Delectable pumpkin seed and hempseed brittle uses just 4 essential ingredients (with a few optional ones) and is incredibly easy to make. It’s a good-for-you treat that’s downright addictive!
Everyone’s oven is a little different, so take care to keep an eye on the brittle in the last few minutes of baking. The edges should be a nice golden brown, but not too browned.
This is an amazing high-protein, low sugar superfood snack. And it’s quite gift-able, too.
All you need are these four essential ingredients:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds (aka pepitas)
- Hemp seeds
- Maple syrup (I made this with agave a couple of times, and it works,
but isn’t quite as good — the brittle doesn’t get as crunchy) - Ground cinnamon
Optional ingredients: Chocolate mini-chips, vanilla extract, and/or coarse salt for topping. Of these, I enjoy adding the vanilla for the wonderful aroma, and I think the coarse salt adds a nice element.
Pumpkin seeds
For this recipe, you can use salted or unsalted shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas), just make sure they’re not overly salted. Tamari pepitas are fine, too.
High in protein and readily available, pumpkin seeds are usually roasted and have a unique flavor that makes them especially pleasant to eat as a snack, or a fantastic addition to a range of recipes. You can expect a warm, nutty flavor and plenty of crunch with each bite.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in nutrients and valuable antioxidants. Even small amount can provide a substantial quantity of good fats, magnesium, and zinc. Learn lots more in our Guide to Pumpkin Seeds.
Hemp seeds
Subtly crunchy, mild in flavor, yet boldly rich in nutrients, hemp seeds have a whole lot to offer wholesome food fans. This versatile superfood.
Hemp seeds pack an incredible amount of good fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals into such a tiny package. They are exceptionally rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which can otherwise be challenging to get on a plant-based diet.
Most natural foods stores like Whole Foods will have two or three hemp seed brands to choose from. Because they’re perishable, it’s best to buy them in packages rather than in bulk. Learn lots more in our Guide to Hemp Seeds.
Photos by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.
Pumpkin Seed & Hemp Seed Brittle
Delectable pumpkin seed and hempseed brittle uses just 4 essential ingredients (with a few optional ones) and is incredibly easy to make. It’s a good-for-you treat that’s downright addictive!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups toasted shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas; see note)
- 1/2 cup hempseeds (aka hemp hearts)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- Generous pinch of cinnamon
Optional ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate mini-chips
- Coarse salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325º F.
- Combine the pumpkin seeds, hempseeds, syrup, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Mix together thoroughly. If using vanilla and/or chocolate mini-chips, stir them in.
- Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet, into a thickness of about 1/4 inch. You can use another piece of parchment to press the mixture down evenly. Don’t spread too thinly, as it will spread as it bakes.
- If you’d, lightly sprinkle the top with coarse salt.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes on the center rack, or until the top is turning golden and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet — at least a couple of hours. Be patient!
- Once cooled, break into pieces and store in a container or a tin. If you have any left after a couple of days, store in the refrigerator.
Notes
You can use salted or unsalted pepitas, just make sure they’re not overly salted. Tamari pepitas are fine, too.
Explore more good-for-you appetizers and snacks; and desserts & sweets.
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