If you have a sweet tooth and love a classic, crunchy treat, this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack. It’s a perfect balance of rich caramelized sugar, buttery goodness, and salty roasted peanuts that create a delightful melt-in-your-mouth crunch. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion, gifting it to friends, or just craving a nostalgic treat, this peanut brittle is straightforward to make and satisfying to devour. Trust me, once you try this recipe, store-bought brittle will never be the same again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking, let’s appreciate how simple yet essential these ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, creating that irresistible texture, deep flavor, and golden color that makes peanut brittle so addictive.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The sweet backbone that caramelizes perfectly to create that classic brittle crunch.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, keeping the brittle smooth and glossy.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during the cooking process.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup butter (sliced into ½-inch pieces): Adds a rich, creamy depth and helps with the toffee-like texture.
- 2 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts (unsalted): The star of the show, offering a satisfying nutty crunch without overpowering saltiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates tiny air bubbles for a light, crisp texture that makes the brittle easier to bite.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This will allow your peanut brittle to cool without sticking and make it easier to break into perfect pieces once set.
Step 2: Combine the Sugar Mixture
In a large pot, add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot to keep a close eye on the temperature. Stir constantly over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to boil. This is the foundation where the magic starts happening.
Step 3: Add Butter and Cook to Soft Crack Stage
Once boiling, carefully add the butter slices into the pot. Keep stirring as the mixture cooks, allowing the butter to melt smoothly into the sugary syrup. Continue cooking until the candy thermometer reads 280 degrees Fahrenheit, also known as the soft crack stage. This can take about 15 minutes and is key to getting that perfect brittle consistency.
Step 4: Stir In Peanuts and Finish Cooking
Add the dry roasted peanuts into the bubbling mixture. Cook for an additional 10 minutes while stirring frequently. Watch the thermometer reach 305 degrees Fahrenheit — this is the hard crack stage when your brittle gains that signature snap. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda and Cool
Quickly stir in the baking soda. This reacts with the syrup, creating tiny bubbles that lighten the texture and give brittle its lovely porous appearance. Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Let it cool completely to room temperature before breaking into chunks and enjoying.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
Peanut brittle shines best on its own, but you can sprinkle a light dusting of sea salt flakes or a pinch of cinnamon right after pouring the mixture on the pan to add a subtle flavor twist. For a festive touch, adding edible glitter or drizzling melted dark chocolate over cooled brittle makes it irresistible and stunning for gift-giving.
Side Dishes
Serve pieces of this brittle alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a creamy cheesecake to add a crunchy contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, offering a sweet balance to your warm beverage break.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, break the brittle into uniform shapes using cookie cutters while it’s still slightly warm but firming up. Package in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon to create delightful homemade gifts that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Keep the container away from heat or humidity to avoid stickiness or melting.
Freezing
You can freeze peanut brittle for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature; freezing won’t affect the texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheating is usually unnecessary since brittle is best served at room temperature. However, if it’s too hard, leave it on the countertop out of direct sunlight for about 20 minutes to soften slightly before breaking and serving.
FAQs
Can I use salted peanuts in the Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe?
You can, but be mindful that salted peanuts will increase the overall saltiness of the brittle. If you prefer a balanced sweet and salty flavor, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe accordingly.
Why is a candy thermometer necessary for this recipe?
Precision is everything when making peanut brittle. The candy thermometer helps you monitor the exact temperature stages to achieve the perfect texture and prevent burning, ensuring the best results every time.
What if my peanut brittle turns out sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means the sugar didn’t cook to a high enough temperature or was exposed to moisture. Try cooking it a bit longer to reach the exact 305 degrees Fahrenheit, and always store it in an airtight container to keep moisture out.
Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can try almonds, cashews, pecans, or even mixed nuts. Keep in mind that different nuts have different oil contents and textures, which might slightly change the final consistency.
How soon can I break the brittle after pouring it onto the sheet pan?
It’s best to let the brittle cool completely to room temperature until it’s fully hardened. This usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Trying to break it too soon might cause it to crumble unevenly or stick to your fingers.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe is not just another candy project; it’s a lovingly crafted treat that brings a smile with every crunchy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying peanut brittle for the first time, this recipe is easy to follow and yields superb results. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with friends, and soak up all the joy that comes with making and enjoying homemade sweets. Happy cooking!
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Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Peanut Brittle recipe yields a classic, crunchy candy made from caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and a hint of butter and baking soda for lightness. Perfect as a sweet treat or holiday gift, it combines the rich flavor of butter and peanuts with the satisfying crisp texture of brittle.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (cut into ½-inch thick slices)
- 2 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside to prevent sticking when the hot brittle is poured.
- Cook sugar mixture: In a large pot, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Attach a candy thermometer to the pot’s side and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add and melt butter: Carefully add sliced butter to the boiling mixture. Stir frequently and continue to cook until the thermometer reaches 280°F, approximately 15 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and caramelize.
- Add peanuts and cook further: Stir in the dry roasted peanuts and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 305°F. This stage deepens the flavor and ensures the perfect brittleness of the candy. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, which aerates and softens the brittle slightly.
- Pour and cool: Immediately pour the hot mixture evenly onto the prepared sheet pan. Spread it out evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Let it cool completely at room temperature until hardened, then break into pieces to serve or store.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve the perfect brittle texture.
- Baking soda is essential for aeration, which gives the brittle a lighter, less dense texture.
- Make sure to spread the mixture quickly after adding baking soda because it starts to set fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
- For a variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract before adding peanuts for extra flavor.
