Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crunchy Australian-inspired nut brittle combining buttery macadamias and tart dried quandong fruit for a sweet-tart treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers granulated sugar, water, unsalted butter into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat. Stir gently until sugar dissolves and then cook without stirring until the syrup turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 cup chopped macadamia nuts, 1/3 cup chopped dried quandong fruit, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp sea salt flakes. Stir quickly until well combined and frothy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula to about 1/4-inch thickness. Let cool completely at room temperature, then break into shards and store in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Macadamia and Quandong Nut Brittle?

Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes