Enjoy the delightful crunch and sweet satisfaction of your homemade Perfect Peanut Brittle
To my mother’s distress, my grandmother had a shelf in the pantry filled with goodies. When we visited, my sisters and I would spend the car ride guessing what delights the candy jars might hold. Cookie bars? Gingerbread? Snowballs? By the time we arrived, our stomachs were growling, and our mouths were watering. Our hands-down favorite, though, was her homemade Peanut Brittle. The sweet-crunchy combo tasted like a kiss from grandma. We’d grab a handful and head out to the backyard to play—then sneak back in for a few more!
It’s been too many years since Grandma’s pantry held some tangible offerings of her love for us, and she has long since passed. But I have her recipe, and whenever I make these sweet treats, I think of her and those perfect afternoons when we’d play until our feet gave out and then curl up on the couch, nestled next to grandma, who didn’t even care that our hands were sticky from trips to the pantry for the brittle. Sometimes, food tastes like memory.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut Brittle makes a terrific snack—with even a little protein to counterbalance all the sugar! I also love to make them to give as gifts for the holidays. I can tell you that the brittle is a present that’s never been returned or re-gifted!
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Yields: 10 servings
- Begin by preparing a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large non-stick pot, combine sugar and water, stirring until well mixed. Pour the corn syrup into the mixture and stir it well, then gently bring it to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Use a candy thermometer and measure it until it reaches 250°F.
- Pour the peanuts into the mixture and continue stirring until it reaches a temperature of 300°F.
- Take the pot off the heat and add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir until it starts to bubble and change consistency.
- Carefully pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow it to cool and set; this should take around 45 minutes.
- Once it has solidified, either cut or break the mixture into pieces and store them in an airtight container.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Peanut Brittle
- It’s important to have a candy thermometer so you can achieve the right brittle texture.
- Use fresh peanuts—stale ones change the flavor.
- After you add the peanuts, watch the mixture closely. The temperature can rise quickly, and you don’t want it to burn.
- To help spread the mixture thinly and evenly on the baking sheet, butter your spatula. This also prevents the brittle from sticking to it.
FAQs
I definitely recommend the candy thermometer, but you can try a “hard crack stage” trick if you don’t have one. Drop some of your syrup into a bowl filled with super-cold water. Once it cools off, it should turn into these hard little threads, and you’ll know it’s ready.
For this recipe, I recommend the stove. If you’re in a rush or you only have access to a microwave, look for a brittle recipe specifically designed for that type of cooking.
Unfortunately, not really. The sugar helps the brittle attain a crisp but not sticky texture. If you mess with the sugar levels, your candy could end up gooey.
Variations
- Spiced Peanut Brittle: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Chocolate Drizzled Peanut Brittle: Drizzle melted chocolate on top.
- Mixed Nut Brittle: Use a mixture of your favorite nuts.
- Sea Salt Brittle: Sprinkle some sea salt on top.
- Coconut Peanut Brittle: Stir in shredded coconut.
Make Ahead and How to Store
This is definitely a make-ahead treat. Store it in a container or jar with a tight lid at room temperature, and it’ll last for a couple of months. Don’t reheat it when you’re ready for a snack; it’ll mess up the texture. Just enjoy it at room temp.
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups salted peanuts
- 2 TBSP butter
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by preparing a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat .
- In a large non-stick pot, combine sugar and water, stirring until well mixed. Pour the corn syrup into the mixture and give it a good stir, then gently bring it to a boil over medium-low heat stirring every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. Use a candy thermometer and measure it until it reaches 250°F.
- Pour the peanuts into the mixture and carry on stirring until it reaches a temperature of 300°F.
- Take the pot off the heat and add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir until it starts to bubble and change consistency.
- Carefully pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow it to cool and set; this should take around 45 minutes.
- Once it has solidified, either cut or break the mixture into pieces and store them in an airtight container.
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