There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and delightfully crunchy about Homemade Peanut Brittle. This classic candy turns simple pantry staples into a golden mosaic of crisp sweetness studded generously with roasted peanuts. Whether you’re making it for the holidays, as a sweet snack with coffee, or as a heartfelt edible gift, this recipe is a surefire way to impress family and friends with your candy-making skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Homemade Peanut Brittle comes from its humble list of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that signature shatter, nutty aroma, and beautiful amber color that makes this treat unforgettable.
- Sugar: The foundation for your brittle, providing structure and that caramelized warmth.
- Corn Syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and keeps the texture smooth and glassy.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup into a uniform syrup for perfect caramelization.
- Salted Roasted Peanuts: The star of the show, adding a savory crunch that balances the sweet toffee.
- Butter: Adds richness and a hint of creamy flavor that lingers with every bite.
- Baking Soda: The secret agent! It aerates the brittle, giving that delightful snap and slightly porous texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and perfumes the brittle with a comforting aroma.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Have a baking sheet ready and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Homemade Peanut Brittle comes together quickly once the sugar mixture reaches the right stage, so it’s important to have everything in place before you start cooking.
Step 2: Combine and Heat the Syrup
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stop stirring, letting it bubble away until it starts turning a pale golden color.
Step 3: Add the Peanuts
Carefully stir in the roasted peanuts with a heatproof spatula. Keep cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture reaches a deep amber hue. This is where Homemade Peanut Brittle gets its signature caramel crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 4: Finish with Butter, Vanilla, and Baking Soda
Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Then, sprinkle in the baking soda and mix vigorously. The mixture will foam and lighten in color — that’s exactly what you want! This aeration gives the brittle its gorgeous, crisp texture.
Step 5: Pour and Spread
Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a greased spatula to spread it thinly and evenly. Don’t fuss over perfect edges — a rustic finish is part of Homemade Peanut Brittle’s charm. Let it cool completely until set.
Step 6: Break into Pieces
Once the brittle is fully cooled and hardened, use your hands or the back of a spoon to break it into shards. The fun is finding those various sizes and enjoying each crunchy, glimmering piece.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle
Garnishes
While the classic version is perfect on its own, you can take things up a notch by dusting the finished brittle with a pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzling a bit of melted chocolate across the pieces before they set. These touches highlight the sweet-and-salty magic at the heart of Homemade Peanut Brittle.
Side Dishes
Pair your brittle with a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. It also makes a wonderful contrast to a simple fruit platter or a cheese board, where its crunch and sweetness balance creamy and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap pieces of Homemade Peanut Brittle in clear cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon, tuck them into mason jars as cute gifts, or pile them high on a vintage cake stand for an old-fashioned candy shop display. It’s also a fun addition to holiday cookie trays or party favor boxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Peanut Brittle fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it ideal for gifting or snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze your brittle in a well-sealed bag or container, separating layers with wax paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes — the texture and flavor will be right on point.
Reheating
Homemade Peanut Brittle is best served at room temperature, but if yours picks up a hint of softness due to humidity, you can restore its crunch by popping pieces in a low oven (about 250°F) for a few minutes on a parchment-lined tray. Let them cool before handling.
FAQs
Why did my brittle turn out sticky?
This usually means the sugar syrup didn’t reach a high enough temperature or the humidity is high. Using a candy thermometer helps ensure that classic brittle snap every time.
Can I use unsalted peanuts?
Absolutely! If you prefer to control the saltiness, unsalted peanuts are a great option. You can always sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the brittle before it sets to fine-tune the flavor.
Is Homemade Peanut Brittle gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so long as all your ingredients (especially the corn syrup and roasted peanuts) are processed in a gluten-free facility. Always double-check packaging if cooking for someone with celiac sensitivity.
What kind of sugar works best?
Stick with white granulated sugar to achieve that clear, golden look and crispness that defines Homemade Peanut Brittle. Brown sugar can make the brittle softer and may introduce unwanted moisture.
Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
While it’s possible to gauge readiness by watching for that deep golden color and running a cold-water “hard crack” test, a thermometer takes the guesswork out and ensures your brittle sets beautifully every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fun kitchen adventure and a treat that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat, Homemade Peanut Brittle is calling your name. The crisp, buttery shards packed with roasted peanuts are always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let the sweet, nutty aroma fill your kitchen — you may just find yourself with a new favorite tradition!
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Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 pound of peanut brittle 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Peanut Brittle recipe is a classic, crunchy treat that is perfect for snacking or gifting. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sweet and nutty brittle is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and cook until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Finish the Brittle: Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will bubble and expand.
- Spread on Pan: Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and spread it out with a spatula.
- Cool and Break: Let the brittle cool and harden, then break it into pieces. Enjoy!
Notes
- Work quickly once the sugar reaches the desired temperature as it can harden fast.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar mixtures to prevent burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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