Homemade Peanut Brittle: A Classic Crunchy Treat

If you love the irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, then homemade peanut brittle is about to become your new favorite treat. This classic candy is buttery, golden, and packed with roasted peanuts in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of caramelized sugar and nutty goodness, creating a texture that shatters beautifully with each bite.

Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, a nostalgic childhood snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet and crunchy, peanut brittle is surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a good pot, a candy thermometer, and a bit of patience while the magic happens.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic and nostalgic – A timeless candy that brings back childhood memories.
• Perfect for gifting – Wrap it in festive bags or jars for a homemade present.
• Crunchy and buttery – A satisfying texture with just the right balance of sweet and salty.
• No special tools required – No candy molds, no complicated techniques—just a pot and a baking sheet.

Let’s dive into this old-fashioned favorite and make a batch of homemade peanut brittle that’s anything but ordinary!

Ingredients

To make this perfect peanut brittle, you’ll need a handful of simple pantry staples:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Provides the perfect sweetness and caramelization.
• ½ cup light corn syrup – Prevents crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth.
• ¼ cup water – Helps dissolve the sugar evenly.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup roasted peanuts – The star ingredient, giving the brittle its signature crunch.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the final texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Creates a light and airy texture by introducing air bubbles.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

Necessary Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan – Ensures even heating and prevents burning.
• Candy thermometer – Helps you achieve the perfect temperature for the brittle.
• Wooden spoon – Sturdy enough to mix the thick caramel.
• Baking sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Spatula or buttered spoon – Helps spread the brittle evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Before you start cooking, have everything ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the brittle from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring. Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Butter

Once the mixture reaches 300°F, quickly stir in the roasted peanuts and butter. The peanuts will toast slightly in the hot syrup, deepening their flavor.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up—this is normal! The baking soda creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle a delicate crispness.

Step 5: Spread the Brittle

Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a buttered spatula to spread it into an even layer. Work fast, as the brittle will begin to harden quickly.

Step 6: Cool and Break

Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle

Making homemade peanut brittle is simple, but a few key tips can make the difference between a perfect, crunchy candy and a sticky, grainy mess. Here’s everything you need to know to master this recipe every time.

1. Use a Candy Thermometer

Temperature is everything when making brittle! If you don’t cook the sugar mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage), your brittle may turn out soft or chewy instead of crisp and snappy. A reliable candy thermometer ensures accuracy.

2. Don’t Stir Once the Sugar Boils

Stirring after the sugar has started boiling can cause crystallization, leading to a grainy texture instead of a smooth, glassy finish. Stir only in the beginning to dissolve the sugar, then let it cook undisturbed.

3. Work Quickly After Adding Baking Soda

Once you stir in the baking soda, the mixture will foam up and begin to set rapidly. Immediately pour it onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it as thin as possible before it hardens.

4. Grease Your Utensils

A buttered spatula or spoon makes spreading the brittle much easier. You can also lightly grease your hands (if they can handle the heat) to help shape the brittle before it sets completely.

5. Choose the Right Peanuts

For the best flavor, use roasted, unsalted peanuts. If using raw peanuts, they will toast slightly in the hot syrup but won’t develop as deep a flavor as pre-roasted ones.

6. Use a Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan

Thin pots can cause uneven heating and hot spots, leading to burning. A heavy-bottomed saucepan provides even heat distribution and better control.

7. Avoid Making Brittle on Humid Days

Humidity can prevent the sugar from reaching the correct consistency, resulting in sticky or chewy brittle. If possible, make peanut brittle on a dry day to ensure it hardens properly.

8. Let It Cool Completely

Resist the urge to break the brittle too soon! Allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it hardens fully and is easy to break into pieces.

9. Store It Properly to Keep It Crisp

Peanut brittle absorbs moisture from the air, making it soft over time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and layer the pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

10. Experiment with Flavors

Want to change things up? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or sea salt for a unique twist. You can also swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans to create different flavor profiles.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about homemade peanut brittle is how easy it is to customize! Whether you need ingredient swaps for dietary reasons or just want to experiment with new flavors, here are some delicious variations and substitutions to try.

Nut Substitutions

• Almond Brittle – Swap peanuts for sliced or whole almonds for a more delicate, nutty flavor.
• Cashew Brittle – Cashews add a buttery richness that pairs beautifully with caramelized sugar.
• Pecan Brittle – Pecan lovers will enjoy the warm, slightly smoky taste of pecan brittle.
• Walnut Brittle – Use walnuts for a slightly bitter, earthy twist.
• Nut-Free Brittle – Substitute peanuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or toasted coconut flakes for an allergy-friendly version.

Sweetener Substitutions

• Honey Peanut Brittle – Replace corn syrup with honey for a deeper, floral sweetness. The texture may be slightly softer.
• Maple Brittle – Use pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a natural, woodsy flavor.
• Brown Sugar Brittle – Swap some or all of the white sugar for brown sugar to add a rich molasses undertone.

Flavor Variations

• Spiced Peanut Brittle – Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy twist.
• Salted Peanut Brittle – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle before it cools for a perfect sweet-salty contrast.
• Chocolate-Dipped Brittle – Once the brittle is cooled and broken into pieces, dip them in melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Coconut Brittle – Stir in toasted shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
• Spicy Peanut Brittle – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a sweet and spicy kick.

Texture Variations

• Extra Crunchy Brittle – Use less baking soda (½ teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon) to create a firmer, glassier brittle with fewer air bubbles.
• Lighter, Fluffier Brittle – Use a full teaspoon of baking soda for a more porous, delicate crunch.
• Chewier Brittle – Cook the sugar mixture only to 280-290°F instead of 300°F for a softer, taffy-like texture.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade peanut brittle fresh, crisp, and delicious. Because brittle is sensitive to moisture, following these guidelines will help maintain its signature crunch.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 Weeks)

• Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
• To prevent the pieces from sticking together, layer them with parchment paper inside the container.
• Avoid storing it in a humid kitchen or near the stove, as moisture can make the brittle soft and sticky.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months)

• For longer storage, place the brittle in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze it.
• When ready to eat, let it come to room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation from making the brittle sticky.
• Do not refrigerate, as the fridge’s moisture will soften the brittle and ruin its crisp texture.

How to Prevent Sticky or Soft Brittle

• Use silica gel packs (food-safe) inside the container to absorb excess moisture.
• If brittle becomes slightly soft, place it in a low oven (250°F) for 5-10 minutes to crisp it back up. Let it cool before storing again.
• Always seal the container tightly after taking out a piece to keep air exposure minimal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my peanut brittle turn out too soft?

It likely didn’t reach 300°F. The correct temperature ensures the brittle hardens properly.

Can I make peanut brittle without corn syrup?

Yes! Substitute with honey or golden syrup, but note that the texture may be slightly different.

Why is my brittle grainy?

Sugar crystallization may have occurred. Avoid stirring once the syrup begins to boil.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but work in batches. Spreading a large amount of brittle quickly is challenging.

Conclusion

Making homemade peanut brittle is easier than you might think, and the results are well worth the effort. With its perfect balance of buttery sweetness and crunch, it’s a nostalgic treat that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for yourself, as a gift, or for holiday gatherings, this peanut brittle is sure to impress.

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