The Best Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe for Sweet Crunch Lovers

Sweet memories of childhood crackle through this homemade peanut brittle recipe that connects generations of candy lovers.

Grandparents shared similar treats during holiday gatherings.

Golden caramelized sugar creates a mesmerizing amber landscape studded with crunchy roasted peanuts.

Each batch carries a nostalgic warmth that whispers family traditions.

Crafting this classic confection requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

Sugar transforms into a magical glass-like canvas waiting for delicious potential.

Crack into this simple yet spectacular sweet that promises to become your new favorite homemade treat.

Homemade Peanut Brittle That Crunches with Sweetness

• Craft Sweet Memories: Create a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood joy and connects generations through a classic homemade candy experience.
• Master Candy-Making Skills: Learn a professional-level confectionery technique that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning, crunchy golden brittle with impressive results.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare a delightful dessert with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver a satisfying crunch and rich caramel flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress friends and family with a versatile sweet treat perfect for holidays, gift-giving, or spontaneous snacking moments.

Ingredients for Classic Homemade Peanut Brittle

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that creates the base of the brittle and caramelizes to develop a rich golden color.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and provides a smooth, glossy texture to the brittle.
• Peanuts: The star ingredient that adds crunch, protein, and nutty flavor to the classic candy.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the brittle.

• Baking Soda: Creates a light, airy texture by causing the mixture to foam and expand when added at the end of cooking.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the entire surface is covered for easy removal of the brittle later.

Step 2: Create Sugar Base

Pour sugar and corn syrup into a heavy saucepan over medium heat.

Stir constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and transforms into a golden brown color, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Peanuts

Add butter to the sugar mixture, stirring until completely melted.

Fold in peanuts, making sure they’re evenly coated with the sweet syrup.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until it reaches a deep amber color.

Use a candy thermometer to confirm the temperature hits around 300°F, which is the critical point for brittle texture.

Step 5: Activate Baking Soda Magic

Remove the pan from heat and quickly mix in baking soda and salt.

The mixture will bubble and foam dramatically, creating a light and crispy texture.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface before it begins to harden.

Step 7: Break and Serve

Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, break into irregular pieces and store in an airtight container or serve immediately for a crunchy sweet treat.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Peanut Brittle Every Time

• Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to accurately track the temperature, ensuring perfect caramelization without burning the sugar.
• Work quickly when adding baking soda, as it creates a light, airy texture that makes the brittle delightfully crisp and crunchy.
• Choose raw, unsalted peanuts for the best flavor and control over the salt content in your homemade brittle.
• Wear protective oven mitts and be cautious with hot sugar syrup to prevent painful burns during preparation.
• Store the cooled brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks to maintain its signature crunch.

Flavorful Variations on Peanut Brittle to Explore

• Almond Crunch Brittle: Replace peanuts with sliced almonds for a nutty, elegant variation with subtle flavor differences.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm corn syrup and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute part of sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining caramelization.
• Coconut Crisp Version: Mix shredded coconut with peanuts for added tropical texture and a unique sweet-nutty profile.

Pairings That Enhance Homemade Peanut Brittle Experience

• Complement the sweet, nutty brittle with a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between hot and cold temperatures.
• Enhance the caramel notes of the peanut brittle with a smooth bourbon or whiskey, which amplifies the deep, toasty flavors of the candy.
• Brew a strong dark roast coffee to cut through the sweetness and highlight the peanut brittle's rich, caramelized undertones, providing a robust counterpoint.
• Break pieces of high-quality dark chocolate to create a sophisticated flavor combination that balances the brittle's sweetness with deep, slightly bitter chocolate notes.

Best Storage Methods for Homemade Peanut Brittle

• Refrigerator Storage: Wrap peanut brittle pieces individually in wax paper or parchment, then place inside an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, avoiding direct sunlight and humidity.
• Freezer Preservation: Layer brittle pieces between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Counter Storage: Store in a dry, sealed glass jar or metal tin with tight-fitting lid. Protect from moisture and heat to maintain crunchiness. Best consumed within 10-14 days.
• Moisture Prevention: Add a small silica gel packet to storage container to absorb excess humidity and prevent brittle from becoming sticky or soft.

FAQs

• Why do I need to stir continuously while cooking sugar and corn syrup?

Constant stirring prevents sugar from burning and ensures even heating, creating a smooth, golden caramel base without scorching.

• What happens when I add baking soda to the hot mixture?

Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle a light, crispy texture and preventing it from becoming too hard or dense.

• How do I know when the mixture has reached the right temperature?

Use a candy thermometer to check for 300°F (hard crack stage), or watch for a deep amber color that indicates the perfect caramelization point.

• Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! You can substitute almonds, cashews, or pecans for a unique twist on the classic peanut brittle recipe.

Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet peanut brittle recipe celebrates classic candy crafted from caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts. Rich golden treat offers crunchy texture with deep nutty flavors you can enjoy as a nostalgic homemade confection.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup raw peanuts
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (226.8 g)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 pinch salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to create a smooth, non-stick surface for cooling the brittle.
2. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heating over medium flame and stirring consistently to prevent burning.
3. Allow the mixture to transform into a golden, bubbling liquid with constant gentle stirring.
4. Incorporate butter into the syrup, mixing until completely melted and integrated.
5. Fold in peanuts, ensuring each nut gets thoroughly coated with the caramelizing sugar mixture.
6. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture reaches a deep amber color and temperature of 300°F, indicating the perfect caramelization point.
7. Swiftly remove the pan from heat and immediately sprinkle baking soda and salt, which will cause the mixture to foam and expand rapidly.
8. Quickly pour the hot, aerated mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, using a heat-resistant spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer before it hardens.
9. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 30-45 minutes until firm and crisp.
10. Once solidified, crack the brittle into irregular, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a clean kitchen tool.

Notes

• Ensure precise temperature control using a candy thermometer to achieve the perfect amber color without burning the brittle.
• Quickly spread the mixture on the baking sheet to prevent hardening in the pot, which can make breaking difficult.
• For a healthier twist, substitute corn syrup with honey or maple syrup and use raw or unsalted peanuts to reduce processed sugar content.
• Work in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture from affecting the candy’s texture and prevent sticky or soft brittle.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 4.3 g
• Cholesterol: 8 mg