Deliciously Crunchy Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle You’ll Love

Peanut brittle, a classic treat, has thrilled candy lovers for years with its crunchy sweetness.

This favorite snack mixes the rich taste of roasted peanuts with a shiny sugar base that cracks nicely when you bite into it.

Making peanut brittle at home is a cherished tradition for many who enjoy crafting this delicious dessert in their own kitchens.

The simple process turns basic ingredients into a magical, crisp creation that brings back memories of traditional cooking methods.

Families and friends often watch eagerly as the sugar changes color and fill the air with the irresistible smell of caramelized nuts.

More than just a sweet bite, homemade peanut brittle captures creativity, happy memories, and the joy of making something tasty from scratch.

Why Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Is A Crunchy Favorite

• Speedy Snack Adventure: Whip up this classic treat in under an hour with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfectly sweet and crunchy peanut brittle that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings and holiday gifts.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Transforms just a few pantry staples into a gourmet-style candy with simple cooking techniques anyone can master.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Costs pennies to make compared to store-bought versions, delivering restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.

What Goes Into Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

• Sugar, Water, Corn Syrup: Classic sweet foundation for brittle with smooth caramelization potential, white granulated sugar works best for consistent results.

• Peanuts: Crunchy core ingredient providing texture and classic flavor, raw or roasted options available, unsalted preferred for better control of final taste.

• Butter: Adds rich smoothness and helps prevent burning, room temperature recommended for easier incorporation.
• Vanilla: Provides warm background note and depth to the sweet profile, pure extract preferred over imitation.

• Baking Soda: Creates signature airy, light brittle texture by introducing tiny air bubbles, fresh and unexpired soda crucial for best results.

How To Make Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Fast

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your sweet treat. Set the sheet aside to have it ready for later.

Step 2: Create Sugar Mixture

• White sugar
• Water
• Corn syrup

Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the mixture starts bubbling softly.

Step 3: Monitor Candy Temperature

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 250°F.

Step 4: Add Nutty Crunch

Stir in peanuts and keep stirring constantly. Watch the mixture carefully as it continues heating until it reaches 300°F. The color will transform into a rich golden brown.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

• Butter
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract

The mixture will foam and change texture dramatically.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly and thinly across the surface. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Break and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, break the brittle into irregular pieces. The candy should snap cleanly and have a satisfying crunch.

Step 8: Store Properly

Transfer the brittle pieces to an airtight container. Keep at room temperature and enjoy within a week for maximum freshness and crispness.

Tips To Get Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Just Right

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for sugar, water, and corn syrup to ensure the perfect candy consistency and prevent crystallization.
• Control Heat Carefully: Watch the candy thermometer closely and maintain steady medium heat to avoid burning the sugar mixture or creating an uneven texture.
• Work Quickly: Once the mixture reaches 300°F, move fast when adding butter, baking soda, and vanilla to capture the right chemical reaction that creates the signature brittle crunch.
• Prevent Sticking: Always line the pan with parchment paper and allow the brittle to cool completely before breaking to ensure clean, easy removal and crisp pieces.
• Customize Your Brittle: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews, or add a pinch of sea salt for an extra flavor dimension that elevates the classic recipe.

Store Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, keeping it away from humidity and heat sources.
• Freeze: Wrap individual pieces or layers in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing crunchiness.
• Room Temperature: Keep brittle in a sealed container with a tight lid, placing silica gel packet inside to absorb moisture and maintain crisp texture.
• Avoid Moisture: Store in a cool, dry place like a pantry or kitchen cabinet, preventing softening or sticky consistency from developing.

Tasty Matches For Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

• Craft Complex Coffee Companion: Pair with a robust espresso or dark roast coffee, whose bold, bitter notes beautifully contrast the brittle's caramel sweetness and nutty crunch.
• Match Creamy Dessert Harmony: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or smooth cheesecake, where the cold, silky texture complements the crisp, warm brittleness of the candy.
• Blend Beverage Brilliance: Enjoy with a smooth amber ale or bourbon whiskey, which brings out rich caramel undertones and provides a warming adult twist to the classic treat.
• Enhance Cheese Plate Adventure: Add small brittle pieces to a charcuterie board with aged cheddar or gouda, creating a delightful sweet-savory interaction that excites taste buds.

Fun Peanut Brittle Variations To Try

• Nut-Free Seed Brittle: Replace peanuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for an allergy-friendly version that maintains a similar crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free Classic: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially corn syrup and vanilla extract, to create a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute part of the sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the traditional brittle structure.
• Chocolate-Drizzled Version: After cooling, melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the brittle for an extra indulgent flavor profile that adds richness to the traditional recipe.

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle FAQs

• Why does the recipe use baking soda?

Baking soda helps create tiny air bubbles that make the brittle light and crispy, giving it a delicate, airy texture when you bite into it.

• Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just ensure the nuts are raw and unsalted for the best results.

• How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?

Watch for the candy thermometer to reach 300°F (149°C), which is the critical “hard crack” stage that ensures your brittle will be crisp and not sticky.

• What if I don't have a candy thermometer?

Test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads that crack when bent, it’s ready to remove from heat.

Addictive Salted Chocolate and Caramel Pretzel Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet memories dance through Grandma’s classic Peanut Brittle recipe, blending caramelized sugar and roasted nuts into a crisp, golden treat. Crafted with love and simple ingredients, you’ll crack this delightful confection into irresistible shards of pure nostalgia.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Secondary Ingredients:

• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter

Final Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a clean, parchment-lined sheet pan to create a smooth surface for candy setting.
2. Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment, including a heavy-bottomed saucepan and candy thermometer.
3. Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in the saucepan, heating gently over medium flame while stirring intermittently.
4. Monitor the sugar mixture carefully, allowing it to transform into a gentle, bubbling liquid without stirring constantly.
5. Attach the candy thermometer, ensuring it hovers above the pan’s bottom for accurate temperature reading.
6. Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a golden-pale amber color and approaches 250°F, maintaining steady heat.
7. Introduce raw peanuts into the molten sugar, stirring consistently to distribute evenly and prevent burning.
8. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture darkens and reaches precisely 300°F, watching for subtle color changes.
9. Immediately remove from heat and rapidly incorporate butter, creating a quick, dramatic transformation.
10. Swiftly mix in baking soda and vanilla, which will cause the mixture to dramatically foam and lighten in texture.
11. Pour the volatile mixture onto the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread quickly and evenly before it begins to set.
12. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes until fully hardened.
13. Crack into irregular, rustic pieces using gentle pressure or the handle of a knife.
14. Store in a sealed container, keeping away from humidity to maintain crisp texture.

Notes

• Toast peanuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the brittle.
• Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent sugar from burning and ensure even heat distribution.
• Monitor temperature carefully with a reliable candy thermometer for perfect texture and consistency.
• Avoid stirring too much during cooking to prevent sugar crystallization and maintain smooth brittle.
• Work quickly when adding final ingredients and spreading, as the mixture hardens

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg