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
Scale
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.
