Description
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe creates a crunchy, sweet, and salty confection that’s perfect for snacking or gifting. With its golden caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, this homemade treat offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to delight candy lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 1 cup light corn syrup (240mL)
- 1/2 cup water (120ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup butter, cubed and softened to room temperature (170g)
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts (260g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet
Lightly grease a large baking sheet (13×18″) with butter. Line it with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper. Measure out all ingredients before starting. - Combine sugar mixture
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with tall sides (at least 4-quarts), gently stir to combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Clean the sides of the pot with a rubber spatula. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom. Place the pan over medium heat. - Cook sugar mixture
Bring the mixture to a boil, gently stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved, for 6 to 10 minutes, until it reaches 250°F. - Add butter
Immediately add the butter and stir constantly until it melts. Let the mixture return to a boil. - Cook to temperature
Cook for another 12 to 15 minutes, or until the mixture reaches 280°F, then stir in the peanuts. Cook, stirring slowly but consistently, until the temperature reaches 305°F. - Add vanilla and baking soda
Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the vanilla and baking soda. Stir well to combine. (The mixture will bubble up quite a bit, which is normal.) - Pour and spread
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly spread it out using a spatula. The brittle should completely cover the sheet pan and be thinner than the peanuts embedded in it. - Cool and break
Allow the brittle to cool completely, about 45 minutes, before breaking into pieces.
Notes
- Adjust saltiness by using salted peanuts and omitting salt in the recipe, or sprinkle with flaky sea salt before hardening for extra saltiness.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda and vanilla, as the mixture sets rapidly.
- Use a wooden spoon for stirring and a silicone spatula for spreading to withstand high temperatures.
- Wear oven mitts when handling the hot mixture to prevent burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg