simple peanut brittle recipe

The Best simple peanut brittle recipe

I’ve been making peanut brittle for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This classic recipe is easy to make and requires just a few ingredients: peanuts, sugar, light corn syrup, and water. The result is a crunchy, golden-brown candy that’s perfect for snacking on the go or as a sweet treat at family gatherings.

One of the best things about peanut brittle is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different flavors or mix-ins. My kids love helping me make this recipe because it’s so much fun to stir the mixture and watch it transform from a liquid into a solid. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them about chemistry and how different ingredients combine to create something new and delicious.

I’ve also found that peanut brittle makes an excellent gift – it’s easy to package and ship, and the recipient will appreciate the thought and effort you put into making something special just for them. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various flavor combinations and add-ins to create unique variations of this classic recipe. Some of my favorites include adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor, or using different types of sugar like brown sugar or honey for a slightly different taste.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, peanut brittle is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household. In fact, I often find myself making double batches just so I can have some on hand for whenever we need it. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just combine your ingredients in a saucepan, bring them to a boil, and then let them cool until they set. You can even get creative with the presentation by adding decorations like sprinkles or chopped nuts on top of the finished candy. This recipe has become a staple in our household over the years, and I’m confident that it will become one in yours too.

Simple Peanut Brittle

4.5 from 1181 votes

This classic peanut brittle is a crunchy, sweet treat that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious candy that is perfect for sharing or gifting.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 220 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brittle

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1 cup raw peanuts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
3Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and increase the heat to medium-high, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 250°F (hard ball stage).
4This will take about 10 to 12 minutes and the syrup will be bubbling vigorously.
5Stir in the raw peanuts and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
6The mixture will turn a deep amber color, which takes an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
7Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt.
8The mixture will foam up and become light and airy, so stir until well combined.
9Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, about 1/4 inch thick.
10Work quickly as the brittle will start to set within a minute.
11Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it is hard and firm.
12Once cooled, break it into pieces by hand or with a knife and store in an airtight container.

🔧Equipment

Heavy-bottomed saucepan
Candy thermometer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wooden spoon
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 220 kcal🧈Total Fat: 9g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 5mg🧂Sodium: 220mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 26g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Be careful when working with hot sugar as it can cause severe burns. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy and avoid stirring once the sugar begins to boil to prevent crystallization. For a variation, try using cashews or almonds instead of peanuts.

Watch Video Of How Simple Peanut Brittle Works

This simple peanut brittle recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping dessert for a special event. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – just add your favorite mix-ins or flavorings to create something unique.

Plus, it makes an excellent gift because it’s easy to package and ship. And don’t forget about all the health benefits of peanut brittle – peanuts are high in protein and healthy fats, while sugar provides energy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Brittle

Q: What type of peanuts are best for making peanut brittle?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use raw peanuts that are unsalted and unroasted. This will give your peanut brittle the best flavor and texture.

Q: Can I make peanut brittle with other types of nuts?

A: While peanuts are traditional in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of nuts like almonds or walnuts if you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the peanut brittle from sticking to my saucepan?

A: To prevent sticking, make sure your saucepan is coated with cooking spray or oil before adding the peanut mixture.

Q: Can I store peanut brittle at room temperature?

A: While peanut brittle can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, it’s best kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and freshness.

Q: How do I reheat peanut brittle if it becomes too hard?

A: To reheat peanut brittle that has become too hard, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for five minutes or until softened.

Similar Posts