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To make old-fashioned peanut brittle, you need just a few simple items: - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup light corn syrup - 1/4 cup water - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups raw unsalted peanuts - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter These ingredients come together to create a crunchy, sweet treat. Each plays a role in giving the brittle its classic taste. You can change up the flavor of your peanut brittle by adding: - A pinch of cinnamon for warmth - A splash of almond extract for a nutty twist - Sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo These options let you customize the brittle to suit your taste. To make peanut brittle, you'll need some basic tools: - A heavy-bottomed saucepan - A candy thermometer - A spatula for spreading - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and helps ensure perfect results. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by getting a large baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This keeps the peanut brittle from sticking. Make sure to cover the whole sheet. This step is very important for easy removal later. In a heavy saucepan, mix together the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir gently until all the sugar is moistened. This helps it dissolve evenly. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir from time to time until the sugar melts. When it has melted, stop stirring. Now, let it boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Let the mixture boil without stirring. Keep a close watch until it reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage. This can take 10 to 15 minutes. When it hits the right temperature, quickly add the raw peanuts. Stir often as it cooks for another 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture will turn a lovely golden amber color. Take the saucepan off the heat. Carefully whisk in the baking soda and vanilla extract. Expect some bubbling here; this is normal. Stir quickly to mix everything well. The baking soda adds a nice crunch to the brittle. Pour the hot peanut mixture onto your lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Be careful not to touch the hot mixture. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. It will harden and become crisp. Once the brittle has cooled, break it into pieces. You can choose the size you like. Serve the pieces in a decorative container or platter. Enjoy this crunchy and tasty treat! To get a great texture, aim for the hard crack stage. This happens at 300°F. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy. If it is too soft, the brittle won't snap. If it is too hard, it may break your teeth. Watch closely as it boils. You want a nice golden amber color before adding the peanuts. One common mistake is stirring too much while boiling the sugar. Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring. Stirring can cause graininess. Another mistake is not lining the baking sheet. This can make it hard to remove the brittle once it cools. Lastly, don't skip the baking soda. It helps make the brittle light and crunchy. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan is key. It spreads heat evenly and helps prevent burning. A candy thermometer is also a must-have. It takes the guesswork out of the cooking process. Silicone spatulas are great for spreading the mixture. They can withstand high heat and make cleanup easier. Pro Tips Use a Candy Thermometer: Achieving the right temperature is crucial for the perfect brittle. A candy thermometer ensures you reach the hard crack stage without guesswork. Be Cautious with Hot Sugar: The sugar mixture can reach very high temperatures. Always use oven mitts and avoid touching it directly to prevent burns. Store Properly: To keep your peanut brittle fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature away from humidity. Experiment with Nuts: While peanuts are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in your peanut brittle. Try using almonds, cashews, or pecans. Each nut adds a unique taste and crunch. For example, cashews give a creamier flavor. Almonds add a nice bite. You can mix different nuts too! This makes your brittle fun and exciting to eat. Adding a layer of chocolate can elevate your brittle. Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brittle. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo. If you like spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the mixture. This gives your brittle a warm kick and makes it special. Making this treat vegan is easy! Simply replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Ensure your vanilla extract is pure. You can also use agave syrup instead of corn syrup. This keeps the texture while making it plant-based. Now everyone can enjoy this crunchy delight! To keep your peanut brittle fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can use a glass jar or a plastic container. Make sure the brittle is completely cool before you seal it. This step helps keep moisture out and maintains its crunch. Avoid placing the brittle in a humid area, as this can make it sticky. Homemade peanut brittle can last for up to two weeks when stored properly. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. In the freezer, it can stay good for about three months. Just remember to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. If your peanut brittle loses its crunch, don’t worry. You can easily fix it! Preheat your oven to 300°F. Place the brittle on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will help restore its crispy texture. Just let it cool again before you enjoy it! Peanut brittle has roots in the United States. It became popular in the 19th century. Many say it comes from the Southern states. It is a festive treat often made during holidays. The mix of sugar and peanuts creates a crunchy delight. Yes, you can use roasted peanuts. They add a nice flavor. However, raw peanuts give a fresher taste. If you choose roasted, skip the cooking time for peanuts. Just add them when the sugar mixture is ready. To fix grainy peanut brittle, reheat the mixture. You can add a little water. Heat it gently until it melts again. Stir it slowly until smooth. Then, cool it down and break it into pieces. Yes, you can double the recipe. Just use a larger pan to hold the mixture. Make sure to monitor the cooking time. The temperature should still reach 300°F for the best results. Peanut brittle pairs well with many treats. You can serve it with ice cream for a sweet crunch. It also complements hot chocolate or coffee. For a festive touch, add it to gift baskets during holidays. Making old-fashioned peanut brittle is simple and fun. You learned the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions needed to create this tasty treat. Tips and tricks help you avoid common mistakes and achieve the perfect texture. You can even explore variations with nuts, chocolate, or vegan options. Lastly, proper storage keeps your brittle fresh. Enjoy this sweet snack, share it with friends, and experiment with flavors. Peanut brittle brings joy and crunch to any occasion. Now, it’s time to make your own batch!

Classic Peanut Brittle Delight

A crunchy and sweet treat made with peanuts and sugar, perfect for snacking or gifting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups raw unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Baking Sheet: Begin by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step is crucial as it prevents the peanut brittle from sticking when it cools.
  • Combine Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Gently stir the mixture to ensure that all the sugar is moistened.
  • Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Once dissolved, stop stirring and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  • Monitor Temperature: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This process will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, so keep a close eye on it.
  • Add Peanuts: Once your mixture hits the right temperature, quickly stir in the raw unsalted peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture transforms into a beautiful golden amber color, roughly 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Add Baking Soda and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately. Carefully whisk in the baking soda and vanilla extract—expect the mixture to bubble vigorously. Stir quickly until everything is well combined.
  • Spread the Mixture: With caution, pour the hot peanut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, taking care to avoid contact with the hot mixture.
  • Cool the Brittle: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. This should take about 30 minutes or until it hardens to a crisp texture.
  • Break into Pieces: Once cooled, break the peanut brittle into irregular pieces according to your desired size.

Notes

For an elegant touch, arrange the brittle pieces in a decorative container or platter. To make a lovely gift, wrap individual pieces in clear cellophane and tie them with a vibrant ribbon.
Keyword candy, peanut brittle, snack