There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and rich, buttery sweetness of a classic peanut candy, and this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe captures all that goodness perfectly. Imagine bite after bite of caramelized sugar wrapping around toasted peanuts, delivering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly simple to make in your own kitchen, promising joyous moments whether you’re sharing with friends or sneaking a few pieces for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the short list—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and nutty in your peanut brittle. From the granulated sugar that caramelizes to a golden glow, to the baking soda that gives it that airy crunch, every item matters.
- Granulated sugar: The essential sweetness that caramelizes beautifully for that signature brittle texture.
- Light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring a smooth, glassy finish to your brittle.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, buttery flavor and helps to create a tender bite.
- Raw peanuts: Provide a fresh, roasted nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the caramel coating.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the sugar mixture to create tiny air bubbles, making the brittle delightfully crisp and light.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is a small step that makes a huge difference, as it ensures your peanut brittle won’t stick and will be easy to remove once it’s firm.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar and Corn Syrup
In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugar and prevent burning. Watch closely as it bubbles and slowly turns a gorgeous golden brown, the color signaling you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peanuts
Once your sugar mixture has reached the desired color, stir in the butter until it melts completely. Then fold in the raw peanuts, ensuring each nut is coated in the sticky, sweet caramel mixture. This combination is where the flavor really starts to shine.
Step 4: Cook to the Perfect Temperature
Keep cooking while stirring steadily until the mixture deepens to a rich amber hue, reaching about 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This stage is crucial for that crunchy brittle consistency—patience and close attention pay off here.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda and Salt
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly mix in the baking soda and pinch of salt. Expect the mixture to bubble up immediately; this reaction aerates the brittle, making it crisp and light rather than dense.
Step 6: Spread and Cool
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it evenly before it cools and hardens. The quicker you work at this stage, the better the final shape of your peanut brittle will be.
Step 7: Break and Enjoy
Once completely cool and firm, break the brittle into rustic pieces of your desired size. Now the fun really begins—taste that perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and nutty all in one bite!
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair to your peanut brittle, try sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right after pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet. This subtle garnish heightens the flavor complexity and adds an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
Homemade peanut brittle is a delightful standalone treat, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The contrast of hot and cold or bitter and sweet can be truly irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or parties, consider stacking chunks of peanut brittle in decorative boxes or clear jars tied with a ribbon. You could even crush it slightly to sprinkle over desserts like brownies or ice cream sundaes for an extra crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your homemade peanut brittle has cooled, keep the pieces in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Stored properly, they should stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it perfect to enjoy over time.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brittle even longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the pieces in wax paper and seal them in a plastic bag to prevent moisture. When properly stored, frozen peanut brittle can last for several months without losing quality.
Reheating
Unlike some treats, peanut brittle is best enjoyed without reheating as it might become sticky. If your brittle softens or feels less crunchy, let it sit at room temperature in a dry place and it will usually regain its classic crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
While you can use roasted peanuts, raw peanuts are preferred for this homemade peanut brittle recipe because they roast perfectly in the caramel mixture, ensuring even flavor and texture. Using pre-roasted nuts may result in uneven roasting and a different flavor profile.
What if my brittle turns out too sticky?
This usually means it didn’t reach the correct cooking temperature or was removed from heat too early. To fix this, make sure to cook the sugar mixture until it reaches about 300°F and take care when spreading it so it cools quickly and sets firmly.
Can I substitute other nuts for peanuts?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights peanuts, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that peanuts have a high oil content that complements the caramel, so the texture and flavor may vary slightly with other nuts.
Why is baking soda important in this recipe?
Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles when added to the hot sugar mixture, which aerates the brittle and gives it a lighter, crunchier texture. Skipping this step may result in a denser, harder candy.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this peanut brittle vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so you’ll still get that delicious crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy, homemade treat that’s full of nostalgia and flavor, you owe it to yourself to try this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe. It’s wonderfully simple, fun to make, and endlessly satisfying. Gather your ingredients, get your stove ready, and delight in the magic of turning everyday pantry staples into pure candy perfection.
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Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a classic crunchy and sweet treat made from caramelized sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and roasted peanuts. Perfectly crispy with a slight hint of salt and the delicate texture of baking soda, this candy is easy to make on the stovetop and great for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the peanut brittle does not stick once poured and cools.
- Combine Sugar and Syrup: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir continuously as the mixture heats up until it becomes bubbly and turns a golden brown color, indicating caramelization.
- Add Butter and Peanuts: Incorporate the unsalted butter and stir until melted fully. Then add raw peanuts, stirring to ensure they are evenly coated with the sugary mixture.
- Cook to Deep Amber: Continue cooking the mixture while stirring until it reaches a deep amber color and approximately 300°F (149°C), which is the hard crack stage for perfect brittleness.
- Add Baking Soda and Salt: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble vigorously, helping to aerate the brittle for a lighter texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon before it cools and hardens.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces of your desired size and enjoy this crunchy, sweet treat!
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately reach the hard crack stage for perfect brittle texture.
- Make sure to work quickly when adding baking soda and pouring, as the mixture hardens fast.
- If you prefer, substitute raw peanuts with roasted peanuts for an extra toasty flavor.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Handle the hot sugar mixture carefully to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
