The sweet aroma of freshly made peanut brittle fills the air, a delightful blend of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts that can make even the grumpiest of folks crack a smile. Each piece is a crunchy explosion of flavor, perfectly balancing sweetness and nuttiness, making it an irresistible treat.
I remember the first time I attempted to make this classic candy; my kitchen looked like a sugary battlefield, with syrup splattered everywhere. But the end result was worth every sticky moment! Peanut brittle is not just a treat; it’s a nostalgic experience that brings smiles at family gatherings and holidays.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This peanut brittle recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for novice cooks
- The rich flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds
- It looks stunning in gift boxes, making it ideal for holidays or special occasions
- You can easily customize it with your favorite nuts for added flair
I once brought this peanut brittle to a family reunion, and my grandma nearly did a happy dance after her first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Granulated Sugar: The star of the show—use fine granulated sugar for the best results when melting.
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Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your brittle has that perfect crunch.
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Raw Peanuts: Opt for unsalted raw peanuts; they’ll roast beautifully and complement the sweetness perfectly.
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Butter: A touch of butter adds richness to the flavor while making the mixture easier to handle.
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Baking Soda: This magical ingredient helps create that airy texture we all love in peanut brittle.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools: a saucepan, candy thermometer, baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a spatula. Clean surfaces help keep your workspace organized.
Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix granulated sugar and corn syrup until combined. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely while keeping an eye on it.
Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). The bubbles will get bigger as it cooks.
Add Peanuts and Butter: Once you hit 300°F, quickly stir in raw peanuts and butter. The mixture will bubble up fiercely—stand back! Keep stirring until everything is well coated.
Add Baking Soda and Salt: Remove from heat immediately. Stir in baking soda and salt quickly; watch as it foams up! This step gives your brittle its signature texture.
Spread on Baking Sheet**: Pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly with a spatula—be careful; it’s hot! Allow it to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
By following these steps closely and keeping an eye on temperatures, you’ll whip up some delicious peanut brittle that’s guaranteed to impress friends and family alike!
You Must Know
- Peanut brittle is a delightful treat that combines sweet and salty flavors
- The crunchy texture makes it irresistible, perfect for gift-giving or satisfying your sweet tooth
- Ensure you work quickly when pouring the mixture; it hardens fast and can be a sticky situation!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the peanuts until golden to enhance their flavor. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a heavy saucepan, cooking it until it reaches a golden amber color. Pour in the peanuts and blend quickly before spreading it onto parchment paper.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your peanut brittle by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or drizzling chocolate on top. You could even experiment with different nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its crispness. If the brittle gets soft, place it in the oven at low heat for a few minutes to restore its crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh peanuts for the best flavor; stale ones will ruin your brittle
- Monitor the candy closely as sugar can burn quickly if left unattended
- A candy thermometer can help ensure perfect results every time!
Cooking peanut brittle has been one of those family activities where laughter fills the kitchen, especially when someone inevitably spills sugar everywhere. My kids always look forward to making this classic treat together!
FAQ
What is peanut brittle made of?
Peanut brittle is primarily made from sugar, butter, corn syrup, and peanuts.
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or even pecans.
How do I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking together?
Ensure it’s completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Delicious Homemade Peanut Brittle
Indulge in the sweet and crunchy delight of homemade peanut brittle. This classic candy combines caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts for a perfect balance of flavors that will brighten any occasion. Simple to make and customizable, this treat is ideal for gift-giving or satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed at family gatherings or shared with friends, every bite is a nostalgic experience sure to bring smiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and tools: a saucepan, candy thermometer, baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a spatula.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix granulated sugar and corn syrup until combined. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Attach the candy thermometer to the pan and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Quickly stir in raw peanuts and butter; be cautious as the mixture will bubble up. Keep stirring until everything is well coated.
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in baking soda and salt quickly, allowing it to foam up.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula. Let it cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
