Vertical photo of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle on a white pedestal plate surrounded by mini pumpkins and orange zinnia flowers.

Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle

By Chris Scheuer | Updated on June 3, 2024
4.93 from 13 votes
You'll fall in love with the first bite of this shatteringly thin, sweet/salty Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. It makes a delicious, gourmet gift with free printable labels!

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You'll fall in love with the first bite of this shatteringly thin, sweet/salty Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. It makes a delicious, gourmet gift with free printable labels!

If you enjoy the warm spices of fall and the flavors of buttery caramel and pecans, you're going to LOVE this Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. It's quite a step above ordinary peanut brittle with a deep mahogany hue, lots of crisp, crunchy pecans and a generous scoop of pumpkin pie spice. The flaky sea salt topping? Well, it's simply the crème de la crème!

Horizontal overhead photo of a plate of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle surrounded by mini pumpkins and zinnia flowers.

The inspiration for this recipe came from the Land O Lakes website. I love their recipes, finding them well-written and always delicious. I'd been eyeing their Golden Buttery Peanut Brittle for several months and decided to give it a try a few weeks ago. Wow! It was amazing and I knew that it would be a perfect base for the Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle recipe that's been rolling around in my mind ever since I saw the first red-tinged leaves in the forest surrounding our home.

Vertical photo of a white pedestal plate filled with Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle surrounded by mini pumpkins and orange zinnia flowers.

Is there actually pumpkin in this Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle?

Nope! It does have the flavor of pumpkin though, which comes from a delicious spice blend called Pumpkin Pie Spice. If you haven't heard of pumpkin pie spice, it's an American blend of spices that is often used in pumpkin pie and other pumpkin recipes. It's similar to the British "mixed spice" and is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice or don't have access to it, no worries! Here's a recipe that you can put together from your spice cabinet: Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Is this sweet treat difficult to make?

This delicious confection comes together in well under an hour and makes a large batch (a whole sheet pan full!) of candy.

Vertical overhead photo of a baking sheet full of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle broken into pieces.

It uses pretty common pantry staples except for (perhaps) the pumpkin pie spice. It's not difficult to make, but you do need to pay attention while you're making it. And, for consistent success, it's important to have an instant or candy thermometer (better).

These types of thermometers are not expensive but supplies like sugar and pecans are not cheap, so using a thermometer makes a lot of sense. See the Café Tips below for links for each of these handy kitchen tools.

Microwave vs Stovetop?

I wanted to be able to make this Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle in the microwave, thinking it would be much easier. I tried both techniques (microwave and stovetop) but realized that, to ensure success, with any type of brittle you need to bring the ingredients to the "hard crack" stage, which is 300-305˚F. The only way to do that consistently is to use a thermometer.

If you use a microwave to make this candy you have to check it frequently with an instant thermometer which means pulling the super hot mixture in and out of the microwave. Also, microwaves differ in strength and having a turntable (or not) also affects cooking time.

I found it was a lot less work to make this brittle in a pot on the stovetop with a candy thermometer attached to the pot. It's super easy to monitor the temperature along the way and to not undercook or overcook the brittle.

I also experimented with using a candy thermometer vs an instant thermometer. The candy thermometer won the prize for ease and efficiency. Dipping in and out of the hot mixture with the instant thermometer was doable but more of a hassle.

Horizontal closeup photo of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle cracked into bite-size pieces.

How to make thin brittle?

As mentioned above, this Pumpkin Pecan Brittle is shatteringly crisp - nice and thin. I experimented with different techniques to achieve a thin brittle and discovered an easy little trick. Simply preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and place a foil-lined pan on the lowest rack while you prepare and cook the brittle. When the temperature of the sugar mixture reaches 305˚F (152C), pull out the hot pan (using oven mitts, of course), give it a light mist with cooking spray and pour the candy mixture onto the hot pan.

Tilt the pan from side to side until the brittle covers the bottom of the pan. Voila, the hot pan keeps the mixture from cooling too quickly and yields super-thin brittle!

Horizontal overhead closeup photo of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle with mini pumpkins and colorful napkins on the right side.

Perfect for gifting

Want to make someone's day? Bag or box up some of this DELICIOUS Pumpkin Pecan Brittle, tie it with a pretty bow and wait for the oohs and ahhs.

Vertical photo of a gift box filled with Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle with custom gift labels on the box.

To make it even more fun and attractive for gifting, we've created some free printable labels. If you'd like them, just scroll to the bottom of this post and leave a comment letting us know. We'll email a PDF for the labels (along with instructions) that you can print up on your own computer.

