Description
This homemade peanut brittle recipe yields a perfectly crunchy, sweet treat made with simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and raw peanuts. The candy is cooked to a deep amber color for the ideal brittle texture and has a delightful hint of baking soda that creates a light, airy crispiness. Perfect for snacks, gifts, or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow the brittle to cool evenly.
- Cook Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes bubbly and turns a golden brown shade, which signals the caramelization process starting.
- Add Butter and Peanuts: Stir in the unsalted butter until it melts fully, then add the raw peanuts, mixing to coat them evenly with the sugary mixture.
- Cook to Deep Amber: Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it reaches a deep amber color, approximately 300°F on a candy thermometer, indicating the hard crack stage necessary for brittle candy.
- Incorporate Baking Soda and Salt: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and a pinch of salt. The mixture will bubble and froth, which helps create a lighter texture in the brittle.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly using a spatula or by tilting the pan to create a thin, uniform layer before it cools and hardens.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and enjoy the crunchy sweet treat!
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer helps ensure the brittle reaches the perfect temperature for the right texture.
- Be careful when handling hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the peanuts lightly before adding them to the mixture.
- Replace raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if preferred.
