Peanut Brittle Recipe

Introduction

Peanut brittle is a classic crunchy candy that combines sweet caramelized sugar with the satisfying crunch of salted peanuts. This easy homemade recipe results in a rich, buttery treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (170 g) light corn syrup
• ¼ cup (59 g) water
• 1 cup (146 g) salted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. Measure out the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract so they are ready to use.
2. Step 2: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, making sure the bulb does not touch the bottom. When the temperature reaches 280°F (138°C), add the salted peanuts to the mixture.
4. Step 4: Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the temperature reaches 300°F (149°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam due to the baking soda reacting with the sugar.
6. Step 6: Quickly pour the foamy mixture in a circular pattern onto the prepared baking sheet to distribute the nuts evenly.
7. Step 7: While the peanut brittle is still soft, use two buttered forks to gently stretch and spread it out thinner. The thinner the brittle, the crispier it will be. Allow it to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Once cooled, break the peanut brittle into pieces using your hands or the handle of a wooden spoon.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh peanuts for the best flavor, and consider roasting them lightly for added depth.
• To make it nut-free, substitute peanuts with toasted coconut flakes or seeds.
• Work quickly when stirring in the butter and baking soda to prevent the mixture from setting too soon.
• Adding a pinch of sea salt on top before it cools enhances the sweet and salty flavor balance.

Storage

Store peanut brittle at room temperature in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crisp. It will stay good for up to 6 weeks. If it softens, briefly warm it in a low oven to restore crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why does the mixture foam when I add baking soda?

The baking soda reacts with the hot sugar syrup, creating carbon dioxide bubbles. This foaming helps create the brittle’s light texture and makes it easier to break into pieces.

Can I use roasted or raw peanuts?

Salted raw peanuts work best as they roast slightly during cooking, but you can also use pre-roasted peanuts for a deeper flavor. Avoid raw unsalted peanuts unless you want a milder taste and less saltiness.

Peanut Brittle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings (approximately 12 oz of brittle) 1x

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Description

This classic Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a perfectly crunchy and sweet candy loaded with salted peanuts. Made by cooking sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard crack stage, then stirring in butter, baking soda, and vanilla for extra flavor and texture. The mixture is spread thin and cooled to create irresistible brittle pieces perfect for snacking or gifting.

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Ingredients

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Peanut Brittle Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (170 g) light corn syrup
• ¼ cup (59 g) water
• 1 cup (146 g) salted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet and Ingredients: Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Measure out the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract before starting the candy-making process to have everything ready.
2. Combine Sugar Mixture: In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place over medium-high heat and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the syrup begins to boil.
3. Monitor Temperature and Add Peanuts: Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture ensuring the bulb does not touch the bottom. When the temperature reaches 280°F (soft crack stage), add the salted peanuts to the boiling sugar mixture.
4. Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Stir frequently and continue cooking the peanut-sugar mixture until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), indicating the brittle will harden properly.
5. Remove from Heat and Add Final Ingredients: Take the pot off the heat. Immediately stir in the room temperature butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam due to the baking soda’s reaction, which helps create a light texture.
6. Pour and Spread the Brittle: Quickly pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a circular motion to evenly distribute the peanuts. Use two buttered forks to gently stretch and spread the candy thinner, which helps achieve a crisp brittle texture.
7. Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces with your hands or a wooden spoon handle. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks.

Notes

• Using a candy thermometer is essential for reaching the precise hard crack temperature to ensure proper brittleness.
• Butter the forks before spreading to prevent sticking and make it easier to thin the brittle.
• Be cautious as the sugar syrup is extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
• Store peanut brittle in a cool, dry place to keep it from becoming sticky or soft.
• You can substitute salted peanuts with roasted unsalted peanuts and add salt separately if preferred.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Candy
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut brittle, candy recipe, homemade candy, crunchy peanut candy, sweet brittle, classic peanut brittle