If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious, this Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is exactly what you need. With its perfect balance of rich caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, every bite offers a satisfying snap paired with a buttery, vanilla-infused flavor that simply melts in your mouth. This timeless candy brings joy to holiday gatherings, casual snacking, or gift-giving occasions, capturing the essence of homemade love in every brittle shard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial part in creating the signature taste and texture of this candy. From the sticky sweetness of corn syrup to the toasty crunch of raw peanuts, these pantry staples transform into magic with just a little heat and attention.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The main sweetener that caramelizes beautifully to form that golden brittle base.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and shiny.
- ¼ cup water: Assists in dissolving the sugar for an even boil.
- 1 cup raw peanuts: Fresh peanuts add the perfect nutty crunch and flavor contrast.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the candy.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates tiny air pockets that give the brittle a light, crisp texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanut flavor.
How to Make Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Get started by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to ensure the brittle won’t stick once set. Having this ready ahead keeps the process smooth and stress-free since you’ll need to work quickly later.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the syrup begins to boil. This slow transformation sets the stage for rich caramelization essential to the brittle’s flavor.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Once boiling, add the raw peanuts to the pan and stir frequently. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the candy reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, known as the hard crack stage. This is when the brittle will have that iconic snap and a deep golden color.
Step 4: Stir in Butter, Vanilla, Baking Soda, and Salt
Remove the pan from heat and quickly add the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam up—this is normal and creates those light pockets in the brittle. Stir vigorously to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Pour and Spread on Prepared Sheet
Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto your baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer. Work fast because the brittle will begin to harden within seconds. Let it cool completely at room temperature before breaking into pieces.
How to Serve Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While Classic Peanut Brittle stands beautifully on its own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top adds an elegant twist. These simple garnishes elevate the flavor and make your brittle look as amazing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Enjoy brittle as an indulgent snack alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee—it brings out the candy’s buttery notes perfectly. It’s also a fun finish to casual dessert plates when paired with vanilla ice cream or creamy custard for contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gift-giving or parties, break the brittle into uniform shards and wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. You can also crush pieces and sprinkle over cakes or cupcakes as a crunchy topping that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your brittle fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents moisture from softening the candy so you can enjoy its crisp texture for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Though freezing is not usually necessary, you can freeze peanut brittle in a sealed container for longer storage. Just allow it to come to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation that might soften the candy.
Reheating
Reheating peanut brittle isn’t typically recommended as it may lose its snap. Instead, enjoy it as is or break it into smaller pieces for topping desserts or mixing into ice cream.
FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Absolutely! Roasted peanuts will add an extra depth of flavor and a salty element if they’re salted, giving your peanut brittle a unique twist.
What is the hard crack stage, and why is it important?
The hard crack stage is when the sugar syrup reaches about 300°F, causing it to harden with a crisp, brittle texture once cooled—key for that perfect snap in your peanut brittle.
Why do we add baking soda?
Baking soda causes the mixture to foam, creating tiny air bubbles. This lightens the brittle’s texture, making it crisp yet easy to bite rather than dense and hard.
Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Definitely! Although peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with almonds, cashews, or pumpkin seeds for a delicious twist on the Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe.
How do I make sure my peanut brittle doesn’t become sticky?
Store it in an airtight container and keep it away from humidity. Also, avoid storing it in the refrigerator, which can introduce moisture and make the brittle sticky.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe is one of those simple homemade treats that never fails to impress. Its perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and buttery tastes makes it a cherished favorite for every season. So, roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to some homemade goodness. I promise this brittle will become your go-to sweet snack and a crowd-pleaser at any occasion!
Print
Classic Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless American dessert featuring crunchy, sweet brittle made with raw peanuts cooked to the perfect hard crack stage. This easy-to-make candy combines sugar, corn syrup, and butter with a touch of vanilla and baking soda to create a foamy, crisp texture that cools into irresistible peanut-studded brittle pieces, perfect for holiday treats or anytime snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and set it aside to cool the brittle later.
- Combine sugars and water: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a boil.
- Add peanuts and cook to hard crack: Stir in the raw peanuts and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) and turns a deep golden color, about 10 to 15 minutes on the stove.
- Remove from heat and add flavorings: Take the pan off the heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The mixture will foam; stir vigorously to combine everything evenly.
- Spread and cool: Immediately pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly but work quickly as it sets fast.
- Break into pieces: Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces and store them in an airtight container to keep crispy.
Notes
- Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar mixtures as they can cause severe burns.
- For a saltier version, substitute raw peanuts with roasted salted peanuts.
- To add a spicy twist, include a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
