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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
