If you’ve ever found yourself craving a sweet, crunchy snack that perfectly balances nutty richness and caramelized sugar, then this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s the kind of treat that instantly evokes cozy memories, whether shared at holiday gatherings or enjoyed as a spontaneous homemade indulgence. The magic lies in the way golden caramel envelopes salted roasted peanuts, resulting in a brittle that shatters with a satisfying snap and melts with a sweet warmth. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to incredible peanut brittle. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s building the perfect crunch, adding flavor depth, or achieving that irresistible golden color.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The heart of the brittle’s sweetness and caramel foundation.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing and ensures a smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly at the start to avoid any graininess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor complexity and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts: Offers a crunchy, toasted flavor that pairs perfectly with caramel.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a silky texture to the brittle.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates tiny air bubbles for that classic light, crisp texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall 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 greasing it with butter. This step is key to making sure your brittle releases easily after it cools, saving you a sticky situation later on.
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. This helps create the perfect caramel base that will coat your peanuts.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Once your sugar mixture is boiling, stir in the salted roasted peanuts. Keep stirring frequently as the mixture cooks, allowing the peanuts to toast slightly in the caramel while preventing anything from burning. Use a candy thermometer and cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage which ensures perfect brittleness.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove your pan from the heat and quickly stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds a luxurious richness while the vanilla deepens the flavor, giving your peanut brittle a beautifully rounded taste.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Immediately after, stir in the baking soda. This is where the magic happens: the mixture will foam up and lighten in color. That frothy texture introduces tiny air pockets that give the brittle its signature crunch and delicate texture.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the bubbly mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer as quickly as you can because it sets fast. This thinness is what makes each bite perfectly crisp.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into irregular chunks with your hands or a sturdy utensil. Now, it’s ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While this recipe is a classic, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brittle right after pouring it out to add a subtle salty contrast that enhances flavor even more. A light dusting of cinnamon or cayenne pepper can also make it uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a satisfying afternoon treat. If you’re serving this during festive occasions, try accompanying it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider wrapping pieces of the peanut brittle in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon as charming homemade gifts. For parties, arrange pieces in decorative bowls or stack them on tiered dessert trays alongside other nuts and candies for a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps well for up to two weeks, maintaining its crunch and sweetness if kept away from humidity.
Freezing
You can freeze peanut brittle wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a sealed freezer bag. When stored this way, it can last for several months. Just be sure to thaw at room temperature before unwrapping to avoid condensation softening the candy.
Reheating
Reheating peanut brittle isn’t usually necessary, but if it’s gone a bit soft, you can place it on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted peanuts?
While raw peanuts can be used, roasted salted peanuts are preferred for their deeper flavor and crunch. If you use raw peanuts, consider roasting them yourself first to achieve the best taste.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
Cooking sugar to the right temperature is critical. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the stage by dropping a bit of the syrup into cold water; it should harden and break when bent, indicating the hard crack stage.
Is it necessary to use baking soda?
Baking soda adds air bubbles that make the brittle light and crisp rather than dense and hard. Omitting it will result in a heavier texture, so it’s best not to skip this ingredient.
How can I prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it ensures the brittles pop right off once cooled, making cleanup easier and preserving the perfect shapes.
Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans can be great alternatives or additions, but keep in mind roasted salted nuts give the best flavor and texture balance in this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is such a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. It’s surprisingly easy and makes a wonderful gift or treat to share with loved ones. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a batch of this timeless candy—you won’t regret it!
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Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless crunchy candy made by cooking sugar syrup with roasted salted peanuts until reaching the hard crack stage, then enriched with butter, vanilla, and baking soda to create a light, crisp texture. This homemade treat is perfect for gifting or enjoying as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Candy Base
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins and Flavoring
- 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 sticking. Set aside for later use.
- 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 is fully dissolved and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the salted roasted peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the temperature reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer, which is the hard crack stage necessary for brittle texture.
- 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; this will cause the mixture to foam and lighten in color, adding aeration to make the brittle lighter and crispier.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer to ensure uniform brittleness.
- Cool and Break: Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once cooled and firm, break into irregular pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature for the perfect crunchy texture.
- Be careful when handling hot sugar syrup; it can cause burns.
- For variation, try substituting peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- If the brittle softens, you can re-crisp it by warming it briefly in a low oven.
