Aunt Vera'S Peanut Brittle
A sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramelized flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting, appealing to those who love classic candies and nutty treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine peanuts, Karo syrup, sugar, butter, and salt in a heavy skillet.
- Cook on high heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture dissolves and reaches the thread stage, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately and stir in soda and vanilla quickly.
- Pour onto a cookie sheet to cool.
- Once cooled, break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth texture, make sure to constantly stir the mixture while cooking. If you want to make this recipe even more unique, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or using mixed nuts instead of peanuts. Always use fresh peanuts for the best flavor, and be careful when adding the soda, as it will bubble up quickly. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a sweet addition to a dessert platter. It pairs beautifully with Connie'S Pound Cake for a delightful contrast of textures. For a festive touch, chop the brittle and sprinkle it over ice cream or yogurt. It also makes a great gift when wrapped in cellophane.
Storage & Reheating
Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it sticky. If you have any leftovers, they can last for several weeks if stored properly. To refresh the texture, you can briefly warm it in a low oven, but be careful not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Vera'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 469 calories, with 7g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1252mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
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
What is the thread stage in candy making?
The thread stage is a specific temperature range (230°F to 234°F) where the sugar syrup forms a thin thread when dropped from a spoon. To check this, you can use a candy thermometer or perform a cold water test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a soft thread. This stage is crucial for achieving the right texture in peanut brittle.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but it's best to adjust the cooking time slightly. Roasted peanuts will not need as long to cook since they are already done. Just watch the mixture closely to prevent burning, and reduce the cooking time to about 10-15 minutes until you reach the thread stage.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too soft?
If your peanut brittle turns out too soft, it may not have reached the proper temperature during cooking. You can try to remelt it gently and bring it back to the thread stage, then pour it out to cool again. Make sure to monitor the temperature closely in future batches to ensure a firmer result.
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).