There’s something truly special about a homemade treat, and this Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe embodies classic charm and irresistible flavor. It’s a confection that evokes nostalgic memories of grandmothers’ kitchens, delivering a perfect balance of light, airy texture and rich, buttery taste, generously studded with crunchy peanuts. Far from being a sticky, hard candy that challenges your teeth, this brittle melts in your mouth, offering a delightful crispness with every bite. If you’ve ever dreamt of recreating that perfect, crisp peanut brittle from scratch, your search ends here. This simple yet foolproof recipe guides you through creating a truly delicious homemade candy in just a short amount of time.
Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday dessert spread, seeking a unique edible gift, or simply craving a sweet snack to enjoy with your family, homemade peanut brittle is always a fantastic choice. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the sheer satisfaction of creating such a delightful confection in your own kitchen. While you’re exploring the world of homemade sweets, be sure to check out some other beloved holiday candy recipes like Saltine Cracker Toffee, Pretzel Toffee, or this festive Peppermint Bark. These treats are sure to add a touch of sweetness to any occasion.
The Ultimate Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe
Are you yearning for that authentic, homemade peanut brittle taste, reminiscent of cherished family recipes passed down through generations? You’ve arrived at the perfect spot. This recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver a brittle that is not just crisp and buttery, but incredibly light and delightfully airy, ensuring it won’t cling to your teeth. It’s the kind of brittle that crumbles beautifully and dissolves on your tongue, leaving behind a rich peanut flavor.
Even if you consider yourself a novice in the kitchen, don’t be intimidated by candy making. This step-by-step, foolproof peanut brittle recipe is designed for ease and success. We promise that with a little attention to detail, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of this incredibly delicious homemade candy in no time. It’s perfect for adding to holiday cookie platters, gifting to friends and neighbors, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home. The joy of homemade candy truly is unmatched, and this classic peanut brittle is a testament to that.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Brittle
Crafting the perfect peanut brittle requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that signature crisp, light, and buttery texture. Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results.
- White Granulated Sugar: As the primary sweetener and structural component, granulated sugar forms the base of our candy. It melts down to create the brittle’s crystalline structure, which gives it its characteristic snap.
- Light Corn Syrup: This is a secret weapon in candy making. Corn syrup is an invert sugar that prevents the granulated sugar from crystallizing too quickly and becoming grainy. It ensures a smooth, clear syrup that results in a wonderfully glass-like brittle. Without it, your brittle might turn out gritty and dull.
- Water: Added to the sugar and corn syrup mixture, water helps dissolve the sugar evenly, facilitating a consistent cooking process. It evaporates as the mixture heats, allowing the syrup to reach the precise temperature needed for brittle.
- Peanuts: The star of the show! While raw peanuts are traditional and highly recommended for their fresh flavor that develops during cooking, roasted peanuts (unsalted is best, or adjust added salt) can also be used for a deeper, pre-toasted flavor. If using salted peanuts, reduce the added salt in the recipe. The crunch of fresh, quality peanuts is indispensable to this classic candy.
- Unsalted Butter: Cut into small pieces, butter is incorporated at the end of the cooking process. It contributes significantly to the brittle’s rich, buttery flavor and helps in achieving that beautiful golden hue. Cutting it into smaller pieces ensures it melts quickly and incorporates smoothly without cooling down the hot syrup too much.
- Baking Soda: This unassuming ingredient is vital for creating the brittle’s signature light and airy texture. When added to the hot syrup, baking soda reacts with the acidic components (like corn syrup) and the heat, releasing tiny carbon dioxide bubbles. These miniscule bubbles become trapped within the candy as it cools, making the brittle delightfully porous and easy to break, rather than rock-hard.
- Salt: A pinch of salt perfectly balances the sweetness of the candy, enhancing the overall flavor profile. It brings out the nuttiness of the peanuts and prevents the brittle from tasting overwhelmingly sweet.
- Vanilla Extract: Added at the very end, vanilla extract imparts a warm, aromatic note that complements the buttery and peanut flavors, adding depth and complexity to the brittle.
Essential Equipment for Homemade Peanut Brittle
Having the right tools on hand will make the peanut brittle-making process much smoother and ensure perfect results every time. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan (3-4 quart): A large, heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for even heat distribution, which prevents scorching the sugar. Its size allows enough room for the sugar mixture to bubble up without overflowing, especially once the peanuts are added.
- Candy Thermometer: This is arguably the most important tool for candy making. A reliable candy thermometer is essential for accurately monitoring the syrup’s temperature. Reaching precisely 300°F (149°C) is critical for achieving the correct brittle consistency – not too soft, not too hard.
- Large Buttered Baking Sheet(s) or Silicone Baking Mats: You’ll need a clean, flat surface to pour and cool your hot brittle. Buttering a large baking sheet thoroughly prevents sticking. Alternatively, silicone baking mats (like Silpat) are excellent non-stick surfaces that simplify removal and cleanup. Parchment paper also works well.
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: For stirring the hot sugar mixture and incorporating the final ingredients. Ensure it’s heat-resistant to avoid melting or damaging your utensil.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Peanut Brittle
Making peanut brittle might seem intimidating, but with this detailed guide, you’ll find it surprisingly straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Workstation: Before you even start cooking, ensure your large baking sheet is thoroughly buttered or lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Have all your measured ingredients ready and within arm’s reach. This rapid process requires everything to be prepared in advance.
