Crunchy Black Sesame Brittle

Featured in: Sweet Golden Treats

This crunchy treat features toasted black sesame seeds enveloped in glossy golden caramel. The caramel is cooked to a deep amber stage, then combined with buttery richness and a hint of vanilla before folding in the toasted seeds. After pouring the hot mixture thin onto a lined sheet, it cools to a crisp, sweet brittle that’s perfect for snacking or as a unique topping. The snack is quick to prepare with simple ingredients and offers a balance of nutty and caramelized flavors.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:05:48 GMT
Crispy black sesame brittle with golden caramel and toasted seeds, perfect for snacking or dessert topping.  Save
Crispy black sesame brittle with golden caramel and toasted seeds, perfect for snacking or dessert topping. | amberladle.com

Black Sesame Brittle is a crunchy, addictive candy featuring toasted black sesame seeds encased in golden caramel. This Asian-inspired treat offers a unique balance of nutty, earthy flavors and sweet, buttery richness, making it perfect for snacking or as a sophisticated dessert topping.

Crispy black sesame brittle with golden caramel and toasted seeds, perfect for snacking or dessert topping.  Save
Crispy black sesame brittle with golden caramel and toasted seeds, perfect for snacking or dessert topping. | amberladle.com

The glass-like texture of the caramel combined with the dense crunch of the toasted seeds creates a snack that is as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to look at. It is a versatile candy that brings a touch of elegance to any sweets tray.

Ingredients

  • Seeds: 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
  • Caramel: 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces), 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
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Instructions

Step 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2
Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 3
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
Step 4
Stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns a deep golden amber color, about 8–10 minutes. Swirl the pan occasionally for even coloring.
Step 5
Remove from heat. Immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then quickly stir in the baking soda (the mixture will foam up).
Step 6
Add the toasted black sesame seeds and stir to combine.
Step 7
Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread it out as thinly as possible using a greased spatula.
Step 8
Let cool completely (about 30 minutes), then break into pieces.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to keep it crunchy. It is important to have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking the caramel, as the final steps move very quickly once the sugar reaches the amber stage.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or five-spice powder to the caramel mixture. You can also try making this recipe with white sesame seeds or a mix of both black and white seeds for a different visual variation.

Serviervorschläge

This brittle is excellent for snacking on its own or used as a unique topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream or panna cotta. Its striking dark color and intense nutty flavor make it a standout addition to any dessert presentation.

Rich black sesame brittle candy with deep caramel flavor and crunchy texture, ideal for sweet treat lovers.  Save
Rich black sesame brittle candy with deep caramel flavor and crunchy texture, ideal for sweet treat lovers. | amberladle.com

Whether enjoyed as a midday treat or served at a gathering, this Black Sesame Brittle is a delightful way to enjoy a modern twist on a classic confectionery technique. With its simple ingredients and professional results, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Recipe FAQs

How do I toast black sesame seeds properly?

Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant to enhance their nutty flavor.

What is the best way to spread the caramel mixture?

Use a greased spatula quickly to spread the hot caramel mixture as thinly as possible on a lined baking sheet for an even brittle.

Can I substitute other seeds for black sesame?

Yes, white sesame seeds or a mix of black and white sesame seeds can be used to vary the flavor and appearance.

How do I store the brittle to keep it fresh?

Store the cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain crunchiness.

What causes the caramel to foam when adding baking soda?

Adding baking soda reacts with the caramel, creating bubbles and a lighter texture which helps improve the brittle's crispness.

Crunchy Black Sesame Brittle

Toasted black sesame seeds combined with rich caramel for a crunchy, flavorful snack.

Prep time
10 min
Cook time
15 min
Overall time
25 min
Created by Rachel Hayes


Skill required Medium

Cuisine Asian-Inspired

Makes 20 Serving size

Diet preferences Meat-free, No gluten

What you need

Seeds

01 1/2 cup black sesame seeds, toasted

Caramel

01 1 cup granulated sugar
02 1/4 cup water
03 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
04 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
06 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare Baking Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 02

Toast Sesame Seeds: Toast the black sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Set aside.

Step 03

Combine Caramel Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.

Step 04

Cook Caramel to Amber: Stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns a deep golden amber color, approximately 8-10 minutes. Swirl the pan occasionally for even coloring.

Step 05

Finish Caramel Mixture: Remove from heat. Immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then quickly stir in the baking soda (the mixture will foam up).

Step 06

Incorporate Sesame Seeds: Add the toasted black sesame seeds and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 07

Spread onto Baking Sheet: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread it out as thinly as possible using a greased spatula.

Step 08

Cool and Break Apart: Let cool completely for approximately 30 minutes, then break into pieces.

Equipment needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Spatula, preferably greased or silicone
  • Skillet for toasting seeds

Allergy info

Always review ingredients for allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • May contain traces of nuts or gluten from cross-contamination; verify all ingredient labels if allergen-sensitive

Nutrition details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for reference and aren't a substitute for healthcare guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 90
  • Fat content: 4 g
  • Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein amount: 1 g