Ampa'S Peanut Brittle

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Crackling, sweet, and nutty peanut brittle offers a delightful treat with caramelized sugar and crunchy peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting to friends and family.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/4 c. water
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/3 c. white corn syrup
  • 2 c. peanuts

Instructions

  1. Cook sugar, syrup, and water on medium heat until it spins a light strand from a fork. Do not stir. Add the peanuts.
  2. Cook until brown spots appear on top of the mixture. Add baking soda and stir as you remove from heat.
  3. Pour out immediately on a well buttered flat pan.
  4. Let cool before breaking into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure the perfect texture, make sure to cook the sugar mixture without stirring until it reaches the right consistency. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds. Be cautious when adding baking soda, as it will cause the mixture to bubble up significantly. For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the brittle into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking, and consider serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags to give as gifts during holidays or special occasions, making it a great addition to holiday treat platters.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes, but be careful not to melt it. This treat is best enjoyed fresh but can last for several weeks if stored properly.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ampa'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 155 calories, with 6g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 714mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

155 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 8.9g 11% DV
Carbs 15.6g 6% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 713.5mg 31% DV
Potassium 146.1mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 29.3mg 2% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Peanut

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve the desired browning.

What should I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?

If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have cooked long enough. Ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage, typically around 300°F. If needed, you can reheat it gently and add a bit more baking soda to help with the texture, but be careful not to overcook it.

How long does the peanut brittle stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, peanut brittle can last for up to three weeks at room temperature. However, to maintain its crispness, it's best enjoyed within the first week. If you notice any signs of moisture or stickiness, it may be time to discard it.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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