If you have a sweet tooth and love that satisfying crunch, nothing quite beats this classic Peanut Brittle Recipe. It delivers that perfect balance between rich caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, creating a golden, glassy treat that snaps with every bite. Whether it’s for holiday gifting or a delightful snack, this homemade candy is surprisingly simple to make yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. Trust me, once you try this Peanut Brittle Recipe, it will become your go-to crunchy candy whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect peanut brittle starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each play an important role in flavor, texture, and color. Nothing fancy, just pantry staples that combine to create that iconic brittle snap and nutty richness.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation for sweetness and caramelization, sugar creates the brittle’s crisp structure.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystals from forming for a smooth, glassy finish.
- Water: Dissolves sugar evenly and controls cooking consistency.
- Roasted salted peanuts: Adds that signature nutty crunch and salty balance.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a rich creaminess that mellows the caramel edge.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note to deepen flavor.
- Baking soda: Creates tiny bubbles that aerate and lighten the brittle.
- Pinch of salt (optional): Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
How to Make Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or apply a light greasing. This ensures your peanut brittle releases easily once hardened. Setting this up ahead of time keeps the process moving smoothly and helps shape the brittle evenly in later steps.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir gently but constantly until all the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts boiling. This is the moment to watch carefully because patience here means a clean, glossy brittle.
Step 3: Achieve Perfect Caramelization
Once boiling vigorously, stop stirring and let the mixture cook undisturbed. This lets the heat caramelize the sugars evenly. You’re aiming for a rich golden amber color, which usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes, or when a candy thermometer hits 300°F, also known as hard crack stage. This step is key to that classic brittle snap.
Step 4: Add Peanuts, Butter, and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the roasted salted peanuts, butter, and vanilla extract. Their warmth and butter’s creaminess soften the caramel slightly, while the peanuts add irresistible crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Baking Soda and Pour
Immediately add the baking soda and stir briskly. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up delightfully, helping create an airy texture inside the brittle. Pour this foamy mixture swiftly onto your prepared baking sheet, then spread it out evenly with a spatula before it hardens.
Step 6: Cool and Break
Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling step lets it harden fully into that perfect crispiness. Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces, and your crunchy homemade candy is ready to enjoy or gift.
How to Serve Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top right after pouring the brittle for an added burst of flavor. For seasonal flair, you can try a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate to create a fancy twist that impresses at dessert tables.
Side Dishes
Peanut brittle shines on its own as a sweet snack but pairs beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, adding crunchy contrast to creamy or rich textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Package pieces in cute cellophane bags tied with festive ribbon for gifts, or arrange them on a decorative platter at parties. You could even crush some to sprinkle atop cakes or brownies to add a delightful nutty crunch and caramel flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This preserves its crispness and freshness for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy this treat over time without any loss of texture or flavor.
Freezing
While peanut brittle usually doesn’t require freezing, you can freeze it if needed by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving to bring back its brittle crunch.
Reheating
Reheating peanut brittle isn’t typically necessary since it’s meant to be eaten crispy and cold. However, if pieces soften, simply let them air dry for a few hours to regain some crunch or enjoy straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Peanut Brittle Recipe?
Absolutely! While classic peanut brittle is made with peanuts, feel free to swap or mix in almonds, cashews, or pecans to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
What happens if my candy thermometer is not accurate?
An inaccurate thermometer can cause your brittle to be too soft or burnt. If you don’t have one, look for visual clues like the color changing to a rich amber, but investing in a candy thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect results every time.
Why does my peanut brittle sometimes turn sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means excess humidity or undercooked sugar. Make sure to cook the sugar to the hard crack stage (300°F) and store the brittle in a cool, dry place to maintain crunchiness.
How quickly should I spread the mixture on the baking sheet?
Work very quickly once you add the baking soda and pour the mixture because it hardens fast. Having your baking sheet ready beforehand will help you spread the brittle evenly before it sets.
Can I make peanut brittle without corn syrup?
Corn syrup prevents crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth. If you don’t have corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the texture might be slightly different, and you should watch the cooking process carefully.
Final Thoughts
Making your own peanut brittle at home is such a joyful and rewarding experience — the smell, the snap, and that perfect sweet-and-salty crunch are simply unbeatable. I encourage you to try this Peanut Brittle Recipe and share it with loved ones; homemade candy always carries an extra special touch that store-bought just can’t match. Happy candy making!
Print
Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Dessert or Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe is a delightful homemade candy that’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, peanuts, and a touch of butter and vanilla, it delivers a golden caramelized crunch that’s irresistible. Easy to make on the stovetop and ready in just 20 minutes, peanut brittle is a nostalgic dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking, and set aside for the brittle mixture.
- Cook sugar mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil to hard crack stage: Once boiling, stop stirring and let it cook undisturbed until it reaches a golden amber color and a candy thermometer reads 300°F, about 10–12 minutes.
- Add nuts and flavorings: Quickly stir in the roasted salted peanuts, butter, and vanilla extract immediately after removing from heat.
- Add baking soda: Stir in the baking soda swiftly; the mixture will foam up. Mix thoroughly to combine the airy texture into the brittle.
- Pour and spread: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Work quickly, as it hardens fast.
- Cool and break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature, then break into pieces ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best accuracy to reach the hard crack stage.
- For a fun variation, substitute mixed nuts or add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain crispness.
