If you’re searching for a nostalgic treat that delivers the perfect blend of crisp, golden caramel and roasted peanuts, look no further than Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy). This beloved classic is a staple at holiday gatherings and a delightful year-round indulgence, combining a shatteringly crisp texture with a rich, buttery sweetness and a salty peanut crunch that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for gifting or treating yourself to a homemade candy adventure, this recipe captures that timeless, old-fashioned flavor in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the charms of Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) is how straightforward the ingredient list is—each element brings its own essential magic, from the caramelized sugar to the creamy butter and the unmistakable crunch of fresh peanuts. Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
- Granulated Sugar: Forms the sweet, crunchy base and caramelizes beautifully for that classic brittle flavor.
- Light Corn Syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring your brittle stays glassy and crisp.
- Water: Helps the sugar dissolve evenly and gives you enough time to achieve the perfect caramel color.
- Raw Peanuts (skin-on or skinless): Adds a deep, roasted nuttiness and signature crunch—raw peanuts roast right in the syrup for amazing flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Lends a rich, creamy undertone and helps create a tender crunch.
- Baking Soda: Aerates the candy, giving it that delicate, crisp texture you remember from the best peanut brittle.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the peanut flavor.
How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy)
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside. This step ensures you’ll be able to lift the brittle easily once it’s set—no sticking, no fuss. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference when it comes time to break your candy into pieces.
Step 2: Combine the Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir just until the sugar dissolves; you want a smooth, clear syrup as your base. This is the foundation of your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy)—take care not to rush this part!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Add Peanuts
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Add the raw peanuts, and give the mixture an occasional gentle stir to prevent sticking. The peanuts will roast right in the bubbling sugar, infusing every bite with flavor.
Step 4: Cook to Hard Crack Stage
Continue to cook the mixture, monitoring with a candy thermometer. When it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), you’ll know it’s ready. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes. Watch closely—this is where the magic (and the beautiful caramel color) happens for your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy).
Step 5: Add Butter, Baking Soda, Vanilla, and Salt
Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt all at once. The mixture will foam up—this is what gives the brittle its signature airy crunch. Be quick, as the candy will start to set rapidly!
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the foaming mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out as evenly as possible—don’t worry about perfection, those rustic edges are part of the charm. Let the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) cool completely at room temperature until it’s hard and glossy.
Step 7: Break Into Pieces and Store
Once fully set—usually after about 30 minutes—break the brittle into shards or bite-sized pieces. Transfer to an airtight container to keep it crisp. Now it’s ready to share, gift, or sneak a piece every time you walk by the kitchen!
How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy)
Garnishes
While this candy is stunning on its own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) to gourmet territory. For a festive touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of crushed peanuts on top before the brittle cools fully.
Side Dishes
Brittle shines alongside other sweet treats on a dessert tray. Serve it with chocolate-dipped fruit, creamy fudge, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of cool, creamy, and crunchy is absolutely delightful, making your dessert spread memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Package shards of Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for charming homemade gifts. Arrange pieces in a decorative tin or layer them in glass jars for a beautiful, edible centerpiece. For parties, scatter pieces atop cupcakes or swirl into homemade ice cream for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) at its crunchiest, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Humidity is the enemy of brittle, so keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight. It will stay fresh and crisp for up to two weeks—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
Brittle can be frozen, though it’s not usually necessary. If you want to make it far in advance, layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature, uncovered, to prevent any condensation from making it sticky.
Reheating
If your brittle loses a bit of snap, try spreading pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and briefly warming them in a low oven (about 200°F) for 5 minutes. Let cool completely before storing again. This can help restore some of that signature crunch.
FAQs
Why did my peanut brittle turn out chewy instead of crisp?
This usually means the sugar mixture didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Using a reliable candy thermometer is key to ensuring your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) sets up perfectly crisp every time.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes! If you use roasted peanuts, you can add them a bit later in the cooking process and reduce the cook time slightly, since they don’t need to roast in the syrup. Just take care not to burn them.
Is a candy thermometer really necessary?
Absolutely—a candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of candy making and helps guarantee the brittle reaches the correct stage. It’s the best way to achieve the classic texture of Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy).
Can I double the recipe?
While you can double the ingredients, be aware that working quickly is even more important with a larger batch. The candy sets fast, so have a larger baking sheet ready and enlist a helper if possible for spreading.
What’s the best way to break the brittle into pieces?
Once fully cooled, simply lift the brittle from the pan and use your hands to snap it into shards. For more uniform pieces, you can gently tap with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet, crunchy, and truly unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy). There’s something magical about making this classic treat from scratch—sharing it is even sweeter! Don’t wait for the holidays; give this recipe a try and fill your kitchen with the joyful crackle of homemade brittle.
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a classic, crunchy candy treat filled with roasted peanuts and a rich caramelized sugar base. Perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic favorite, this easy stovetop recipe yields a crisp brittle that’s both buttery and perfectly sweet, enhanced with vanilla and a hint of salt.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup raw peanuts (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick once poured.
- Combine Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, mix the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir gently just until the sugar has dissolved to avoid crystallization, then stop stirring.
- Boil and Add Peanuts: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the raw peanuts and stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan, cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), approximately 10–15 minutes.
- Remove and Add Flavorings: Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will foam slightly, which helps create the brittle’s crunchy texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it evenly with a spatula to your desired thickness before it sets.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes until hard. Once fully set, break it into pieces.
- Store Properly: Store the peanut brittle pieces in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crispness for up to several weeks.
Notes
- Work quickly once the brittle mixture reaches 300°F to prevent it from hardening in the pan.
- A candy thermometer is essential to accurately gauge the hard crack stage for perfect brittle texture.
- You can substitute roasted peanuts if preferred; reduce cook time slightly to avoid burning.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking; do not use greased pans as they can affect candy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
