Nothing says “old-fashioned holiday magic” quite like a big crackling slab of Classic Peanut Brittle. This timeless treat fuses crunchy peanuts with an ambrosial caramel crack, delivering that extra-special snap the moment you break off a piece. Whipping up a batch at home fills the kitchen with irresistible toffee aromas, and every bite tastes like nostalgia—sweet, nutty, just a touch buttery, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re prepping it for a dessert platter, gifting to friends, or sneaking a few shards as a midnight snack, Classic Peanut Brittle is a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Classic Peanut Brittle lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of patience, each ingredient brings something essential—flavor depth, nutty crunch, golden color, or that signature shatter. Here’s what you need (plus tips to get the best results).
- Granulated sugar: This is the heart of the brittle, caramelizing beautifully to create a glossy, crisp candy base.
- Light corn syrup: Helps prevent the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring that smooth, glassy finish we all love.
- Water: A small but critical ingredient—helps dissolve the sugar for even cooking.
- Raw peanuts (shelled, skin-on or skinless): Raw is a must for that classic texture; make sure they’re fresh for the most robust flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Just a touch rounds out the caramel with richness and a velvety finish.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that makes each bite sing.
- Baking soda: Creates air bubbles in the mixture, so your brittle comes out easy to bite and perfectly crunchy—not tooth-breakingly hard!
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the peanuts.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Tools
Start by lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set this aside within easy reach, since working quickly is key once your brittle is ready to pour. Have a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon ready, along with your candy thermometer—classic peanut brittle waits for no one.
Step 2: Combine and Dissolve the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Set over medium heat and keep stirring gently until the sugar melts into a clear syrup and you can no longer see or feel any granules on the spoon.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cook to Perfection
Once the sugar syrup is silky-smooth, stir in your raw peanuts. Continue to cook, stirring often (don’t walk away!), as the mixture bubbles and thickens. Keep a close watch as the color shifts from pale gold to deep amber, and monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. The peanuts will toast right in the candy, infusing every bite with big flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the Flavor Boosters
Immediately after you hit 300°F, remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda all at once. Be ready for a foamy, bubbling show (this is the magic that lightens up your brittle!). Stir quickly and thoroughly until everything is combined and evenly fluffy.
Step 5: Pour, Spread, and Cool
Without hesitation, pour the hot brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your spatula to spread it evenly into a thin layer—don’t worry if the edges aren’t perfect. Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 to 45 minutes. Once it’s set and crisp, break it into shards as large or small as you like.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle
Garnishes
Classic Peanut Brittle shines just as it is, but a light dusting of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted chocolate can transform it from simple snack to elegant treat. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne right after pouring for a subtle flavor twist, or tuck in sprinkles if you want to make it fun for kids.
Side Dishes
Set out your crunchy brittle with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream on the side for a cool, creamy pairing. It’s also lovely with rich chocolate pudding or simply beside a cup of strong black coffee or tea, which cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Classic Peanut Brittle really steals the show when broken into rustic chunks and packed into clear gift bags with a festive ribbon for holiday gifts. For parties, pile the brittle on a dessert platter with dried fruits and other candies, or crumble it atop cakes, pies, or even yogurt for a show-stopping crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your homemade Classic Peanut Brittle super crisp by storing the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. Slip in a sheet of wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid moisture—humidity is brittle’s only enemy!
Freezing
Believe it or not, you can freeze Classic Peanut Brittle! Place the pieces in a freezer-safe, airtight container lined with wax paper, then seal well. This is a great trick for make-ahead holiday treats or if you’ve got a big batch; thaw it at room temp, never microwaved.
Reheating
While Classic Peanut Brittle is meant to be enjoyed at room temperature for max crunch, if you find it’s gotten a little too chilled from the freezer, just leave it out on the counter for an hour. Avoid the microwave or oven—direct heat can melt the sugar, making it sticky instead of snappy.
FAQs
Can I use roasted or salted peanuts instead of raw?
Raw peanuts are best because they gently toast in the syrup while cooking, developing real depth and a perfect snap. If you only have roasted or salted peanuts, you can use them—just be aware that they may get slightly over-roasted and saltier, so adjust added salt accordingly.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
No candy thermometer? No problem! Drop a drizzle of hot syrup into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens instantly and snaps when bent, you’ve reached the hard crack stage and it’s ready to pull off the heat.
Why did my brittle turn out sticky or chewy?
Sticky brittle usually means it didn’t reach the correct temperature (300°F) or absorbed moisture during storage. Make sure you cook to the hard crack stage and store it in a truly airtight container.
How do I make my brittle thinner or thicker?
It’s all about how you spread the mixture! For thinner brittle, pour and quickly spread with a spatula for maximum surface area. For thicker pieces, just let the gooey mix sit in a mound; it’ll settle on its own into chunkier shards.
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?
Absolutely! While Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless favorite, try swapping in cashews, almonds, or pecans for a twist. You can also stir in toasted coconut, a sprinkle of spice, or even a bit of orange zest for a one-of-a-kind brittle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Classic Peanut Brittle from scratch—the golden color, the rich aroma, and the satisfaction of cracking off a perfect piece. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising someone with a homemade gift, this recipe always delivers happiness. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you ever thought possible!
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Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make classic peanut brittle at home with this simple and delicious recipe. Perfect for holiday treats or homemade gifts!
Ingredients
Sugar Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw peanuts (shelled, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Cook Sugar Syrup: In a saucepan, cook sugar, corn syrup, and water until dissolved.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and cook to hard crack stage.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in butter, vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Pour onto the prepared sheet and let cool.
- Break and Store: Once hardened, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use raw peanuts for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not walk away while cooking—the sugar mixture can burn quickly.
- Adding baking soda creates bubbles that make the brittle lighter and easier to bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 oz)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
