bräck

Bräck is a traditional Nordic confection known for its brittle, crisp texture. In Swedish cuisine, bräck refers to a family of hard caramelized candies made from sugar or syrup and butter, often mixed with chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts, and sometimes seeds or dried fruits. Vanilla, salt, or other flavorings may be added to vary the taste.

Preparation typically involves caramelizing sugar with a small amount of water or syrup and then incorporating butter to form a glossy toffee. Nuts are folded in, and the mixture is poured in a thin layer onto a parchment-lined surface to cool. When solid, the slab is broken into irregular pieces. Variants exist, including versions without nuts or with chocolate coating, using different nuts or seeds for texture.

Bräck is commonly made at home as a holiday treat in Sweden and other parts of the Nordic region, and it is also sold in bakeries and candy shops. It is best stored in an airtight container to preserve its crispness and can keep for several weeks to months.

Etymology and usage: The word bräck highlights the brittle texture of the candy. In Swedish and broader Nordic culinary contexts, bräck denotes this type of caramel-toffee confection and is distinct from bread products, reflecting the textural contrast described by the name.