Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Introduction

Peanut brittle is a classic, crunchy candy that’s easy to make at home. With its perfect balance of sweet caramel and crunchy salted peanuts, this treat is sure to delight both kids and adults alike.

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 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 granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium-high heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Step 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, making sure the bulb does not touch the bottom. Continue cooking without stirring until the temperature reaches 280°F (soft crack stage).
4. Step 4: Add the salted peanuts to the mixture and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Cook while stirring frequently until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the room temperature butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam slightly.
7. Step 7: Pour the hot mixture in a circular motion onto the prepared baking sheet to distribute the nuts evenly.
8. Step 8: As it cools, use two buttered forks to gently spread and thin out the brittle for a crispier texture. Let it cool completely.
9. Step 9: Once cooled, break the peanut brittle into pieces using your hands or the handle of a wooden spoon.

Tips & Variations

• Use roasted peanuts for extra flavor, or try mixed nuts for a variation.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the sugar mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should harden and crack easily.
• For a richer taste, substitute unsalted butter with browned butter.

Storage

Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Make sure it is kept away from moisture to maintain its crispness. If it softens, re-crisp by warming briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw peanuts instead of salted?

Yes, but you may want to roast and lightly salt them beforehand to enhance flavor, as raw peanuts can be bland.

How do I prevent peanut brittle from sticking to the pan?

Spraying the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray before pouring the brittle helps prevent sticking and makes removal easier once cooled.

Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 84 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This classic Peanut Brittle recipe is a delightful, crunchy candy made with sugar, corn syrup, and salted peanuts. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it yields a sweet, nutty treat perfect for snacking or gifting. The brittle is cooked on the stovetop, then cooled and broken into pieces for a satisfying crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 it aside. Measure out the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract so they are ready to add when needed.
2. Combine sugar mixture: In a medium, heavy-bottom pot or saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
3. Cook to 280°F and add peanuts: Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture without touching the pot bottom. When the temperature reaches 280°F, add the salted peanuts to the pot.
4. Cook to 300°F: Continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage, ensuring the candy will set properly.
5. Remove from heat and add flavorings: Take the pot off the heat. Quickly stir in the room temperature butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam due to the baking soda reacting with the sugar, which will help create the brittle texture.
6. Pour and spread the brittle: Immediately pour the foamy mixture in a circular pattern onto the prepared baking sheet to distribute the nuts evenly. Use two buttered forks to gently stretch and spread the brittle while it is still hot to make it thinner and crispier.
7. Cool and break into pieces: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cool and hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or the handle of a wooden spoon.
8. Store: Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

• Be very cautious while working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns.
• Ensure the candy thermometer bulb doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot for accurate temperature readings.
• Use salted peanuts for the best flavor; unsalted can be used but may require added salt.
• Spreading the brittle thinly with forks while hot ensures maximum crispiness and prevents thick, chewy spots.
• Store in an airtight container to keep the brittle fresh and crunchy for up to 6 weeks.

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

Keywords: Peanut Brittle, Candy, Sweet Snack, Nut Brittle, Homemade Candy, Stovetop Candy