Peanut Brittle

Let me take you on a delightful journey of making one of my absolute favorite treats: peanut brittle! This isn’t just any candy; it’s a staple in my household, particularly around the holidays when sweet, crunchy things are just what the doctor ordered. I remember the first time I made it—my kitchen was a whirlwind, there was gooey sugar everywhere, and I was wearing half the butter by the end. Yet, the results? Pure magic!

It’s this potent combination of sugar, that nutty crunch from the peanuts, and the irresistible allure of caramelized sweetness that always brings me back. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a craving for something satisfying, this recipe never disappoints.

What makes this recipe special

So, why should you take the plunge into making peanut brittle? First off, this is not just something to satisfy a sweet tooth; it’s a nostalgic trip back to simpler times where homemade goodies reigned supreme. It’s easy to prepare and, let’s be honest, there’s something profoundly satisfying about watching simple ingredients transform into a beautiful, golden treat right in front of your eyes.

The flavor! Oh boy. Each bite is a crisp experience, with the perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and just a hint of salt that keeps you reaching for more. Plus, it makes an excellent gift! Package some in a decorative tin, and you’ll be the star of any gathering—seriously, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.

Gather these ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar: A must-have for that sweet, golden candy magic. And if you want to experiment, brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
• 1/2 cup corn syrup: This is what binds everything together and helps prevent crystallization. You can substitute with honey, but it will change the flavor slightly.
• 1/4 cup water: Just enough to help dissolve the sugar. Use filtered water if you can for the purest taste.
• 2 cups unsalted peanuts: Freshness is key here! The unsalted version allows you to control the saltiness perfectly. Feel free to swap in roasted or even mixed nuts based on your preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor. You can adjust this based on your nut choice (e.g., if you used salted peanuts, reduce the amount).
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth of flavor. Always choose the pure stuff for the best results!
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This little magic worker helps make the peanut brittle lighter and creates that irresistible crunch.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Not only does it add richness, but it also helps with the texture and flavor.

Preparing Peanut Brittle

1. Start by greasing a baking sheet. Use butter or cooking spray—trust me, it makes removal a breeze later on!

2. In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves; you’ll see it start to bubble a little. It’s essential to do this patiently—don’t rush!

3. Add the peanuts and salt. Keep stirring frequently until the mixture bubbles up and reaches a deep amber color, around 300°F on a candy thermometer. This part requires attention, so no distractions!

4. Once it’s that lovely deep shade, swiftly remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla, baking soda, and butter. This is where the magic happens—watch out for the bubbling!

5. Quickly pour the mixture onto your greased baking sheet. The longer it sits in the pot, the harder it becomes, so be swift in spreading it out evenly.

6. Allow it to cool completely—this could take about 30 minutes. Once cooled, break it into pieces.

7. Savor it as a crunchy holiday treat, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up!

Best way to enjoy it

Now, how do you serve this delightful candy? Honestly, you can just dive right in and enjoy it as is! But if you’re feeling a little gourmet, consider pairing your peanut brittle with rich dark chocolate for a decadent twist.

Another fun idea is to crumble it over your favorite ice cream for a satisfying crunch. If you’re entertaining, display pieces on a beautiful platter or in mason jars as gifts; they’ll look fabulous and taste even better.

Keeping leftovers fresh

So, what if you find yourself with some leftovers (though I genuinely doubt it will last long)? Store your brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep the humidity out, or it might lose its satisfying crunch over time.

If you want to store it long-term, freeze it! Just stack the pieces between parchment paper and stash them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for several months—although I can’t promise they’ll last that long once you pull them out!

Pro chef tips

Here are a couple of things I’ve learned over the years making this treat. First, make sure everything is ready to go before you start cooking. Once you’re at that amber stage, you need to move quickly.

If you notice that your mixture is crystallizing (tiny sugar crystals forming), you can add a bit of water and reheat it slowly to dissolve the grains. And remember, the key to a good peanut brittle is patience. Rushing through it will lead to a rock-solid mess instead of the delightful crunch you want.

Recipe variations

Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt right after pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet for that trendy sweet-salty vibe.

You could also experiment with different nuts or even dried fruit for more natural sweetness. How about swapping in some chocolate chips right before it cools? The chocolate will melt and create a fantastic layer of flavor.

If you want a spicier kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-and-spicy combo that’ll surprise your taste buds!

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup water
2 cups unsalted peanuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons butter

Directions to follow

1. Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves.
3. Add peanuts and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a deep amber color.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, baking soda, and butter.
5. Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out.
6. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.
7. Enjoy as a crunchy holiday treat!

Common questions

• What’s the prep time? This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cool.
• Can I use other nuts? Yes, feel free to mix it up! Just make sure they are unsalted or adjust the salt accordingly.
• How do I know when the mixture is ready? A candy thermometer is a fantastic tool here; look for a deep amber color. If you’re old school, the cold water test can also work!
• How do I get it to not stick? Grease that pan well! Sticky peanut brittle is a heartbreaker.
• Can I make it nut-free? If you’re looking for a nut-free version, consider experimenting with seeds like sunflower seeds.

Time to get in the kitchen! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—trust me, it’s worth every minute of your time. And remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be shy about putting your own twist on it! Let’s get cracking, shall we?

Peanut Brittle

A delightful holiday treat made from sugar and peanuts, creating a sweet, crunchy candy that's perfect for gifting and snacking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 pieces

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar Can substitute with brown sugar for deeper flavor.
• 1/2 cup corn syrup Prevents crystallization; honey can be used as a substitute.
• 1/4 cup water Use filtered water for the purest taste.
• 2 cups unsalted peanuts Can use roasted or mixed nuts.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt Adjust if using salted nuts.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Makes the brittle lighter and crunchier.
• 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness and improves texture.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
• In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
• Add peanuts and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a deep amber color, around 300°F.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla, baking soda, and butter.
• Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
• Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. For long-term storage, freeze between parchment paper.

Keyword Candy, Holiday Recipes, Homemade Treats, Peanut Brittle, Sweet Snacks