Black Sesame Brittle Candy

Featured in: Sweet Fix

This crunchy treat highlights toasted black sesame seeds wrapped in golden caramel. The caramel is cooked to a deep amber and combined with butter, vanilla, and baking soda for a rich, foamy texture. Once spread thin and cooled, it breaks into addictive brittle pieces, perfect for snacking or dessert enhancements. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty aroma, balancing the sweet, buttery caramel layers. Store airtight for freshness or experiment with spices like ginger or five-spice for added depth.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:06:39 GMT
Crispy black sesame brittle with toasted seeds in golden caramel, perfect for snacking or dessert.  Save
Crispy black sesame brittle with toasted seeds in golden caramel, perfect for snacking or dessert. | cravebop.com

Black Sesame Brittle is a crunchy, addictive candy featuring toasted black sesame seeds encased in golden caramel. This Asian-inspired treat offers a deep, nutty flavor profile that makes it perfect for snacking on its own or using as a unique, visually striking topping for desserts like ice cream or custard.

Crispy black sesame brittle with toasted seeds in golden caramel, perfect for snacking or dessert.  Save
Crispy black sesame brittle with toasted seeds in golden caramel, perfect for snacking or dessert. | cravebop.com

Making your own brittle at home allows you to control the level of toastiness and the thinness of the candy. The process of watching the sugar transform into a deep golden amber syrup is truly satisfying, resulting in a professional-quality treat with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
  • 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

When making the caramel, use a medium saucepan with high sides because the mixture will foam up significantly when the baking soda is added. A heavy-bottomed pan will also help distribute heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning too quickly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can vary the flavor by adding a pinch of ground ginger or five-spice powder to the toasted seeds. For a different visual effect, try using white sesame seeds or a mix of both black and white seeds.

Serviervorschläge

Break the brittle into shards and serve them in a bowl for snacking, or use smaller pieces to garnish a creamy vanilla bean panna cotta or a simple scoop of ginger ice cream.

Fragrant black sesame brittle with crunchy seeds and buttery caramel, a unique Asian-inspired treat.  Save
Fragrant black sesame brittle with crunchy seeds and buttery caramel, a unique Asian-inspired treat. | cravebop.com

This Black Sesame Brittle is a delightful way to enjoy the classic crunch of a candy brittle with a modern, sophisticated twist. Its unique appearance and deep flavor make it a standout addition to any dessert spread.

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Recipe Guide

How do I toast black sesame seeds properly?

Toast black sesame seeds over medium heat in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and slightly darker.

What is the purpose of baking soda in the caramel?

Adding baking soda creates a foamy texture by reacting with the caramel, resulting in a lighter, crisp brittle.

Can I substitute black sesame seeds with another type?

Yes, white sesame seeds or a mix of both can be used for variation in flavor and appearance.

How should the brittle be stored to maintain freshness?

Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp for up to two weeks.

What are some flavor variations to try?

Incorporate a pinch of ground ginger or five-spice powder into the caramel for extra aromatic notes.

Is it necessary to use corn syrup in the caramel?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and creates a smooth caramel; replacing it can affect texture.

Black Sesame Brittle Candy

A crunchy caramel candy featuring toasted black sesame seeds, perfect as a snack or topping.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
25 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Sweet Fix

Skill level Medium

Heritage Asian-Inspired

Output 20 Portions

Nutrition labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll 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

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Combine Dry Ingredients: 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 completely.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Add Butter and Flavoring: Remove from heat. Immediately stir in the butter and vanilla extract, then quickly stir in the baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam up.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter)
  • May contain traces of nuts or gluten if ingredients are cross-contaminated; verify all labels if concerned

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 90
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g