If you have a sweet tooth and a love for crunchy treats, you are in for a real treat with this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe. This timeless candy is a delightful combination of rich, caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts that delivers a satisfyingly crisp texture and an irresistible nutty flavor. Whether you’re making it for a festive gift, a party snack, or simply a special dessert at home, this recipe brings together simple pantry staples into a glorious, golden snack that never fails to impress. It’s one of those classic candies that feel cozy and nostalgic, yet so easy to master that you’ll want to whip up batch after batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe relies on a handful of fundamental ingredients that pack a punch in both flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and that amber color we all love.
- Granulated sugar: The backbone of the brittle, it caramelizes to give the candy its rich sweetness and crisp texture.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization for a smooth, stable texture and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup evenly as the candy cooks.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness and highlighting the peanuts.
- Salted roasted peanuts: Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor that is essential in peanut brittle.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter enriches the brittle with a velvety smooth finish.
- Baking soda: Creates that signature light, airy texture by aerating the candy mixture.
- Vanilla extract: Imparts warmth and enhances the complexity of the caramel flavor.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This simple prep ensures the brittle won’t stick and will be easy to remove once cooled.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Watching closely here is key to avoiding any burning and achieving that perfect caramel base.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Next, stir in the salted roasted peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the temperature of the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This stage is called the hard crack stage and is crucial for that final brittle crispness.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. This addition enriches the brittle with creamy notes and deepens the flavor, making each bite melt delightfully in your mouth.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda quickly—it will cause the mixture to foam up and lighten in color. This reaction is what creates those wonderfully delicate air bubbles in the brittle, giving it that light, crisp texture everyone loves.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the bubbly mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it quickly and evenly into a thin layer. The thinner you spread it, the crispier your brittle will be.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once firm and hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy. This cooling step is important so the brittle sets properly and snaps cleanly.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While classic peanut brittle is delicious on its own, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the hot brittle just before it sets for an added burst of flavor. A light dusting brings out the sweetness and complements the peanuts beautifully.
Side Dishes
This candy shines as a sweet ending to any meal, but it’s especially fantastic paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The contrast of temperatures and textures creates an elevated dessert experience that’s super satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or entertaining, break the brittle into uniform squares and wrap them in festive cellophane tied with a ribbon. You can also crush some into pieces and sprinkle over yogurt parfaits or layer into dessert bars to add a delightful crunch and peanutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks, making it a convenient treat to have on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle longer, you can freeze it as well. Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When properly stored, the brittle can last for several months without losing its texture or flavor.
Reheating
Peanut brittle is best enjoyed straight from storage without reheating, as warmth can soften its crisp structure. If it does become sticky or soft due to humidity, simply let it air dry on parchment paper for a few hours to regain its snap.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
While raw peanuts are an option, roasted peanuts deliver a richer, deeper flavor and a crunchier texture, which are essential for an authentic peanut brittle experience.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Without a candy thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it hardens into a brittle, shatterable ball, it’s ready. However, a thermometer ensures the best accuracy and results.
Why does my brittle sometimes turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means the sugar didn’t reach the hard crack stage or humidity affected it. Make sure to cook to 300°F and store the brittle in an airtight container to avoid moisture exposure.
Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or pecans to create unique variations of this classic treat.
Is it necessary to add baking soda?
Baking soda is what makes the brittle light and airy by creating tiny bubbles in the mixture. Skipping it can result in a denser, harder brittle.
Final Thoughts
Making this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of sweetness and nostalgia into your kitchen. It’s straightforward, rewarding, and the perfect shareable treat that brings smiles all around. I truly encourage you to give it a go—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one piece!
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Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Classic Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet treat featuring roasted salted peanuts embedded in a golden, caramelized sugar base. Perfectly balanced with butter and vanilla for richness, and lightened with baking soda for an airy texture, this timeless candy is easy to make and ideal for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent the brittle from sticking. Set aside for later.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the salted roasted peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Baking Soda: Quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam and lighten in color, creating the brittle’s characteristic airy texture.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the hot mixture carefully onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer for uniform cooling and brittleness.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once cooled, break it into pieces of your desired size and enjoy or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature to achieve the perfect hard crack stage for brittle.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda, as the mixture foams and sets fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.
- Substitute salted peanuts with unsalted if preferred, but adjust salt accordingly.
- This brittle can be flavored by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for variations.
