If you’ve ever craved that perfect crunch paired with sweet, nutty goodness, this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s a timeless treat that brings back warm memories of homemade candies from your childhood, yet it’s incredibly easy and satisfying to make today. With just a handful of simple ingredients transforming into a glossy, golden brittle loaded with roasted peanuts, this candy delivers the ideal balance of sweetness, texture, and nostalgia all in one delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect peanut brittle texture and flavor that we all love. From the granulated sugar’s sweetness to the baking soda’s magic foam, everything comes together to create that classic candy crunch.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness, it caramelizes nicely to give brittleness.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystal formation and adds shine to your brittle.
- 1/4 cup water: Ensures even cooking and dissolves the sugar evenly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts: Provides that irresistible nutty crunch with natural richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and a slight richness to the candy’s finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and subtle aromatic complexity.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This little secret makes the brittle light and airy by creating tiny bubbles.
How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Start by greasing a large baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper—this simple prep is essential to prevent sticking and make clean-up much easier once the brittle cools.
Step 2: Cook the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, creating a clear syrup base that will set the stage for your candy.
Step 3: Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring from this point onward. Using a candy thermometer, watch carefully until the syrup reaches 300°F, also known as the hard crack stage—this ensures your brittle will snap perfectly.
Step 4: Add Peanuts
Once the syrup hits temperature, quickly stir in your roasted peanuts. Cook them for 1-2 minutes so they soak up some of the syrup’s heat and flavor, coating each nut evenly for that iconic candy crunch.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract. These finishing touches give the brittle a rich, complex flavor and a subtle creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
Step 6: Stir in Baking Soda
Finally, stir in the baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture foam up — this is the magic at work, aerating the brittle so it becomes light yet crisp instead of dense and heavy.
Step 7: Spread and Cool
Immediately pour the foamy candy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out as thinly and evenly as possible for consistent texture. Let it cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into shards of deliciousness.
How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is perfect as-is, consider a light dusting of flaky sea salt to enhance its flavors even more. Alternatively, sprinkling a bit of finely grated orange zest adds a fresh twist that pairs surprisingly well with the candy’s caramel notes.
Side Dishes
This candy shines as a sweet finish after a homemade meal or alongside a cup of strong coffee or tea. For a cozy gathering, pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream or even a scoop of rich chocolate mousse to contrast the brittle’s crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve pieces of the brittle in small, decorative jars tied with ribbons. You could also break it into smaller chunks and sprinkle it over cupcakes, puddings, or even a holiday-inspired charcuterie board for a textural surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy. Make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture, which can cause the candy to become sticky or lose its snap.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze peanut brittle. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Peanut brittle is best enjoyed at room temperature and typically doesn’t require reheating. If it feels a bit sticky, simply leave it out on the counter for an hour to let moisture dissipate and hardness return.
FAQs
Can I use salted peanuts for this recipe?
While you can use salted peanuts, it’s best to use unsalted ones to control the salt level in your brittle perfectly. If you opt for salted peanuts, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty treat.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Though a candy thermometer helps guarantee perfect results, you can test by dropping a small spoonful of syrup into cold water; if it hardens and breaks easily, your brittle is ready.
Why does my brittle turn chewy instead of hard?
This usually happens if the sugar syrup doesn’t reach the hard crack stage (around 300°F). Precise temperature is key for that crispy snap.
Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
Definitely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans work well, but keep in mind each nut’s natural oil content may alter the texture slightly.
How long does homemade peanut brittle last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh for up to two weeks. After that, it may start to soften or lose flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making candy at home might sound intimidating, but the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe proves it can be simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful crunch and warmth it brings to any occasion. Nothing beats sharing this nostalgic treat with friends and family, so get ready to make some sweet memories!
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe delivers a classic, crunchy candy that’s sweet, nutty, and perfectly crisp. Combining caramelized sugar with roasted peanuts, butter, and a hint of vanilla, this homemade candy is easy to make and ideal for holiday treats, gifts, or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick. Set aside.
- Cook the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Boil the Mixture: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor until the mixture reaches 300°F, known as the hard crack stage.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the roasted unsalted peanuts into the hot syrup, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to evenly coat the nuts and allow them to slightly toast.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract, blending smoothly into the hot candy base.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda promptly, which will cause the mixture to foam and lighten in texture, giving the brittle a delicate crispness.
- Spread the Brittle: Pour the foamy mixture immediately onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it thinly and evenly before it begins to harden.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature until fully hardened. Once set, break into individual pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure proper texture.
- Act quickly when spreading the brittle as it hardens fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to keep it crisp and fresh.
- For variation, try substituting different nuts like almonds or cashews.
- Be cautious handling the hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