Vertical closeup photo of a Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle custom gift label.

Don't fancy yourself to be a candy maker? If you have an hour of spare time, you can totally do this! Read the tips and tricks below and give it try. You'll be thrilled when you see the fabulous results!

Horizontal closeup photo of pieces of Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle on a colorful orange, pink and yellow napkin.

Cafe Tips for making this Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle

  • You'll need a candy thermometer to ensure success for this recipe. Candy thermometers range in price and features but none of them are over-the-top expensive. This simple one works well although I really like using this digital candy thermometer which you can set to alarm when it reaches the proper temperature. Both of them have a clip that attaches to the side of a pot.
  • An instant thermometer will also work for this recipe but requires frequently checking (dipping in and out of the pot) to ensure that the candy is not under or overcooked.
  • Many brittle recipes (including the one mentioned above from Land O Lakes) call for a bit of baking soda at the end, before pouring into the pan. I didn't forget this, but found that omitting the baking soda creates a thinner, crisper, more attractive finished product.
  • I found that making this brittle in a medium-large pot works better than a really large pot because it gives the sugar mixture a bit more depth. This allows the candy thermometer to give a more accurate reading. I love this lifetime heavy-duty AllClad saucepan.
  • This Sea Salted Pecan Pumpkin Brittle recipe calls for chopped pecans. You can chop your own or purchase chopped pecans which is a time and mess saver. I really love the chopped pecans that Sam's Club sells. It's a large package for a super reasonable price.
  • This recipe calls for dark corn syrup. You can also use light (clear) corn syrup. I like the slightly deeper color that the dark corn syrup gives to this candy, but the light will work just as well. I've used both with equally delicious results.
  • Just a word about corn syrup. Corn syrup is not necessarily the controversial "high fructose" corn syrup that has had negative health issues associated with it. Read the label when purchasing corn syrup. I like the Karo brand as it does not contain any fructose. Here is an article by The Kitchn which explains the difference. That being said, limiting our sugar intake is prudent and this brittle should be enjoyed in moderation.
  • If you're wondering what "flaky sea salt" (one of the ingredients in this recipe) is, it's pretty much what the name says; salt that's harvested in flakes. Probably the most popular (and, to me, the best) flaky sea salt is Maldon. Maldon Sea Salt is harvested in Maldon, England, about 50 miles north of London. It's the choice sea salt of chefs worldwide. It's not the kind of salt you would use on an everyday basis but rather as a "finishing salt", meaning a salt you would sprinkle on food for a delicious finishing touch. Maldon is more expensive than regular salt but it lasts a long time when used as a finishing salt.
  • To use flaky sea salt, grab a pinch of it with your fingers and rub them together a bit to break up the larger flakes as you sprinkle it over your food.
  • This Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle is fine at room temperature but should be stored in an airtight container if there is a lot of humidity in the air.
  • This brittle also freezes well. Use an airtight container or zip lock bag.
  • Oh, one last thing. Keep a bag of this Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle in your freezer along with a carton of good vanilla ice cream. For a quick, fancy dessert when you don't have time to make dessert, put a scoop or two of ice cream in a pretty dish and add some slivers of brittle. You can also crush the brittle and sprinkle it over the top... DELISH!!

Thought for the day:

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen,
since what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
1 Corinthians 4:18

What we're listening to for inspiration:

It is Well

 

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Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle

Chris Scheuer
You'll fall in love with the first bite of this shatteringly thin, sweet/salty Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. It makes a delicious, gourmet gift with free printable labels!
4.93 from 13 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 40 servings
Calories 85

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup dark corn syrup, you can also use clear corn syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup butter, I used salted
  • 1 ¾ cup chopped pecans
  • non-stick cooking spray

Instructions
 

For the prep:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a sheet pan (13x18-inches) with a large piece of foil for easy clean-up. Crimp the edges of the foil around the sides of the pan. Place the pan on the lowest shelf of the oven while you prepare the brittle.
  2. Measure the 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice into a small bowl and set aside near the stove.

To cook the brittle:

  1. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium-size saucepan (I use a pan that holds 3 quarts). Stir to combine then bring to a boil (3-4 minutes).
  2. Add the butter and stir until melted. Continue to cook the sugar mixture, stirring occasionally, at a medium boil for about 10 minutes or until an instant or candy thermometer reaches 280˚F (138˚C).
  3. Add the pecans and stir to combine. The mixture will be quite thick at this time. Stir more frequently now as you don’t want the pecans to burn. If the mixture seems to be browner around the edges of the pan as you’re stirring, reduce the heat a bit to prevent burning. Continue cooking (and stirring) until the mixture reaches 305˚F(152˚C) on a candy or instant thermometer.

