Discover the irresistible crunch and rich, nutty sweetness of the Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe. This timeless treat perfectly balances caramelized sugar with roasted peanuts, delivering a festive snack that’s both nostalgic and delightfully satisfying. Whether you’re making it for holiday gatherings or simply craving a crunchy, sweet bite, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. Once you make it, this brittle will quickly become a cherished classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-chosen ingredients is the secret to making perfect peanut brittle. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that ideal texture and flavor—smooth caramelization combined with crunchy, salty nuts.
- Granulated sugar: The backbone of sweetness, it caramelizes to create that signature brittle texture.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring a glossy and smooth candy.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for even cooking and caramelization.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.
- Salted roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and a perfectly salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the brittle with a silky finish and subtle depth.
- Baking soda: Creates tiny air bubbles for a lighter, more delicate texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to 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 apply a light coating of butter to prevent sticking. This setup ensures your brittle cools and releases easily for perfect pieces later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a sturdy 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 reaches a rolling boil. This stage is crucial for smooth caramelization without graininess.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Once the syrup boils, stir in the salted roasted peanuts. Keep stirring frequently while cooking, and monitor the temperature carefully. You’ll want to reach 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer—also known as the hard crack stage—which is essential for that signature brittle crunch.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. These add richness and a fragrant, cozy note to the candy that elevates the entire flavor profile.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda next. This little addition causes the mixture to foam and lighten in color, developing a delicate texture with tiny air pockets that give the brittle a satisfying crunch without being too dense.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Quickly pour the foamy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer—you want the brittle to cook uniformly and cool into perfect shards.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once fully hardened, break it into irregular pieces for that rustic, homemade charm. Now you’re ready to enjoy this timeless treat!
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is delightful on its own, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over freshly poured candy can amplify the flavor. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds an exciting twist that’s sure to wow guests.
Side Dishes
Pairing peanut brittle with rich, creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream enhances the texture contrast and balances sweetness. It also shines alongside simple coffee or tea, making it a perfect snack for gatherings or quiet moments alike.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your peanut brittle in a beautiful glass jar tied with a festive ribbon for gifting, or arrange it in small decorative bowls for parties. Layer broken pieces into parfaits or crush it as a topping on cakes and cupcakes to bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispy texture. Avoid humidity, which can cause the candy to soften and become sticky. Stored properly, it stays fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Freezing peanut brittle is generally unnecessary, but you can if you want to keep it longer. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When properly sealed, it can last up to three months without losing its crunch.
Reheating
Since peanut brittle is best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid reheating it in the microwave or oven, as heat can melt or soften the candy. If you prefer warmed brittle, gently warm a single piece between your fingers or enjoy it melted slightly over ice cream instead.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! While this is a Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe, you can swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly depending on the nut’s oil content and size.
How do I know when the brittle is done cooking?
Using a candy thermometer is key—aim for 300°F (150°C), known as the hard crack stage. At this temperature, the candy will set hard and snap when cooled. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small amount in cold water; it should harden immediately and break when bent.
Why did my brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means it was undercooked or exposed to moisture too soon. Make sure to reach the proper temperature and let it cool completely on a dry surface. Also, store it in an airtight container to avoid humidity.
Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the candy smooth. However, you can substitute it with honey or golden syrup, but be aware that this might affect the final texture and flavor slightly.
How should I clean the pan after making brittle?
Soak the pan in hot water immediately after use to dissolve hardened sugar. Avoid scrubbing while the sugar is stuck to protect your cookware. Once the sugar softens, washing with warm soapy water is simple and effective.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t made peanut brittle at home before, this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a fantastic place to start. It’s straightforward, uses accessible ingredients, and results in a crunchy, flavorful treat that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, this brittle will become a beloved staple in your recipe box for every season and celebration!
Print
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a crunchy, sweet candy made by cooking sugar and corn syrup to the hard crack stage, then stirring in roasted peanuts, butter, vanilla, and baking soda. The baking soda causes the mixture to foam and lighten, resulting in a delicate, crisp texture. Perfect for holidays or anytime you want a nostalgic homemade treat that’s easy to prepare.
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. This will prevent the brittle from sticking and make it easier to remove 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 and the mixture starts to boil.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the salted roasted peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, also known as the hard crack stage.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Baking Soda: Quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up and become lighter in color. This reaction creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its characteristic light and crisp texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer to ensure it cools uniformly.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into small, bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to use a candy thermometer to reach the correct temperature for brittle; undercooked candy will be chewy rather than crisp.
- Use room temperature softened butter for easier incorporation without cooling the candy too quickly.
- Baking soda causes foaming—stir quickly to evenly disperse and achieve the best texture.
- Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
