Peanut Brittle Recipe

Peanut brittle is one of those timeless treats that always brings back warm memories of holidays, family gatherings, and festive celebrations. I first made this recipe when I wanted to recreate the classic candy my grandmother used to make every Christmas. It’s crunchy, sweet, and has just the right amount of salty peanuts that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a curious beginner, this peanut brittle recipe is straightforward, satisfying, and guaranteed to delight. Stick around, because I’m about to share all the secrets to making this perfect crunchy treat right at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

this …

Peanut brittle holds a special place in my heart, and I know it will in yours too. What sets this recipe apart is its balance—the caramelized sugar’s deep, rich flavor perfectly complements the roasted peanuts, creating that signature sweet and salty crunch that’s so addictive.

Making peanut brittle at home isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the experience of watching simple ingredients transform into a glossy, golden candy. The satisfying crackle when you bite into it is like a little celebration in every bite. Plus, peanut brittle is wonderfully versatile—it makes a fantastic gift, a party snack, or just a treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

This recipe is crafted to be approachable for all skill levels, with clear, detailed instructions so you don’t miss a step. Whether you want to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, this peanut brittle will make your kitchen smell irresistible and your taste buds happy.

Ingredients for Peanut Brittle

The magic of peanut brittle lies in its simple, quality ingredients. You won’t need anything fancy to whip up this candy, but picking the right components makes all the difference.

You’ll need:

• Granulated sugar – the base that caramelizes to form the brittle.
• Light corn syrup – helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your brittle stays smooth and shiny.
• Water – to dissolve the sugar and start the caramelization process.
• Unsalted roasted peanuts – the star ingredient that adds crunch and flavor.
• Butter – adds richness and a silky texture to the brittle.
• Baking soda – the secret ingredient that creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its delicate, crisp texture.
• Vanilla extract – for a subtle warm aroma that enhances the candy’s flavor.
• A pinch of salt – to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.

Each ingredient has a crucial role. The peanuts must be fresh and unsalted because the salt content is controlled separately. Using unsalted butter allows you to fine-tune the saltiness, and baking soda is key for that classic brittle texture.

How Much Time Will You Need

Peanut brittle doesn’t take long, but it does require careful attention during cooking.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes

Overall, plan for about an hour from start to finish. Most of that time is cooling the brittle to a hard, breakable texture. Active cooking time is brief but crucial — caramelizing sugar needs constant attention to prevent burning.

How to Make This Peanut Brittle

Step – 1: Prepare your workspace by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This is where you will pour the hot candy mixture to cool and harden.

Step – 2: Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring to avoid crystallization.

Step – 3: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan’s side, making sure the bulb is submerged but not touching the bottom.

Step – 4: Let the mixture boil without stirring until the thermometer reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This is the perfect temperature for brittle that will snap when broken.

Step – 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the butter, peanuts, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will bubble up because of the baking soda — this is normal and creates the light texture.

Step – 6: Quickly pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly into a thin layer.

Step – 7: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once hardened, break it into pieces.

Step – 8: Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

Substitutions

If you want to tweak this recipe or accommodate what you have on hand, there are a few substitutions that work well:

• Peanuts can be swapped for other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans for different flavors and textures.
• If you don’t have corn syrup, use honey or golden syrup, but the texture might be slightly different.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil.
• To make a lower-sugar brittle, experiment with sugar substitutes that caramelize, but expect a different taste and texture.
• Adding spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper can give the brittle a fun twist.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a delightful treat on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the eating experience.

• A warm cup of black coffee or espresso — the bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet brittle.
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream — the cold creaminess balances the crunchy sweetness.
• Fresh fruit platter — something like sliced apples or pears pairs well with the nutty, caramel notes.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving peanut brittle is all about showcasing its glossy, golden texture and letting its crunchy character shine. To make your homemade brittle look as enticing as it tastes, consider breaking it into irregular shards rather than uniform pieces. This rustic look invites people to grab a piece and enjoy the natural variation in size and shape.

Present your brittle on a decorative plate or in a clear glass jar to show off the beautiful caramel sheen and roasted peanuts. If you’re gifting it, wrap smaller shards in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming, homemade touch.

For parties or gatherings, place the brittle alongside complementary treats like fresh fruit, nuts, or cheeses to create a delightful snack spread. Using a wooden or marble serving board enhances the presentation, giving it an artisanal feel.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Making perfect peanut brittle can be a little intimidating at first, but these tips will help you master it with ease:

• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan: This ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that burn your sugar mixture.
• Keep a close eye on the candy thermometer: The difference between perfect brittle and burnt sugar is just a few degrees.
• Stir only when instructed: Stirring sugar too often can cause crystallization, ruining the texture.
• Don’t rush pouring the mixture: Once you add the baking soda and peanuts, work quickly to spread the brittle before it hardens.
• Let it cool completely at room temperature: Avoid refrigerating as this can cause condensation and make the brittle sticky.
• Use fresh, unsalted peanuts: Old or salted nuts can alter flavor and texture.
• If you want extra shine, brush the surface with a little melted butter after spreading.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Peanut brittle may seem straightforward, but several pitfalls can trip you up:

• Cooking the sugar to the wrong temperature: Under 300°F and the brittle will be soft and chewy; over 310°F and it can burn or taste bitter.
• Stirring too much during boiling: This can cause sugar crystals to form, making the brittle grainy instead of smooth.
• Using salted or stale peanuts: Salted nuts add unpredictably salty bites, and stale nuts lose that fresh crunch.
• Pouring the brittle onto a wet or cold surface: This can cause it to crack unevenly or stick.
• Not working quickly enough after adding baking soda: The mixture hardens fast, so slow spreading leads to thick, uneven brittle.

How to Store It

Proper storage is key to keeping your peanut brittle fresh and crunchy:

Store the cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture and cause stickiness.

If you live in a humid climate, add a silica gel packet or a piece of bread to the container to absorb excess moisture (just don’t eat the bread!).

Keep brittle away from heat and direct sunlight, which can soften the candy.

Peanut brittle will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored properly, making it a great make-ahead treat or gift.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, pecans, or even mixed nuts work beautifully. Just roast them lightly before adding.

Is corn syrup necessary?
Corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization and gives the brittle a smooth texture, but you can substitute with honey or golden syrup if needed. Expect slight texture differences.

How do I know when the sugar reaches the right temperature?
Using a candy thermometer is best. You’re aiming for 300°F, the “hard crack” stage, where a small drop in cold water forms brittle threads.

Can I make peanut brittle without baking soda?
You can, but baking soda creates tiny air bubbles that make the brittle light and crisp rather than dense and hard.

Why did my peanut brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle is often caused by humidity, undercooking the sugar, or storing in a non-airtight container. Make sure to cook to the right temperature and store properly.

Print