Let me tell you, there’s something magical about peanut brittle. The way the sugar caramelizes, the rich, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen, and the satisfying crunch of each bite—trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something special, but it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before. Perfect for holiday gifting, satisfying a sweet tooth, or simply snacking—peanut brittle is here to bring that little touch of joy.
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Why You’ll Love Peanut Brittle
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re looking for the perfect homemade gift, planning a cozy afternoon with a sweet snack, or treating yourself to something indulgent, this brittle will be your go-to. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Sweet & Salty Perfection: With the creamy peanuts and crunchy caramelized sugar, this brittle strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making every bite irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: No need to hunt for specialty items! The magic happens with just a few pantry staples, proving that simple can absolutely be extraordinary.
Quick & Easy: No complicated steps here—just melt, mix, and pour. Even if you’ve never made candy before, you’ll feel like a pro by the end of it.
Great for Gifting: Wrap this up in a cute little tin or jar, and you’ve got a homemade gift that will have everyone asking for your secret. Whether it’s for the holidays, birthdays, or just because, peanut brittle never goes out of style.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of peanut brittle—it’s made with just a few ingredients, yet the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Peanuts: The heart of this brittle. You want to use salted peanuts for that perfect savory touch that complements the sweet, caramelized sugar.
Granulated Sugar: This is what makes the brittle, well, brittle. It melts down to create that crispy, crunchy texture we all love.
Butter: Adds richness and a smooth flavor to the brittle, making it melt in your mouth.
Baking Soda: This is the ingredient that gives the brittle that airy, crispy texture as it reacts with the hot sugar.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes this brittle from good to great, adding a little something extra to the flavor profile.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this sweet, crunchy treat:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures your brittle won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.
Cook the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine your sugar and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture melts and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it—caramelizing sugar can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
Add the Peanuts: Once the sugar is golden, stir in the peanuts. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re coated with the syrupy goodness.
Add the Baking Soda and Vanilla: Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful! Stir until smooth and well combined.
Pour and Set: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Let it cool completely at room temperature. Don’t try to speed up the process by putting it in the fridge—patience is key here!
Break into Pieces: Once it’s fully cooled and hardened, break the brittle into pieces. You’ll hear that satisfying crack as you do, which is always a good sign!
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the crunchy, sweet goodness! Whether you’re snacking on it yourself or gifting it to someone special, this peanut brittle is sure to impress.
How to Serve Peanut Brittle
This peanut brittle is just perfect for snacking, but here are a few fun ideas for serving it:
Gift it: Put the brittle in a jar or tin, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift!
Snack on it: Keep it in a bowl on the counter for an easy, grab-and-go treat. The sweet, salty crunch is too tempting to resist.
Pair with Chocolate: Serve with a side of your favorite chocolate for an extra indulgence. Chocolate and peanut brittle are a match made in heaven.
Presentation Matters: The way you present your brittle can elevate the experience—whether you serve it on a cute plate or package it beautifully for a gift.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: While you can’t exactly prep the brittle ahead of time, you can make a double batch and store it for later! It stays fresh in an airtight container for about a week.
Spice It Up: Want to give your brittle a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a savory twist. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make this recipe vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative.
Storage Tips: Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. It’s the perfect snack to keep on hand!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted?
A1: Absolutely! But keep in mind that the salted peanuts balance out the sweetness. If you use unsalted, you might want to add a pinch of salt.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Peanut brittle can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store your brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crispy for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: It’s not recommended to freeze peanut brittle as it might lose its crispy texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a week.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Since the brittle is meant to be crunchy, there’s no need to reheat. Just grab a piece and enjoy!
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! Feel free to double or even triple the recipe if you’re planning to make a big batch for a party or holiday gift-giving.
Q7: Can I add other nuts?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add almonds, cashews, or even pecans. Just keep the proportions similar to ensure the brittle sets correctly.
Q8: Why did my brittle turn out soft?
A8: It’s all about the caramelization. If the sugar didn’t get hot enough, it might not harden. Make sure you let the sugar cook long enough to achieve a golden color before adding the peanuts.
Q9: Can I add flavorings like cinnamon or vanilla bean?
A9: Yes! Adding a dash of cinnamon or using vanilla bean instead of extract can create a lovely twist on traditional peanut brittle.
Q10: Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
A10: Absolutely! As long as you watch the sugar closely and let it turn golden brown before adding the peanuts, you’ll be fine without a thermometer.
Conclusion
Making peanut brittle at home is one of those things that’s so simple yet so satisfying. The process is quick, the result is incredibly rewarding, and the flavor is downright addictive. Whether you’re making it for yourself, gifting it to a friend, or serving it at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to make some brittle magic happen!
Print
Peanut Brittle
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 50 pieces 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-fashioned peanut brittle made with a few simple ingredients is crunchy, buttery, and full of peanuts. This classic treat is easy to prepare and perfect for gifting or snacking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 1 cup light corn syrup (320 grams)
- 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
- 2 cups dry roasted and lightly salted peanuts (280 grams)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and cubed into small pieces (60 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Cook sugar mixture: In a large saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 250°F (121°C).
- Add peanuts: Once the sugar mixture reaches 250°F, add the peanuts and stir. Continue cooking, stirring continuously, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C). An instant-read or candy thermometer is recommended for accuracy.
- Finish the candy: Turn off the heat and remove the saucepan from the stove. Quickly add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir quickly but carefully, as the mixture will release steam. Continue stirring until the butter is fully mixed in.
- Spread the brittle: Pour the hot candy mixture over the prepared cookie sheet. Use the back of a spoon or rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer. You can also use two forks to help spread the peanut brittle thinner.
- Cool: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely for 45 minutes to 1 hour before breaking it into pieces and enjoying!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg