Barbara Ann'S Peanut Brittle
Creamy, crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and roasted peanuts, perfect for sweet snack lovers and ideal for sharing during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, Karo, and water, covered, to 236°.
- Stir in peanuts and cook to 280°.
- Add butter.
- Cook to 300°, stirring.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Add baking soda.
- Pour into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Cool completely.
- Turn the pan upside down on the counter.
- Gently tap the pan with a hammer to release the brittle.
- Break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
When making peanut brittle, ensure your sugar mixture reaches the correct temperatures for optimal texture; a candy thermometer is highly recommended. You can substitute light corn syrup for Karo syrup if needed. For added flavor, consider using roasted peanuts or a mix of nuts. Stir continuously after adding the butter to prevent scorching, and be cautious as the mixture will be very hot.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful snack on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. You can serve it alongside coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, consider using it as a topping for cakes or in gift baskets during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. If the humidity is high, consider wrapping the brittle in wax paper before placing it in the container to prevent it from becoming sticky. Avoid refrigerating as this can make the brittle lose its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara Ann'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 178 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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 can I do if my peanut brittle turned out too hard?
If your peanut brittle is too hard, it may have been cooked too long. In the future, monitor the temperature closely and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 300°. You can also try placing the brittle in a microwave for a few seconds to slightly soften it, but be cautious not to overheat.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of nuts such as cashews or almonds in place of peanuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying cooking times or flavors, so adjust accordingly. Experimenting with mixed nuts can also create a unique and delicious variation of this classic peanut brittle.
How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?
The sugar mixture should reach specific temperatures for the best results: cook to 236° for the initial mixture, then add the peanuts and cook to 280°, and finally to 300° before adding the butter. Using a candy thermometer is the most reliable method to ensure accuracy and achieve a perfect texture.
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).