If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines crunchy texture with nutty richness, this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a nostalgic candy that brings together caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and a hint of vanilla, finishing with a satisfying snap that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re an experienced candy maker or a curious beginner, this recipe guides you through creating the perfect brittle that’s both delightful and addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this candy might sound fancy, but the ingredients are straightforward and each plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden hue everyone loves.
- Granulated sugar: The base sweetener that caramelizes to give brittle its signature crunch and color.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring the brittle stays smooth and glossy.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for even cooking and caramelization.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Salted roasted peanuts: Adds nutty depth and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and a silky finish to the brittle.
- Baking soda: Creates tiny bubbles that lighten the texture and give that classic brittle snap.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a fragrant aroma that elevates the entire recipe.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. This step ensures your brittle won’t stick and will come off easily once cooled.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy saucepan, mix granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the syrup begins to boil. This careful stirring helps prevent burning and creates a smooth caramel base.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Stir in the salted roasted peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently. Keep a candy thermometer handy here; you’ll want to reach 300°F (150°C), also known as the hard crack stage, which ensures your brittle sets perfectly crunchy.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract. This enriches the brittle’s flavor, giving it a luscious, buttery finish that makes it absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Add Baking Soda
Next, add the baking soda and stir briskly. The mixture will foam up and lighten in color, creating airy pockets that provide the brittle’s signature crispness.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into a thin, even layer while it’s still warm. This helps the brittle cool uniformly and snap perfectly when set.
Step 7: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, gently break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy the crunchy, nutty goodness.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While this peanut brittle is fantastic on its own, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before it cools for a sweet-salty twist. For a festive touch, toss in some finely chopped dark chocolate shavings as the brittle begins to set, adding complexity and a little extra decadence.
Side Dishes
The crunchy texture and sweet, nutty flavor of this brittle make it a wonderful companion to rich, creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or a smooth chocolate mousse. The contrast in texture and temperature is pure bliss on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond just snack time? Wrap pieces in decorative cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon for charming edible gifts. Or, scatter small shards over cakes and cupcakes to add a delightful crunch and visual appeal that will impress guests at any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe fresh and crunchy, store pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humid areas, as moisture can soften the brittle and spoil that satisfying snap.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance or save some for later, peanut brittle freezes well. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating
Peanut brittle is best enjoyed as-is, but if you find any pieces have softened, a few minutes in a low heated oven (around 200°F or 95°C) can help restore some of the crunch. Just watch closely to avoid melting!
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?
Yes, but roasting raw peanuts beforehand enhances their flavor and crunch, bringing the full nutty richness to your brittle.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can test the syrup by dropping a little into cold water; if it hardens and snaps easily, it’s at the right temperature. However, a candy thermometer helps achieve perfect results every time.
Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or cashews work well, though peanuts are classic. Just adjust the roasting time based on the nut you choose to get the best flavor.
Why does the baking soda make the brittle foam?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic sugar mixture, creating tiny bubbles that lighten the brittle’s texture, making it less dense and more crisp.
How long does Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, peanut brittle stays fresh for up to two weeks, perfect for enjoying little bites of crunch anytime.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own candy from scratch, and this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is a perfect place to start. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care, you’ll end up with a treat that’s crunchy, buttery, and utterly addictive. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and savor every crunchy bite alongside loved ones!
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 candy treat featuring a crunchy, caramelized sugar base studded with salted roasted peanuts. This easy-to-make confection combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a buttery hint and a satisfying crisp texture, ideal for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 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 to prevent sticking. Set aside so it’s ready when the brittle mixture is cooked.
- 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 completely and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the salted roasted peanuts, then continue cooking while stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard crack stage essential for brittle texture.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam and lighten in color due to the chemical reaction, which helps create an airy, crisp texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer for uniform cooling and crunch.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely and harden at room temperature. Once set, break it into pieces for serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching the sugar mixture.
- A candy thermometer is essential to reach the correct temperature for desired brittle texture.
- Work quickly when adding butter, vanilla, and baking soda, and pouring the mixture, as it hardens fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.
- For variation, try substituting peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews.