To finish:

  1. Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the burner. Add the pumpkin pie spice and stir to combine. Using oven mitts, remove the hot pan from the oven and place it on the stovetop. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Rub the pan with a paper towel to evenly distribute the spray.
  2. Pour the candy mixture lengthwise down the center of the prepared pan. Do not spread but tilt the pan from side to side and back and forth. At first, the mixture won’t cover the pan but continue to tilt and lightly jiggle the pan until the mixture is spread thin and covers the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Set aside on a cooling rack to cool completely then break into pieces and store in an airtight container.

Notes

See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
This recipe makes 2½ pounds of candy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounceCalories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 23mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 1mg
Course: Dessert, Gift, Snack
Cuisine: American

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257 Comments

  1. I make lots of "Christmas Candy" each year to share with friends & family. I'm eager to add this one to my list! Question: Have you ever tried adding pumpkin seeds to the mix? They might be too delicate for the hot temperature, but would be an interesting addition to go with the pumpkin spice theme. I'd love to have the labels too! Thanks for all your yummy recipes!! Love your website!

    1. Hi Beverly, I haven't tried adding pumpkin seeds to this mix, but I think it should work fine. Will be happy to send the labels. Thanks so much for your kind words!

  2. Please send the labels. Fall around the corner. Lovely gift with some orchard apples. And the Applesauce Cake, perfect..

  3. Oh, Chris! I do hope that things are getting back to normal for you!! This looks like a fabulous gift giving treat for Thanksgiving! Please do send me the labels. I have probably been remiss in thanking you for the things you share when you share labels, so I'm going to thank you now. What a wonderful idea from a food blog - to not only give you great recipes, but also give you a beautiful incentive to share them!

  4. As usual, this recipe looks yummy! I can't wait to make it. Could you please send me the PDF for the beautiful labels?

    I hope things are beginning to return to normal in your home area. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers - May God continue to bless you!

    Thank you for all you do to make the world a better place!

  5. Please send me the labels for Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. What program do you use to create your labels? They are always so well done.

    1. Hi June, I create them on Canva. Then I download a PNG of the label then upload that to Avery where I can creat a pdf with one of their label templates and download it to print.

  6. I'd love the labels for this brittle recipe. I plan to make it in the next week or so for my holiday charcuetrie boards and gifts. Thanks!!!

  7. The Brittle looks beautiful and delicious, can’t wait to start making all these brittles!
    Can I please have the labels PDF, Thanks.

  8. This recipe looks wonderful. I am going to try it with pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds). I have had some that was commercially made. It was very good but so very expensive. I think this recipe would duplicate the commercially made brittle perfectly. Please send me the PDF for the labels.
    Thanks for all the wonderful recipes and tips!

  9. Hello, I have decided to give this Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. I would love to have the lables sent to me.
    Thank You

  10. I’m making this for all our Fall celebrations. Thanks for another wonderful recipe! Please send the darling labels. Thanks so much!

  11. I love and have made many of your recipes and always appreciate the nice labels for gift giving. Pls send the labels pdf for this pumpkin brittle. Thanks in advance!

  12. Good morning, I am going to try your Pumpkin Pecan Brittle,
    If it is as good as it looks, I can't wait.
    Could you please send me the labels you have?

  13. Can't wait to try this & share with family this Fall. Please send me the labels and keep your "ridiculously easy" recipes coming - love them all!

  14. I am planning to make this for my neighbors for Christmas. Your beautiful labels would be a great way to finish them. My I have a set? Thanks

  15. Hi Chris,

    I cannot get pumpkin pie spice from any of my local shops, I live in France. Can I use fresh pumpkin insteqd and how much to use please? If I can use fresh pumpkin, can you also please send me the labels? It's a bit early to be thinking of Christmas already but I would to make this for Christmas gifts. Thank you

    Amy

  16. Would love to have the pdf for the labels. Just made your Ridiculously Easy Applesauce Cake and this brittle is the crowning touch. Now to please all the askers, a gift of brittle is in order.

    1. Hi Charlene, the labels were not able to be delivered. Could there be an error in your email address?

  17. Hi Chrism thank you for another great recipe, I would love to make this brittle and give some to my friends, can I please have the label.
    Thank you.
    Brigitte

  18. Hi Chris,
    I Love this brittle, can I please have the label, it is so delicious it will make for treats for my friends.
    Thank you
    Brigitte
    Happy Thanksgiving

  19. I made this to take to the hostess of Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow. Oh my - I MUST stop nibbling on it…it is addicting! Hope I can keep myself away from it because I don’t have time to make more! Thank you for another great one!!

  20. Hi Chris~I am enjoying receiving your emails....The recipes are YUM~! And the "Thought for the Day" is always appreciated.
    I would also love the labels for the Brittle please. I plan on making Brittle for Christmas gifts and they are cute perfection.🐿
    Thank you again for all your inspiration.
    ~Carolyne

  21. Your detailed instructions for this delightful sweet are much appreciated for the novice candy maker that I am. These rustic pieces of goodness look soooo delicious. These are going to be my Thanksgiving day party favor for family. Thank you for your genius recipe.

    ps...please send your pdf for the printable labels to complete the presentation of these delights.

    Grateful always for your wonderful recipes.

    Rita C

  22. This looks fantastic. I love making brittle. I always gave my hair salon brittle at the holidays where we used to live and it was such a welcomed gift.
    I was wondering what you think about switching out the pecans for roasted pumpkin seeds? How about sunflower seeds? And even chia seeds?
    I'm ready to start cooking!
    Please send me the darling labels - this will make for great gifts.
    Thank you !

    1. Hi Jane, happy to send the labels.
      Regarding your question, yes I think you could definitely sub other nuts or seeds for the pecans.

  23. Thank you!!!!!! This will make an excellent gift for friends and family for the holidays. Also, I would love to receive the labels ....

  24. This was so delicious and easy to make. The heated baking pan is genius. I’m hosting Thanksgiving and this will be a wonderful take home treat for my guests.
    Please send me the labels. Thank you!

  25. Hi Chris, thank you so much for leaving this recipe! I'm going to try it this weekend to gift to my boss next week for National Boss's Day ☺️ I'd love to print off a pretty label to add to the gift. Can you please send me one?
    Thank you!
    Rachel Barton

  26. Looks perfect for Thanksgiving hostess gifts. Please send pumpkin pecan labels, the icing on the cake (or brittle). Thank you!

  27. I will be hosting Thanksgiving this year and this will make a lovely gift for guests to go home with! Please send me the labels for the Sea Salted Pumpkin Pecan Brittle. Thanks! (Love your choices of Scripture and music!)

  28. Thank you so much for an easy delicious recipe. I would love to get the PDF file for the labels to use for gift giving.

  29. I can't wait to try the sea salted pumpkin pecan brittle. It looks delish!! I would love to have the PDF for labels.

    Thank you,
    Kat

  30. This sounds wonderful. I can’t wait to make it for my friends and family. Thanks so much! Could I also get the label’s?

  31. Hi Chris, I love peanut brittle and this pumpkin pecan brittle sounds wonderful! I have had great success with your recipes so thank you for sharing all your wonderful recipes with us. Also thanks for the great tip about putting the pan in the oven ... can't wait to make this. I too, would love to receive the labels.. Thanks

    1. Love the brittle! Would love to make them as a take home for the guests attending my son’s wedding reception in our barn. May I have the printable labels? Thank you so much!

  32. This sounds awesome I hope to make some tomorrow. I love suprising ppl with random fun gifts I would love the tags too please

  33. I'm so excitrd about this revipe! My sister and I
    are getting together to make some f ok r gifts. We would love the printanle labels. Tjank you so mucj!!

  34. Hi Chris,

    I’ve had such success with so many of your recipes. I’m excited to try this brittle and would appreciate the labels!

  35. Yes, please send the labels! I have company coming in town next weekend and this will be a perfect treat! Thank you!

  36. This recipe sound divine! Just what I was looking for to treat out of town guests and to bring as a hostess gift for autumn gatherings. I'd love to receive the pdf for the labels. Thanks so much!

  37. My DIL loves anything with pumpkin spice!!! Definitely going to make this!!! I would love the labels.

    Dena Fernandez

  38. Hi Chris,
    Thank you for your offer to send those beautiful labels! The receipe sounds delicious and I can't wait to give this tasty-sounding treat away!
    Thank you!
    Wini Hickox

  39. This looks wonderful. Would love the labels for gifts. So pretty. Love all your recipes. Please keep them coming.

  40. I can’t wait to surprise my Wine Ladies group with this scrumptious brittle! I’d love the labels to make it extra special! Love all your recipes!

  41. Hi Chris,
    I love your recipes, and I love the inspirational Scripture and music reference that accompanies each one! I look forward to gifting this delicious sounding Pumpkin Pecan Brittle and the labels will make it extra special. Thank you!

  42. Hi Chris,
    YEEEES, please send me the PDF labels for this wonderful brittle. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes and complimentary labels, love them all.
    Regards,
    Brigida

  43. Thank you, Chris. May I have the labels? I am thinking about trying this with pipitas or maybe peanuts. My grand daughters have nut allergies, but not peanuts. It's a shame, because pecans are so delicious! I just love your blog. You never disappoint! First class recipes every time!

  44. This looks like a great fall treat, and I can't wait to try it. I would love to have the label pdf, as I think the brittle will make yummy gifts. Thank you!

  45. Chris,
    I made this delicious pumpkin pecan brittle today and it
    is absolutely amazing. Fall in every bite. Cannot wait to share with family and friends! I would love the beautiful labels for gift giving.
    Thank you,
    Gayle Humann

  46. Definitely going to make this delicious looking recipe soon. Would love to have the labels also. Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes with us....hugs.

  47. Can’t wait to try this recipe and gift it to friends and family with the labels. If you would kindly send the link. Thanks.

  48. Dear Chris,

    I really like your idea of gifting some Pumpkin Pecan Brittle this fall. Please send the PDF labels.

    Thank you!

  49. Plan to make this for the Holiday season, looks so good! Love your recipes, enjoy them alot. Thanks so much! Would enjoy using the lovely labels,you've made. Please send to me to use.

  50. This looks like a wonderful recipe. I want to try it and I'd also like to print out the very cute labes. Thanks for such good recipes!

  51. This recipe sounds delicious! Please send me the label file. Thank you for bringing such wonderful recipes to my inbox so frequently. I'm never disappointed with my results.

    1. Love ur website. Ur recipes are so easy but also so delicious. Ordered a candy thermometer b4 I try this. Ur labels always make the gift look sooo professional. Thank you for such a unique idea. Please send me this label. I always check the Bible text at the end of the page. Another unique idea. Shirley

  52. I can't wait to make both the Golden Buttery peanut brittle and the Pumpkin Spice brittle (I just ordered the sea-salt on Amazon). I would love to have the labels for printing also the peanut brittle labels if you have them. I have become addicted to your website. Thank you for all you wonderful recipes and keep up the good work.
    God Bless you both.

  53. I love making your recipes and this will also become one of our favourites, I am sure. Have you used any other nuts or seeds in this recipe?
    Dolores

  54. I will be making this after my Pecans arrive tomorrow from Costco. Would love to have the gift tags for the Pumpkin brittle, please. I always look forward to your recipes coming. And love the scriptures as well. Thank you, Mariana

  55. Yes please...would love to use your labels. The recipe looks yummy and I can't wait to try it. The brittle will make a perfect gift during the holidays. Thank you!

    1. Wow -Pumpkin Spiced Brittle, sounds so festive for the upcoming fall holidays! I would love to have the label pdf! Thanks.

  56. Thank you for your awesome recipes and kindness in sharing the labels. I would love to have them to use for gifts. And i so appreciate the Bible verses you always share!

  57. Ready to start my fall baking! This looks yummy! I'd love to have the pdf for the printable labels too please! 😃

  58. I am so happy to have a recipe that does not include peanuts, and has my favourite flavour of the year PUMPKIN! I am so excited to make this and distribute to friends and family...cannot wait for Christmas will be making as a 'Fall Gift' to enjoy in my favourite season of the year. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
    Please send me the PDF for labels 🙂

  59. Who doesn't love brittle and this looks amazing! Can't wait to try it out. I would love to be able to print the beautiful labels for gift-giving. Thanks so much.

  60. I'm meeting four friends for lunch on Thursday and I'd love to give each of them some of this wonderful pumpkin brittle treat! May I please have the label printable? Thank you!

  61. Thank you for the delicious recipes and Bible verse of the day.
    Please email me the gorgeous labels.
    Blessings,
    Margo

    1. Hi Margo, just tried to email the labels but the email was returned. Perhaps the email was off by a letter or something. If you let us know the correct email, we'll be happy to send them to you.