Peanut Brittle Recipe

If there’s one treat that never fails to impress both kids and adults, it’s classic Peanut Brittle. This old-fashioned candy is a celebration of contrasts—crunchy, sweet caramel enveloping toasty peanuts, touched with a hint of vanilla and rich buttery aroma. It’s the melt-in-your-mouth snap and the irresistible stretch between salty, sweet, and nutty that make Peanut Brittle a timeless favorite for holidays, gifting, or casual snacking. Whether you’re new to homemade candy or just craving a nostalgic bite, this recipe delivers pure delight in every golden shard.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peanut Brittle comes together with a handful of pantry staples, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature flavor and texture. Trust me—using the right ingredients (and a touch of patience) takes this treat from good to unforgettable!

• Granulated sugar: The base of the brittle—melts down to create that gorgeous caramel snap.
• Light corn syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and lends chewiness to balance the crunch.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for an even, smooth candy mixture.
• Raw peanuts: These soak up the caramel as they roast, giving every bite a nutty, toasty flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the brittle’s texture.
• Baking soda: The magic ingredient! It aerates the candy, creating fine bubbles for that light, crispy crackle.
• Vanilla extract: A splash at the end brings warmth and depth to the brittle’s aroma.
• Salt: Just a pinch brightens all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick. This quick prep step will make your clean-up a breeze later, plus it guarantees those perfectly crisp sheets slide right off when cooled.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar and Syrup

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Set the heat to medium, and stir occasionally until everything’s dissolved and the mixture comes to a soft boil. This is the foundation for that irresistible Peanut Brittle texture!

Step 3: Add the Peanuts

Now toss in the raw peanuts. Continue cooking, and don’t stop stirring—this keeps the peanuts from burning and helps them toast evenly as the syrup thickens. You’re looking for a rich golden amber color, or about 300°F on a candy thermometer (hello, hard crack stage).

Step 4: Stir in Butter, Baking Soda, Vanilla, and Salt

Remove the pan from the heat fast! Add the butter, baking soda, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble and foam up—this is pure Peanut Brittle magic happening, so work quickly but carefully to stir it all together.

Step 5: Pour and Spread

Pour the hot mixture immediately onto your prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to spread it as thin as you can. Don’t worry about perfection—those rustic edges and bubbles just add to the charm.

Step 6: Cool and Break Into Pieces

Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once it’s set and snapped-hard, break into jagged pieces. Each shard is a crunchy masterpiece just waiting to be devoured.

How to Serve Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt just as the brittle starts to set puts a glam finishing touch on every piece. Or, dust with a bit of cocoa powder or drizzle with dark chocolate if you’re in the mood for something decadent!

Side Dishes

Serve Peanut Brittle alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or nestle a few shards next to bowls of fresh fruit for a playful dessert board. It also pairs beautifully with strong coffee or as a cheeky topping for creamy yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive! Pile brittle pieces into jars with twine for cute homemade gifts, or tuck them into cellophane bags for party favors. For a wow-worthy dessert, crumble brittle over cupcakes or use it to top a cheesecake for flavor and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Peanut Brittle keeps its crunch best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Tuck it in layers with wax paper between each to prevent stickiness, and keep it away from humidity for up to two weeks of snacking pleasure!

Freezing

You can freeze Peanut Brittle for longer storage, though it might soften slightly. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and tuck them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and they’ll still crackle with flavor.

Reheating

No need to reheat Peanut Brittle, but if you’d like to refresh slightly softened candy, lay it in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop it into a preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes. Let cool and enjoy that crisp texture all over again.

FAQs

Why does my Peanut Brittle turn out sticky?

Humidity is the enemy of brittle! Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container and avoid making it on very humid days. Also, check that you cooked the candy mixture long enough to reach the hard crack stage.

Can I use roasted or salted peanuts instead of raw?

Raw peanuts are ideal as they roast perfectly in the caramel, but in a pinch, you can use roasted peanuts—just skip the added salt, and watch closely to prevent burning.

How do I know when the candy has reached the right temperature?

A candy thermometer is your best friend here. You’re aiming for 300°F, the hard crack stage, which ensures a truly crunchy, breakable Peanut Brittle.

Can I double this Peanut Brittle recipe?

Absolutely! Double the ingredients, but be sure you have a large, heavy-bottomed pan and a spacious, prepared baking sheet to handle the increased volume. Work swiftly, as the mixture cools fast.

What causes Peanut Brittle to foam when adding baking soda?

Baking soda creates bubbles (carbon dioxide), which aerates the candy and gives Peanut Brittle its distinctive, shatteringly crisp texture. Don’t skip this step!

Final Thoughts

There’s pure joy in making and sharing Peanut Brittle—it’s as fun to craft as it is to crackle apart and eat. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your next signature treat. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this irresistible classic!

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