If you’re craving a sweet and crunchy treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty, this Peanut Brittle Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the rich nuttiness of roasted peanuts with a perfectly crisp, caramelized sugar coating, it’s a dessert that captures the magic of homemade candy. Whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few pieces for yourself, this recipe offers a delightful balance of buttery, sweet, and salty flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Brittle Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work together like a dream to create that perfect crunch and flavor harmony. Each item is carefully chosen to provide sweetness, texture, and a bit of flair to your finished candy.
- Granulated sugar: The foundation of our candy’s crisp, golden caramel texture.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the sweet syrup.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the brittle a rich taste and silky mouthfeel.
- Baking soda: Creates tiny air bubbles for a lighter, more delicate crunch.
- Roasted unsalted peanuts: Provide a nutty flavor and satisfying texture contrast.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors for a perfectly balanced treat.
How to Make Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the brittle from sticking once it cools and makes clean-up a breeze, setting you up for success right from the beginning.
Step 2: Dissolve the Sugar and Corn Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Watching those crystals vanish is like watching magic happen in real time!
Step 3: Boil to the Hard Crack Stage
Stop stirring and let the syrup come to a boil. Using a candy thermometer, keep an eye on the temperature until it reaches 300°F (150°C), known as the hard crack stage. This crucial step ensures your brittle will have that iconic crisp snap.
Step 4: Add Butter, Vanilla, and Baking Soda
Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture bubble up and foam—that’s the baking soda working its magic to give your brittle a light, airy texture. Be careful here, as the syrup is extremely hot!
Step 5: Fold in the Peanuts
Immediately fold in the roasted unsalted peanuts, making sure each nut is generously coated with the glossy syrup. This step evenly spreads the flavor and ensures every bite has that perfect peanut crunch.
Step 6: Spread Out and Cool
Pour the hot peanut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it hardens completely. This cooling time is when your brittle transforms from sticky syrup to a crunchy delight.
Step 7: Break into Pieces
Once firm, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces. This is when your kitchen fills with the archetypal scent of homemade candy and you can’t wait to taste your creation!
How to Serve Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While Peanut Brittle Recipe shines all on its own, you can sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top for an upscale touch. Some also love adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a surprising twist that elevates the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This brittle pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of rich coffee or hot chocolate. The contrast between the crunch and creamy or warm beverages creates an indulgent snack or dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, arrange the brittle in small cellophane bags tied with ribbons as thoughtful homemade gifts. Alternatively, place small piles on a decorative platter with a few fresh nuts and edible flowers for a charming party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks and remain a perfect snack anytime you want a sweet crunch.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle longer, freezing is an option. Wrap pieces well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. When thawed, the texture remains surprisingly good, though room temperature storage is usually sufficient.
Reheating
Peanut brittle doesn’t typically need reheating, but if it becomes a little sticky, you can spread the pieces out on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Just be careful not to overheat, or the sugar might soften.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
Roasted peanuts bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor and crunch. Using raw peanuts may result in a less flavorful brittle. If you only have raw peanuts, consider roasting them lightly before using.
What if my sugar crystallizes during cooking?
This can happen if sugar isn’t dissolved well at the start or if stirring continues once boiling starts. Using corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, and stopping stirring once it boils is key.
Is it necessary to use a candy thermometer?
While not absolutely mandatory, a candy thermometer ensures you reach the perfect hard crack stage for brittle that snaps rather than bends, reducing guesswork and improving results.
Can I substitute other nuts for peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans can be delicious alternatives. Just be mindful that peanut brittle has a distinct flavor because of peanuts, so the taste will vary with substitutions.
How do I prevent the brittle from sticking to the parchment paper?
Using parchment paper or a silicone mat is the best way to prevent sticking. Avoid wax paper as it can stick. Once cooled, the brittle should release easily when lifted gently.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Brittle Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this classic treat is beloved by generations. I hope you have as much fun making it as you do eating it. So, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some homemade crunch that’s bursting with flavor!
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Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a sweet, crunchy candy that’s perfect for snacking or gifting. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, butter, and roasted peanuts, this candy is cooked to the perfect hard crack stage for a satisfying crunch and rich flavor. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a homemade treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1¼ cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside to prevent the brittle from sticking once poured.
- Dissolve the sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved for a smooth syrup base.
- Cook to hard crack stage: Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, known as the hard crack stage, which ensures the brittle will be crisp and crunchy.
- Add flavorings carefully: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so stir carefully and quickly.
- Incorporate peanuts: Fold in the roasted unsalted peanuts thoroughly, coating them evenly with the hot syrup for consistent flavor and texture.
- Shape the brittle: Pour the hot peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow it to cool completely for about 30 minutes until hardened.
- Break and store: Once cooled and firm, break the brittle into pieces of your desired size and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the precise hard crack stage for perfect brittleness.
- Be cautious when adding butter, vanilla, and baking soda as the mixture will bubble up.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before the brittle sets.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the brittle crisp and prevent moisture absorption.
- If peanuts are not preferred, substitute with other nuts like almonds or cashews for variation.
