If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the perfect crunch with a rich, sweet nuttiness, this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless candy that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly tasty, featuring a buttery caramel base studded with roasted peanuts. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion, gifting to friends, or just indulging yourself, this recipe promises a satisfying crunch and a wonderful balance of flavors that will keep you reaching for just one more piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together to create that signature texture and taste you love in peanut brittle. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the crispiness of the sugar and corn syrup combo to the nutty crunch from the roasted peanuts.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the sweet, crisp caramel foundation essential for classic brittle texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and glossy.
- 1/2 cup water: Hydrates the sugar and helps everything dissolve properly for an even cook.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts: The star ingredient, adding irresistible crunch and nutty richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and a subtle buttery flavor that melts beautifully into the brittle.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts to lighten the mixture, creating a delicate, airy crunch.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm aroma and depth of flavor, making the candy even more irresistible.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
First, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This is so the brittle won’t stick as it cools and makes for easy removal later on.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Patience here ensures a smooth base for your brittle without any grit.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Stir in the salted roasted peanuts and keep cooking, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Use a candy thermometer to watch for the temperature to reach 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage that guarantees a crisp brittle.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. This enriches the brittle, making it luxuriously smooth and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda next. You’ll see the mixture foam and lighten in color, which is a fun transformation that contributes to the brittle’s airy crunch and beautiful golden tone.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Quickly pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. The thinner you make it, the more crisp and snap you get from each bite.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces however large or small you prefer—perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is usually perfect on its own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before it cools can heighten the flavor contrast deliciously. For a festive touch, you might even dust some cocoa powder or drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled pieces.
Side Dishes
Peanut brittle pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk, making it a lovely accompaniment during afternoon tea or after-dinner treats. It’s also a fantastic crunchy contrast when served alongside soft ice cream or creamy puddings.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or party platters, arrange peanut brittle pieces in decorative jars or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. You can also break them into uniform squares and stack them inside a cute tin for an impressive homemade gift everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to two weeks, making it easy to enjoy a crunchy snack whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
You can freeze peanut brittle by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When well wrapped, it can last up to three months without losing its texture or flavor.
Reheating
Generally, peanut brittle is best enjoyed as is—crisp and cool. If you need to soften it for any reason, a gentle warm-up in a low oven or microwave for just a few seconds can help, but be careful not to melt it down.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted peanuts?
While you can, roasted peanuts bring out a deeper, nuttier flavor and crunch that raw peanuts don’t offer. If using raw, roasting them first will improve your brittle tremendously.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
It’s tricky to get the perfect brittle without one, but you can test by dropping a small amount of the syrup into cold water—if it snaps cleanly when cooled, you’re at the right stage.
Can I substitute the baking soda with something else?
Baking soda is essential for creating the characteristic airy, light texture in peanut brittle. Leaving it out will result in a denser and harder candy.
Why does my brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky brittle often means it didn’t reach the hard crack stage or was not cooked long enough. Make sure the temperature hits 300°F and the candy sets fully before breaking.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans can make delicious variations, but peanuts remain classic for their perfect flavor and texture balance in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a bit of homemade sweetness and crunch into your kitchen. It’s fun to make, wonderful to eat, and sure to become a favorite candy tradition in your household. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and give it a go. You’ll be amazed how rewarding making your own peanut brittle can be!
Print
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless crunchy candy made from caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and a touch of butter and vanilla for rich flavor. This recipe yields a sweet, crackly brittle that is perfect for snacking or gifting, with a satisfying crunch and a delightful peanut taste.
Ingredients
Peanut Brittle 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. Set aside to ensure the brittle does not stick after cooking.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the 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, indicating the hard crack stage for brittle.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda, which will cause the mixture to foam and lighten in color, creating a lighter texture in the brittle.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer for optimal crispness.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces for serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the proper temperature of 300°F for perfect brittle texture.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda as the mixture foams and sets fast.
- Ensure peanuts are roasted and salted for the best flavor.
- Store brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
