor and texture. Each nut offers a unique crunch and taste, so feel free to try combinations you love.

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

Look for a rich amber color and a fragrant, slightly nutty smell. The caramel should be fluid but thick enough to coat the nuts completely. Using a candy thermometer around 320°F (160°C) can help ensure the perfect stage.

Can I make krokan without lemon juice?

Lemon juice helps prevent sugar crystallization and adds subtle acidity, but if you don’t have it, you can use a few drops of vinegar or even skip it. Just be mindful that the caramel might crystallize without acid.

Why is my krokan sticky after cooling?

Sticky krokan usually means the caramel didn’t reach a high enough temperature or there was excess moisture. Make sure to cook the sugar mixture until it’s the right amber color and avoid adding water after cooking.

Is krokan gluten-free?

Yes! Since krokan is made from nuts, sugar, water, and a bit of oil and lemon juice, it’s naturally gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

Making this Homemade Almond and Hazelnut Krokan Recipe is like creating little edible treasures that bring joy with every crunchy bite. The balance of toasted nuts and caramelized sugar is simply magical, and it’s one of those recipes that feels impressive but is totally doable. Once you try it, I promise, this krokan will become a beloved staple for celebrations or whenever you crave a sweet, satisfying treat. Happy caramelizing!

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