Description
This classic peanut brittle recipe makes irresistibly crunchy, golden shards that are loaded with roasted peanuts and infused with buttery caramel and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or whenever you’re craving an old-fashioned sweet treat, this homemade candy is simple to prepare and delivers the perfect snap in every bite.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Brittle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it, then set it aside. This will keep the brittle from sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cook the sugar mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to boil, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves.
- Add the peanuts: Stir in the raw peanuts and continue cooking. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Cook until the mixture reaches a golden amber color, or 300°F (the hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Add the finishing ingredients: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will foam and become lighter in color—stir quickly and carefully to incorporate everything.
- Spread the brittle: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread it out thinly with a spatula before it begins to harden.
- Cool and break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it’s fully hardened, about 30 minutes. Once set, break into bite-sized pieces.
- Store: Place the brittle in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Notes
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar—it can burn quickly and sticks to skin.
- Using a candy thermometer ensures your brittle sets at the perfect crunchy stage.
- For a more robust flavor, try toasting the peanuts lightly before adding, or sprinkle flaky sea salt over the finished brittle for a sweet-salty finish.
- Humidity can affect brittle texture; store in a dry place to prevent softening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe (about 35g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 4mg