Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Short Description

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a classic, crunchy candy made with caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and a hint of butter. This sweet and nutty treat is perfect for holiday gifting, snacking, or satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic homemade confection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic, old-fashioned homemade candy
• Crunchy, buttery, and packed with roasted peanuts
• Perfect for holiday gifts and festive treats
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• No candy thermometer required (but helpful for precision)

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Water
• Unsalted butter
• Roasted peanuts
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Bring to a boil, then cook without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color (or reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer).
4. Stir in butter, peanuts, and salt quickly.
5. Remove from heat and add baking soda and vanilla extract, stirring rapidly (the mixture will foam).
6. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 1 pound of brittle
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for a warm kick.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the brittle after cooling.
• Almond or Cashew Brittle: Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or pecans.
• Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle before it sets.
• Honey Peanut Brittle: Replace some of the corn syrup with honey for extra depth.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as it may affect texture.
• Preventing Stickiness: Keep in a cool, dry place and separate layers with wax paper.

FAQs

Can I make peanut brittle without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or golden syrup, but the texture may vary.

Why did my peanut brittle turn out too hard?

It likely cooked too long. Ensure you remove it from heat at 300°F.

How do I prevent my brittle from being too sticky?

Store in an airtight container in a dry place, away from humidity.

What’s the purpose of baking soda in peanut brittle?

It creates tiny air bubbles, making the brittle lighter and less dense.

Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?

Yes, but they should be added earlier in the cooking process to toast properly.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

It helps with accuracy, but you can also use the color test (golden amber) to determine doneness.

How do I spread the brittle evenly?

Work quickly and use a greased spatula or tilt the baking sheet gently.

Can I add flavor extracts other than vanilla?

Yes! Try almond extract or maple extract for a unique twist.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but work fast when spreading the brittle, as it hardens quickly.

What’s the best way to break peanut brittle into pieces?

Tap it with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon after it cools.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a crunchy, buttery, and nutty treat that’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you want a homemade candy. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, this easy-to-make brittle is sure to be a hit. Try making a batch for yourself or as a sweet gift for friends and family!

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