- Initiate the Sugar Syrup: In your large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently but consistently until all the sugar crystals have completely dissolved. It’s crucial not to rush this stage; undissolved sugar can lead to a grainy brittle later on.
- Introduce the Peanuts and Reach Temperature: Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear, add the raw peanuts to the saucepan. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. The goal is to reach precisely 300°F (149°C) on your candy thermometer. Stirring helps prevent scorching and ensures the peanuts cook evenly within the syrup, developing their flavor and becoming perfectly toasted. This stage requires patience and constant monitoring of the thermometer.
- Incorporate Final Flavorings and Leavening: As soon as your candy thermometer hits 300°F, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. This is a critical moment. Quickly stir in the pre-cut butter pieces, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir just enough until all these ingredients are fully combined and the baking soda has reacted, creating those characteristic bubbles. Do not overmix once the baking soda is added, as it will deflate the airiness.
- Pour and Cool Without Spreading: Without delay, pour the hot peanut brittle mixture as evenly as possible onto your prepared large buttered baking sheet. Resist the urge to spread it with a spatula. Spreading can compress the air bubbles created by the baking soda, resulting in a dense, hard brittle instead of a light, airy one. The mixture will naturally spread a bit on its own.
- Allow for Complete Cooling: Let the hot brittle cool undisturbed at room temperature. This typically takes at least 30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on your kitchen’s temperature and humidity. Do not attempt to break it or move it until it is completely cool and firm to the touch.
- Break and Serve: Once fully cooled, the brittle will be hard and translucent. Use your hands to break it into irregular 2-inch pieces. The satisfying snap as it breaks is a sign of success! Serve your delicious homemade peanut brittle immediately, or prepare it for storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Brittle
How can I prevent my peanut brittle from becoming sticky or grainy?
Sticky peanut brittle is a common issue that almost always indicates too much moisture. This typically happens for two main reasons: either the sugar mixture wasn’t cooked to the precise temperature of 300°F (149°C), meaning residual water remained, or the brittle was exposed to high humidity or stored in the refrigerator. The fridge is not ideal for brittle as the humidity can cause it to become tacky. Grainy brittle, on the other hand, usually means the sugar crystallized. This can happen if the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved at the beginning, or if sugar crystals splattered onto the sides of the pan and fell back in, seeding crystallization. Using corn syrup helps prevent this, and wiping down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush during the initial cooking phase can also be beneficial.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy, you can still make peanut brittle without one using the “cold water test.” Drop a small amount of the hot syrup (without peanuts) into a glass of very cold water. If it immediately forms hard, brittle threads that snap when bent, it’s ready. If it’s still soft or pliable, continue cooking. Alternatively, a meat thermometer can be used in a pinch, as long as it registers up to 300°F. However, for best results and consistent quality, investing in a candy thermometer is worthwhile.
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, this recipe can be adapted for other nuts. Almonds, cashews, or pecans are excellent substitutes. Ensure the nuts are raw or unsalted roasted to control the final flavor. The cooking process remains the same, but the subtle flavor differences of the nuts will yield a unique brittle experience.
Why is my peanut brittle too hard or dense?
If your brittle turns out rock-hard or overly dense instead of light and airy, it’s often due to two main factors: either the baking soda wasn’t fresh or wasn’t added correctly, or the mixture was over-stirred after the baking soda was incorporated. Baking soda needs to react quickly to create those essential air bubbles. If you stir too much after adding it, you can deflate these bubbles, leading to a denser texture. Also, make sure not to spread the brittle too thinly or aggressively on the baking sheet, as this can also compress the air.
Properly Storing Homemade Peanut Brittle
To maintain the crispness and fresh flavor of your homemade peanut brittle, proper storage is key. Once completely cooled and broken into pieces, transfer the brittle to an airtight container. Store it at room temperature in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The enemy of brittle is moisture and humidity, which can quickly turn it sticky and chewy. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the condensation can ruin its texture.
When stored correctly, your delicious peanut brittle will remain fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. For longer preservation, peanut brittle can also be frozen for up to three months. To freeze, wrap individual pieces or layers in parchment paper, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it come to room temperature overnight. This allows it to thaw gradually without compromising its delicate texture.
Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
This classic peanut brittle is light and airy, super buttery and chock full of crunchy peanuts. It’s a simple homemade candy that everyone loves and takes just a few minutes to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooling Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yields: 18 people
Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar
- 1¼ cups light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups peanuts, raw
- ½ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook until the sugar is dissolved, stirring as needed.
- Add the peanuts and stir frequently until the temperature reaches 300 degrees F on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and add the butter, salt, baking soda, and vanilla. Stir just until combined then immediately pour as evenly as possible onto a large buttered baking sheet. Do not spread.
- Let the mixture cool to room temperature (at least 30 minutes) then break into 2″ pieces using your fingers.
- Serve immediately or store in a cool place in a covered container. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing instructions: store peanut brittle in an airtight container in a cool, dark place at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, pull out to room temperature overnight.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
- Sodium: 185mg
- Potassium: 124mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 52g
- Vitamin A: 158IU
- Calcium: 22mg
- Iron: 1mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
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There’s truly nothing quite like the satisfaction and deliciousness of homemade treats, and this Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe stands out as a true classic. With its irresistible light and airy crunch, rich buttery flavor, and generous scattering of perfectly roasted peanuts, it’s a timeless candy that brings joy to every bite. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring on your own, this recipe ensures you can create a piece of culinary nostalgia right in your own kitchen.