If you’re ready to embrace the nostalgia of homemade candy, there’s simply nothing more inviting than a batch of Classic Peanut Brittle. This beloved treat is equal parts crunchy, sweet, and nutty, with a golden caramel snap that makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re whipping it up for the holiday season or just because you’re craving a sweet, crunchy snack, this recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss—plus, it’s a fantastic homemade gift that always gets rave reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Classic Peanut Brittle is all about striking the perfect balance with just a handful of simple, essential ingredients. Each one has a role to play in giving the brittle its signature taste, texture, and irresistible color.
- Granulated Sugar: The star ingredient that caramelizes for that golden color and crisp snap you expect from perfect brittle.
- Light Corn Syrup: Key to controlling crystallization, corn syrup keeps the texture smooth and glossy.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly and gives you more control during caramelization.
- Raw or Dry Roasted Peanuts: Packed with flavor, they toast as they cook, adding a deep, nutty crunch.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery depth and helps mellow the caramel for a silkier brittle.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall aroma and warmth—don’t skip it for that classic peanut brittle taste!
- Baking Soda: Essential for creating those light, airy pockets that make the brittle so delightfully crisp.
- Salt: Brings out all the sweetest and nuttiest notes—just a pinch makes a world of difference.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This little bit of prep makes it easy to spread and remove your Classic Peanut Brittle once it’s cooled. Have a greased spatula ready as well, because things move fast at the end!
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently but consistently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This is setting the stage for that beautiful caramelization and keeps crystals at bay.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cook to Hard Crack Stage
Once boiling, add your peanuts to the saucepan. Keep stirring as you cook—the peanuts will toast and the syrup will deepen in color. Continue until the mixture reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, which is the hard crack stage and the secret to breakable, crunchy brittle. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Butter, Vanilla, Baking Soda, and Salt
Now comes the fun part! Remove your pan from the heat and immediately stir in the butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam up and turn lighter as the baking soda creates airy bubbles. It’s a bit of kitchen magic, so work carefully but quickly!
Step 5: Spread and Cool
Quickly pour the foaming mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using your greased spatula, spread it out as thinly and evenly as you can. Let it sit undisturbed at room temperature until it’s completely cool and set. This will likely take about 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 6: Break Into Pieces and Store
Once the Classic Peanut Brittle is fully cooled and firm, break it into pieces with your hands. Store the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay crispy and irresistible for days. Sneak a piece—you’ve earned it!
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle
Garnishes
While Classic Peanut Brittle is absolutely delightful on its own, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after pouring gives it an extra pop of flavor and a glimmer of artisanal flair. A light dusting of powdered sugar before serving also makes for a fun, festive touch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This confection shines as a sweet finish to a meal, but you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast in textures and a double-dose of comfort. Try crumbling a few pieces over a robust chocolate pudding, or offer alongside espresso or coffee after dinner for a crunchy, crowd-pleasing treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic Peanut Brittle is the perfect homemade gift! Fill decorative jars or cellophane bags with shards of brittle, tie them up with a ribbon, and add a personal note for a heartfelt touch. For parties, display pieces in vintage candy dishes, or make mini stacks and wrap in parchment for adorable party favors. Your friends and family won’t just love the treat—they’ll cherish the memory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Peanut Brittle fresh and snappy, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to keep it away from moisture and humidity, as this can cause the brittle to soften. When properly stored, it will stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
While Classic Peanut Brittle is at its best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Layer pieces between wax paper in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature inside the container; this helps prevent condensation from making it sticky.
Reheating
If your brittle softens a bit, you can try refreshing it by placing the pieces on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) for just a few minutes. Let it cool completely again before eating. This little trick can help restore some of the original crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! While Classic Peanut Brittle traditionally uses peanuts, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even cashews. Just keep the measurements the same, and you’ll get delicious results.
Why did my brittle turn out sticky or not harden?
If your brittle didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F), it will stay soft or sticky. Always use a candy thermometer for best accuracy, and be patient while cooking—it’s worth the wait for that perfect snap!
What’s the best way to break the brittle into pieces?
Once your Classic Peanut Brittle has cooled and set, simply lift it from the baking sheet and use your hands to break it into jagged, rustic pieces. For more uniform shapes, you can use the handle of a wooden spoon to tap it gently or score it with a knife before it’s fully cooled.
Can I make classic peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?
While a thermometer gives the most foolproof results, you can test for hard crack stage by dropping a bit of the hot mixture into cold water—if it hardens and snaps when broken, it’s ready! But if you love candy making, a thermometer is a worthwhile investment.
Is Classic Peanut Brittle gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe contains no wheat-based ingredients, making it naturally gluten-free. Always check your corn syrup and vanilla for hidden additives if you need to avoid gluten for dietary reasons.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in making Classic Peanut Brittle from scratch—it’s a treat that’s as delightful to give as it is to eat. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of candy-making adventure, you’ll create an irresistible snack that never goes out of style. Give it a try, and share the love (and crunch) with someone special!
Print
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes + cooling time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a classic peanut brittle at home with this easy recipe. Crunchy, sweet, and packed with peanuts, this homemade candy is perfect for holiday treats or edible gifts.
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw or dry roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves and boil until it reaches 300°F.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and cook until mixture reaches hard crack stage.
- Finish & Cool: Remove from heat, add remaining ingredients, pour onto baking sheet, spread, cool, and break into pieces.
Notes
- Work quickly after adding baking soda.
- Substitute peanuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
- Makes a great homemade holiday gift!
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