Alton Brown’s Crunchy Peanut Brittle Recipe: Sweet Magic!

Peanut brittle by alton brown emerges as a sweet symphony of crunch and caramel that electrifies taste buds.

Molten sugar transforms ordinary peanuts into a golden, glossy masterpiece of confectionery magic.

Crackling kernels suspended in amber-hued caramel create a sensory explosion that defies ordinary dessert expectations.

Professional techniques weave scientific precision into every crystalline bite.

Spices whisper complexity through each delicate shard of this delectable treat.

Culinary alchemy turns simple ingredients into a mind-blowing snack that shatters traditional candy boundaries.

You’ll find this recipe is more than just a sweet, it’s an edible work of art waiting to dazzle your senses.

Storage Tips for Alton Brown Peanut Brittle

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Quick Preservation Trick: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for easy grab-and-go snacking. Keeps the brittle crisp and prevents moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Long-Term Enjoyment: Pack brittle in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze up to three months for extended shelf life. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Humidity Helper: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to absorb excess moisture. This simple hack keeps the brittle crunchy and prevents it from becoming sticky or soft.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients List for Alton Brown Peanut Brittle

• Peanuts: Choose roasted, unsalted nuts for a deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Opt for fresh, fragrant cinnamon to enhance the sweet-spicy notes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Select high-quality, vibrant cayenne for a balanced heat kick.

• Granulated Sugar: Pick pure, fine-grain sugar for smooth caramelization.
• Water: Use filtered water to ensure clean, crisp sugar syrup.

• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral oil for light pan coating.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Choose non-stick surface for easy brittle release.
• Wooden Spoon: Pick a sturdy, heat-resistant utensil for safe stirring.
• Buttered Spatula: Use a flexible spatula to spread brittle smoothly and quickly.

Tools for Making Alton Brown Peanut Brittle

• Baking sheet: Flat, rimmed pan for spreading and cooling brittle.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Non-stick surface for easy removal.
• Small bowl: For mixing spiced peanut ingredients.
• Medium heavy saucepan: Thick-bottomed pan for even sugar syrup cooking.
• Wooden spoon: Heat-resistant stirring tool for sugar syrup.
• Buttered spatula: Greased utensil for spreading hot brittle smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurement tools.

Cooking Directions for Alton Brown Peanut Brittle

Craft Spicy Sweet Brittle

Create a mouthwatering candy that combines salty crunch with fiery warmth. This homemade treat transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular snack that will wow your friends and family.

• Prep Spicy Nutty Base

Blend peanuts with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. The spice mix will give your brittle an unexpected kick that tingles the taste buds.

• Build Sugar Magic

In a heavy saucepan coated lightly with oil, combine sugar and water. Heat until the mixture bubbles and transforms into a golden liquid. Watch carefully as the syrup shifts from clear to rich amber, developing deep caramel notes.

• Unleash Nutty Fusion

When the sugar reaches a perfect amber color, quickly toss in the spiced peanuts. Stir vigorously to coat every nut with the molten sugar, creating a glossy, even mixture that promises incredible flavor.

• Shape Crispy Perfection

Pour the blazing hot mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a buttered spatula, spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Move fast – the candy hardens quickly and becomes a delicate, crisp canvas of sweetness and heat.

• Transform and Serve

Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break into irregular pieces that showcase the rustic, handmade charm. Store in an airtight container and enjoy the spicy-sweet crunch that makes this treat unforgettable.

Extra Flavor Tips for Peanut Brittle

Explore Exciting Variations for Peanut Brittle

Adjust cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance. Add a pinch for mild warmth or double the amount for a fiery kick that tingles your taste buds.

Replace peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans to create unique flavor profiles. Each nut brings its own delightful texture and taste to the brittle.

Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch that balances sweet and savory notes. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled brittle for an indulgent twist.

Keep brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain maximum crunchiness.

Serving Peanut Brittle the Right Way

• Crack and Share Delight: Break the cooled peanut brittle into rustic, irregular pieces perfect for family gatherings or casual snack times. These crunchy shards make fantastic conversation starters at parties.
• Garnish Gourmet Desserts: Sprinkle small brittle fragments over vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, or caramel pudding for an unexpected sweet and spicy crunch that elevates simple desserts.
• Create Unique Gift Packages: Package brittle pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for homemade edible gifts. Wrap them individually for holiday treats or personal thank-you presents that showcase your culinary skills.
• Pair with Beverage Companions: Serve alongside rich espresso, smooth bourbon, or craft beer to complement the brittle's complex sweet and spicy flavor profile. The contrasting textures and tastes create a memorable tasting experience.

Crispy Alton Brown Peanut Brittle Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s peanut brittle recipe blends classic Southern candy-making techniques with precise culinary science. Professional bakers will appreciate the balanced sweetness and satisfying crunch of this traditional treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups (0.36 liters) water
• 3 cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups (0.36 kg) lightly salted, roasted peanuts
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil, for coating the saucepan
• Softened butter for a spatula

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine roasted peanuts with ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper in a bowl, setting the spiced mixture aside for later incorporation.
2. Sugar Transformation: Lightly oil a heavy saucepan, then add sugar and water. Heat on high, gently stirring to promote even caramelization. Cover and boil for 3 minutes without disturbance, then uncover and simmer on medium heat until the sugar develops a golden amber color.
3. Nut Integration: Quickly fold the seasoned peanuts into the caramelized sugar, stirring vigorously to ensure complete and rapid coating while maintaining optimal temperature.
4. Cooling and Shaping: Immediately pour the molten mixture onto a parchment-lined or silicone-matted baking sheet. Use a buttered spatula to spread the brittle into a thin, uniform layer. Optionally, place a second buttered baking sheet on top to help distribute the nuts evenly.
5. Finishing: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely before breaking or cutting into desired fragments. The result should be a crisp, spicy-sweet confection with a satisfying crunch.

Notes

• Spice Up Smartly: Mix cinnamon and cayenne precisely before starting to enhance peanut flavor and prevent uneven spice distribution.
• Watch Sugar Carefully: Monitor caramelization closely to avoid burning, aiming for a delicate amber color that signals perfect candy stage.
• Work Quickly and Confidently: Once sugar reaches amber stage, move rapidly when adding nuts and spreading mixture to prevent premature hardening.
• Use Proper Equipment: Heavy saucepan and silicone mat/parchment paper are crucial for even heat distribution and preventing sticky catastrophes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 60 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg