Description
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet, and nutty candy treat made from caramelized sugar, butter, and roasted peanuts. Perfect for holiday gifting or a satisfying homemade snack, the brittle is easy to make and sets quickly into perfect bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Brittle Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cubed)
- 2½ cups salted dry roasted peanuts
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a large (18×26 inch) sheet pan with lightly buttered parchment paper or a silicone mat. This ensures the brittle will easily release once hardened.
- Combine Syrup Ingredients: In a large (3-4 quart) stainless steel sauce pot, add water, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Gently stir to combine. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pot, ensuring the bulb is fully submerged but not touching the bottom.
- Cook to Firm Ball Stage: Heat the mixture over medium heat and cook undisturbed until the temperature reaches 250°F, known as the firm ball stage. This process takes about 20-25 minutes depending on your heat distribution.
- Add Butter and Peanuts: Stir in the cubed butter slowly until fully melted, then add the salted dry roasted peanuts, mixing until evenly incorporated.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 300°F-305°F (hard crack stage), about 10-15 minutes more. Remove immediately from heat to prevent burning.
- Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda quickly; the mixture will bubble up and become foamy—this reaction creates the brittle’s signature texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and spread into an even layer about ¼ inch thick using a silicone spatula. Work fast as the brittle hardens quickly.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, remove the parchment paper and break into bite-sized pieces for serving or storage.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper texture.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda since the mixture hardens fast.
- Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- To make this recipe nut-free, substitute peanuts with roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Confectionery
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peanut brittle, candy, homemade brittle, nut brittle, caramel brittle, holiday candy, crunchy sweets
