Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a timeless candy treat featuring a crunchy, caramelized sugar base studded with salted roasted peanuts. This easy-to-make confection combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, with a buttery hint and a satisfying crisp texture, ideal for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
Sugar Mixture
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside so it’s ready when the brittle mixture is cooked.
- Cook the Sugar Mixture: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to boil.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the salted roasted peanuts, then continue cooking while stirring frequently until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard crack stage essential for brittle texture.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the softened butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam and lighten in color due to the chemical reaction, which helps create an airy, crisp texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer for uniform cooling and crunch.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely and harden at room temperature. Once set, break it into pieces for serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching the sugar mixture.
- A candy thermometer is essential to reach the correct temperature for desired brittle texture.
- Work quickly when adding butter, vanilla, and baking soda, and pouring the mixture, as it hardens fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.
- For variation, try substituting peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews.
