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
Scale
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.
