Description
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.
Ingredients
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.
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Consistency Matters – For the best texture, make sure your sugar mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) before adding the peanuts. If it’s undercooked, the brittle will be chewy instead of crisp.
- Avoid Humidity – Moisture is the enemy of brittle! If it’s a humid day, consider using a dehumidifier or making brittle when the weather is drier.
- Butter for Easy Spreading – Greasing your spatula or hands with a little butter helps spread the hot brittle more smoothly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg