If you have a sweet tooth and a love for crunchy, nutty treats, you are going to adore this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, delivering both snap and chew with every bite. This homemade candy is a nostalgic delight, recalling the timeless charm of fairground snacks and holiday treats, all while being surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it all for yourself, this brittle offers an irresistible crunch accompanied by a rich, buttery, and slightly salty flavor that will quickly make it a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect peanut brittle may sound fancy, but it requires just a handful of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role whether it’s adding sweetness, texture, or flavor to the final candy.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and structure through caramelization.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and shiny.
- 1/4 cup water: Assists in evenly dissolving the sugar and corn syrup during cooking.
- 1 cup raw peanuts (skin-on or skinless): Offers that crunchy nutty bite that defines peanut brittle.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the candy’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Lightens the brittle by creating tiny bubbles, making it crisp yet airy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Before you heat anything, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step is crucial because the brittle cools and hardens quickly, and you want to be able to lift it off easily without any sticking or tearing.
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. The goal here is to dissolve the sugar completely so you get a smooth base for your brittle without any grainy texture.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cook to Hard Crack Stage
Next, stir in your raw peanuts. Continue cooking while stirring frequently. This part takes about 10 to 15 minutes, during which the mixture will turn a deep golden color and reach approximately 300°F, known as the hard crack stage. Use a candy thermometer for precision because this temperature ensures the brittle will set perfectly hard and snap beautifully.
Step 4: Add Butter, Vanilla, Salt, and Baking Soda
Once you hit the desired temperature, immediately remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up and lighten in color. This bubbling effect from the baking soda gives the brittle its signature light and airy texture.
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly using a spatula. Leave it undisturbed at room temperature, allowing it to cool completely for about 30 to 45 minutes. Once hardened, break the brittle into rustic pieces ready for snacking or gifting.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is delicious on its own, you can add a little twist by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading the mixture on the sheet for an added salty crunch. Chopped roasted almonds or even a dusting of cocoa powder can enhance the visual appeal and introduce subtle flavor variations.
Side Dishes
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea – the warm bitterness contrasts with the sweet, nutty brittle perfectly. It also makes a fun, crunchy topping for ice cream or yogurt, creating a delightful play of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider gifting pieces of brittle wrapped tightly in clear cellophane tied with festive ribbons for holidays or birthdays. For an elegant dessert presentation, break brittle into shards and arrange them atop chocolate mousse or pudding cups for an instant wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This careful storage keeps the candy crisp and prevents it from absorbing moisture in the air, which can make it sticky or soft.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life, brittle freezes well. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat peanut brittle as it is meant to be enjoyed crisp and cold. However, if it feels a bit sticky from humidity, placing it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes can help restore its crunch.
FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
While roasted peanuts can be used, raw peanuts offer better control during cooking and tend to taste fresher. Roasted nuts might also add extra oils that affect the candy’s texture.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can still make peanut brittle, but it requires experience. The hard crack stage is when a small drop of syrup in cold water hardens immediately and cracks when bent. Use this test to judge readiness.
Why does my peanut brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means it did not cook long enough or the sugar mixture absorbed moisture from the air. Make sure to reach the hard crack stage and store it properly.
Can I substitute peanut butter for peanuts?
Peanut butter creates a different texture and won’t give the classic crunch of peanut brittle. For best results, stick to whole or chopped peanuts in this recipe.
Is this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This homemade candy contains no gluten ingredients, making it a perfect treat for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a wonderfully rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with sweet, nutty aromas and delivers a treat that’s truly hard to beat. Whether it’s a gift, a holiday tradition, or just a personal indulgence, this peanut brittle brings joy with its perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and flavor. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share a batch with friends — it’s sure to become a beloved classic for years to come.
Print
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegetarian
Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless American candy treat that’s crunchy, sweet, and packed with roasted peanuts. Made by cooking sugar and corn syrup to the perfect hard crack stage, this brittle is enhanced with butter, vanilla, and baking soda to create a light, airy texture. Ideal for holiday gifts or a sweet snack, this recipe is straightforward and yields a deliciously nostalgic confection.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup raw peanuts (shelled, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set it aside to ready for the hot brittle mixture.
- Combine Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add Peanuts and Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Stir in the raw peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns a deep golden color and reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, indicating the hard crack stage. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from Heat and Add Remaining Ingredients: Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up—stir rapidly to combine thoroughly.
- Pour and Shape the Brittle: Immediately pour the foaming mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer before it begins to harden.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brittle to cool at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until it is fully hardened and firm.
- Break and Store: Once cooled, break the brittle into pieces and store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Use raw peanuts for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not walk away while cooking as the sugar mixture can burn quickly.
- Adding baking soda creates bubbles that make the brittle lighter and easier to bite.
