Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle is a delightful treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. This sweet, crunchy confection is so simple to make that it can become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. With its delightful blend of sugar, peanuts, and a touch of buttery goodness, it’s a perfect snack to share during movie night or as a homemade gift.

Why Make This Recipe

One of the best things about this Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle is how quickly you can whip it up, which is perfect for impromptu gatherings or surprise guests. This recipe calls for common ingredients found in most kitchens, making it both budget-friendly and convenient. Plus, nothing quite beats the satisfaction of making candy at home—the smell of caramelizing sugar alone is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen.

“This peanut brittle was a hit at our holiday party! I’ll definitely be making it again,” says a happy home baker.

Emily

Homemade Peanut Brittle

A delightful, crunchy treat that combines sugar and peanuts, perfect for sharing during movie nights or as homemade gifts.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups salted roasted peanuts Can substitute with unsalted peanuts.
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract Can experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla, and have them ready for quick use.

Cooking

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir well and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
2. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid but not touching the bottom.
3. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250°F (121°C).
4. Add the peanuts and stir constantly until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) on the thermometer.
5. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. The mixture will foam and change texture.
6. Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and quickly spread it into an even layer.
7. Let the peanut brittle cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating to prevent stickiness. For longer storage, consider freezing in a freezer-safe container.

How to Make Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

Creating this Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle involves a few simple steps. Begin by preparing a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch the hot, sugary mixture. You’ll want to get your peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla ready for quick incorporation when the time comes. The process begins with heating sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle boil. You’ll need to keep an eye on your candy thermometer as the temperature rises, adding the peanuts once the mixture reaches 250°F (121°C).

Stirring constantly, you’ll continue cooking until it reaches the magic temperature of 300°F (149°C). Removing it from heat, add in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. This is where the fun really begins as the mixture foams and changes texture! Carefully spread it onto the prepared pan and let it cool before breaking it into delightful pieces.

Ingredients

To make this delicious peanut brittle, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For a different twist, try unsalted peanuts or experiment with flavored extracts like almond or maple.

Directions

1. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla, and have them ready for quick use.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir well and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Avoid increasing the heat too quickly.
4. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid but not touching the bottom. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250°F (121°C).
5. Add the peanuts and stir constantly until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C) on the thermometer.
6. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. The mixture will foam and change texture.
7. Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan. Quickly and carefully spread it into an even layer with a knife or spoon.
8. Let the peanut brittle cool completely for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces.
9. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is fantastic on its own but can also be a delightful addition to charcuterie boards or dessert platters. Serve it alongside some homemade cookies or even pair it with ice cream for a crunchy topping. If you’re feeling festive, package pieces in cute bags or boxes for edible gifts during the holidays or to share at parties.

How to Store

To keep your Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for up to two weeks, retaining its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause it to become sticky. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it; just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw at room temperature.

Tips to Make

For the best results, make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. The candy-making process requires careful attention to temperature, so using a reliable candy thermometer is key. If you’re new to candy making, don’t be discouraged; it’s a forgiving process. Just remember to stir often and pay attention—this will ensure your brittle comes out perfectly every time!

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your peanut brittle! You can swap out salted peanuts for unsalted or try different nuts, like almonds or pecans. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled brittle. If you’re looking for protein-packed options, try incorporating protein powder into your mix for an energy boost.

FAQs

What can I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?

If your peanut brittle is too hard, it may have cooked for too long. Next time, watch the thermometer closely and remove it from heat once it reaches the desired temperature.

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute other nuts like walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my peanut brittle is done cooking?

The peanut brittle is done cooking when it reaches 300°F (149°C) on your candy thermometer, at which point it should have a rich golden color and a slightly nutty aroma.

Is it possible to make peanut brittle without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute corn syrup with honey or agave syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you’re looking for more delicious treats to make at home, check out my other recipes. You might enjoy these delightful ideas:

Frozen Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Bites and Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies.

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