Get ready to experience pure bliss with this incredibly easy and delicious Peanut Brittle recipe! This classic candy is a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy that will have you coming back for more. It’s surprisingly simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into this irresistible treat that’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or satisfying your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts creates a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Perfect Texture: Achieve that satisfying snap with every bite, thanks to the precise cooking technique.
Foolproof Method: With clear instructions and tips, even beginners can master this candy-making process.
Customizable: Easily adjust the saltiness or experiment with different nuts to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Granulated Sugar: The base of our brittle, providing sweetness and caramelization.
Light Corn Syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring a smooth texture.
Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the right consistency.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
Dry Roasted Peanuts: The star of the show, providing crunch and nutty flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the candy.
Baking Soda: Creates tiny air bubbles, making the brittle easier to bite into.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these exciting twists:

Nutty Alternatives: Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or a mixed nut blend.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a flavor kick.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the brittle for extra indulgence.
Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch.

How to Make Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Grease a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Butter the paper lightly. Have all ingredients measured and ready to go.

Step 2: Create the Sugar Syrup

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring gently until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 250°F.

Step 3: Add Butter

Incorporate butter, stirring constantly until melted. Allow the mixture to return to a boil.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Continue cooking until the temperature hits 280°F, then add peanuts. Stir slowly but consistently until you reach 305°F.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove from heat and quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam up – this is normal!

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Pour the hot brittle onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it quickly with a spatula. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature is Key: Use a reliable candy thermometer for precise results.
Be Patient: Don’t rush the cooking process; slow and steady wins the race.
Work Fast: Once you add the baking soda, you’ll need to move quickly to spread the brittle.
Safety First: Always use oven mitts and be cautious of the hot sugar mixture.

How to Serve

Peanut brittle is perfect on its own as a snack or dessert. For an extra special treat:

Crumble over ice cream for a crunchy topping.
Package in decorative bags or tins for homemade gifts.
Serve alongside a cheese board for a sweet contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

No need to reheat! Simply bring to room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If using salted peanuts, omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty result.

Why did my brittle turn out chewy instead of crunchy?
Chewy brittle usually means it wasn’t cooked to a high enough temperature. Make sure to reach 305°F before removing from heat.

Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
While corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, you can try substituting with honey or golden syrup for a similar effect.

How do I know when the brittle is cool enough to break?
The brittle should be completely cool to the touch and have a hard, glossy surface. This typically takes about 45 minutes at room temperature.

This Peanut Brittle recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s bound to become a staple in your candy-making repertoire. With its perfect balance of sweet and salty, coupled with that satisfying crunch, it’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your candy thermometer and get ready to create some seriously addictive brittle!