Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
This Classic Peanut Brittle is crunchy, sweet, and packed with roasted peanuts. It’s a timeless candy treat that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and nutty.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts (or lightly salted, if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan (if you have one) and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.
- Add the Peanuts:
- When the mixture reaches about 280°F (soft crack stage), add the peanuts and stir continuously to prevent burning.
- Reach the Hard Crack Stage:
- Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water; it should harden immediately and break crisply.
- Add the Final Ingredients:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up slightly—this is normal and helps create the brittle’s light texture.
- Spread the Brittle:
- Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into a thin, even layer. Work quickly, as the candy hardens fast.
- Cool and Break:
- Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature (about 30–40 minutes). Once hardened, break it into pieces.
Tips:
- Work quickly when adding the butter, vanilla, and baking soda, as the mixture will set rapidly.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid humid environments, as moisture can make it sticky.
- For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate after the brittle sets.
Enjoy your homemade Peanut Brittle! 🍬🥜✨
