Peanut brittle is a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of childhood visits to county fairs and holiday gatherings. This easy-to-make candy is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and the crunchy, buttery goodness makes it hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a festive occasion or just craving something sweet, peanut brittle fits the bill. I fondly recall making this with my family, each crack of the brittle witnessing laughter and joy.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love making peanut brittle for several reasons. First, it’s a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, and its satisfying crunch is irresistible. The process is quick and requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Plus, peanut brittle makes an excellent gift and adds a touch of homemade charm to any occasion.
“This peanut brittle recipe is a game-changer! My kids couldn’t get enough of it at our last family gathering,” says a happy home baker.
Making this treat at home not only allows you to customize the sweetness level but also gives you joy while watching it come together. It’s a family-friendly recipe that even the little ones can help with, making it a great shared experience in the kitchen.
How to Make Peanut Brittle
Preparing peanut brittle is a straightforward process, starting with gathering your ingredients. You’ll begin by cooking sugar and corn syrup together until they create a boiling syrup. Once it reaches the right temperature, you’ll add in the salted peanuts, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches that perfect crunchy consistency. Removing it from the heat and mixing in butter, baking soda, and vanilla at just the right moment ensures your brittle will foam up beautifully and create the desired texture. Pouring the final mix onto a lined sheet pan creates a spreadable, even layer that can cool completely before you break it into delightful pieces.
Ingredients
Gather these items for a successful batch of peanut brittle:
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
Feel free to experiment with other nuts if you’re looking for a different twist, although peanuts are the classic choice for that delightful crunch.
Directions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla and have them ready.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water, stirring well, then stir in corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, ensuring it is submerged but not touching the bottom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250 degrees F (121 degrees C).
- Add the peanuts and stir constantly until the temperature reaches 300 degrees F.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla; the mixture will foam and change texture.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and spread into an even layer using a knife or spoon.
- Allow to cool completely (at least 30 minutes) before breaking apart.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to Serve Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is delightful on its own but can also be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you place it on a dessert buffet or package it in sweet treat bags for parties, its crispy texture makes it a crowd favorite. You can pair it with chocolate for a sweet-savory combo or serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. If you want to get creative, consider crumbling brittle over cupcakes or cakes as a topping for added crunch.
How to Store
To keep your homemade peanut brittle fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to two weeks, but I bet it won’t last that long! Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make the brittle sticky and lose its crunchy texture. If you’d like to store it longer, peanut brittle can be frozen. Just ensure you wrap it tightly to protect it from freezer burn.
Tips to Make
When making peanut brittle, timing is everything. Make sure to have your ingredients pre-measured as the process moves quickly. Keep an eye on the temperature while cooking; using a candy thermometer is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. If you notice the sugar beginning to darken before it reaches the right temperature, reduce the heat to prevent burning. Lastly, don’t be afraid of the foaming when adding baking soda; it’s a necessary step that helps create that light and crispy texture.
Variations
Peanut brittle is versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. Consider adding toasted coconut for a tropical twist or incorporating chocolate chips into the mix once it cools down slightly. You can also try using different nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for a unique flavor. For those feeling adventurous, a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the taste, blending beautifully with the sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
Yes, you can use raw peanuts, but roasted peanuts give the best flavor. If you use raw, consider toasting them lightly first.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your brittle turns out sticky, it may not have been cooked to the right temperature. Proper storage also plays a role, so make sure it’s kept in an airtight container.
Can I make peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer helps achieve precise results, you can determine doneness using the cold water test: a few drops of the mixture in cold water should harden into a firm ball.
How do I fix burnt brittle?
If brittle gets burnt, unfortunately, it’s best to start over rather than try to salvage it, as the burnt flavor will permeate the whole batch.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you enjoyed making peanut brittle, you might also love these family-friendly recipes. Try making our delicious protein muffins for a quick snack, or check out the delightful mini bento cake recipe for another sweet treat.
We’d love to see what you create! Connect with us on social media for more inspiration:
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
Method
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla and have them ready.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water, stirring well, then stir in corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the pot, ensuring it is submerged but not touching the bottom. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250 degrees F (121 degrees C).
- Add the peanuts and stir constantly until the temperature reaches 300 degrees F.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla; the mixture will foam and change texture.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and spread into an even layer using a knife or spoon.
- Allow to cool completely (at least 30 minutes) before breaking apart.