If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that combines irresistible crunch with buttery sweetness, you have to try the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe. This classic candy is a timeless favorite that delivers a perfect balance of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gift, a cozy snack, or just because, this recipe brings that old-fashioned candy shop magic right into your kitchen. Each batch turns out beautifully shiny and satisfies your sweet tooth while offering a lovely snap that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples, you create a homemade candy that feels incredibly special. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the smooth sweetness of the granulated sugar and corn syrup to the rich crunch of roasted peanuts, making this treat so memorable.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and caramel base for the brittle.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth texture.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly during cooking.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts: Adds the signature crunch and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic note that elevates the candy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates lightness by introducing tiny air bubbles for the perfect brittle texture.
How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Start by greasing a large baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your peanut brittle won’t stick and will be easy to remove once it cools. Having your workspace ready before cooking makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Syrup
Combine sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. This is an important step because it sets the foundation for your candy’s smooth texture.
Step 3: Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the syrup to a boil without stirring. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature carefully until it reaches 300°F, known as the hard crack stage. This precise cooking temperature is what gives the brittle its signature crunch and glossy look.
Step 4: Add the Peanuts
Stir the roasted peanuts into the hot syrup, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure each nut is well-coated. This step is key to infusing your peanuts with that sweet, caramelized goodness.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract. The butter enriches the flavor while the vanilla adds a touch of warmth and depth, taking this candy from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 6: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda. You’ll notice the mixture foam up — don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want. This reaction aerates the brittle, giving it a light, delicate texture rather than a dense sugar block.
Step 7: Spread the Brittle
Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or a spoon to spread it thinly and evenly. Working quickly here ensures you get that perfect, crunchy bite all over the brittle.
Step 8: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into charming, irregular-sized pieces that are ready to be enjoyed or gifted. Store your brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crispy.
How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Garnishes
While this classic peanut brittle needs very little to shine, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading it. The salt creates a wonderful flavor contrast that amplifies the buttery sweetness. You could also add a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle, festive twist.
Side Dishes
Peanut brittle is a fantastic dessert on its own, but it pairs beautifully alongside simple treats. Think a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot chocolate. These pairings complement the crunchy texture and sweet notes perfectly, making your snack or dessert spread truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
This Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe also shines as a thoughtful homemade gift. Break the brittle into bite-sized chunks and package it in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine or colorful ribbons. For parties, arrange the brittle pieces in a pretty bowl or on a tiered dessert tray to impress guests with your candy-making skills.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your peanut brittle has cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage is critical to keeping that wonderful crunch intact. Stored this way, the brittle will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle longer, it freezes very well. Wrap the brittle tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen peanut brittle can last for several months while retaining all its crispness.
Reheating
Reheating brittle isn’t typically necessary, but if it softens due to humidity, you can crisp it back up by placing the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and warming them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid melting the candy.
FAQs
What makes peanut brittle crunchy?
The key to that irresistible crunch is cooking the sugar syrup to the hard crack stage (around 300°F). At this temperature, the sugar cools into a hard, brittle texture. Adding baking soda also helps by creating tiny air bubbles for a lighter crunch.
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful that salted peanuts will add extra saltiness to your brittle. If you choose salted peanuts, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced.
Why did my peanut brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle usually means the candy didn’t cook long enough to reach the hard crack stage or was exposed to humidity after cooling. Make sure to cook the syrup to 300°F and store the brittle in a dry, airtight container.
Can I substitute another type of nut?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, walnuts, pecans, or almonds can work wonderfully. Just toast them lightly before adding to bring out their flavor and maintain that perfect crunch.
How long does homemade peanut brittle last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade peanut brittle stays fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and won’t sacrifice any crunch or flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe is like capturing a bit of candy shop magic right at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some careful attention, you’ll have a batch of crunchy, buttery peanut brittle that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with family, giving it as a gift, or savoring it on your own, this recipe never fails to bring a smile and a moment of pure sweetness. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with that warm, nostalgic aroma that only homemade candy can provide.
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a perfectly crunchy, sweet, and nutty candy treat. Made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, roasted peanuts, and a hint of vanilla, this homemade peanut brittle is cooked to the hard crack stage for that ideal crisp texture. The addition of baking soda creates a light, airy finish, making it a nostalgic favorite candy for holidays or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Base Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the peanut brittle from sticking and allow easy removal once cooled.
- Cook the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until all the sugar has dissolved completely, creating a smooth syrup base.
- Boil the Syrup: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which ensures the brittle will be crisp.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the roasted, unsalted peanuts into the hot syrup evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer to coat the nuts thoroughly without burning.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract carefully to add richness and flavor.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up as the baking soda reacts, creating a lighter, more brittle texture.
- Spread the Brittle: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out thinly and evenly, ensuring it cools in a flat layer for crispness.
- Cool and Break: Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature until fully hardened. Once cooled, break it into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to use a reliable candy thermometer to reach the correct temperature for perfect brittle texture.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda as the mixture foams and hardens fast.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if desired.
- Store peanut brittle in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Use unsalted peanuts to control the sweetness and saltiness balance.
