Brown Sugar (Dark Karo) Peanut Brittle
A rich, crunchy peanut brittle with deep caramel flavors and roasted peanuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing as a classic homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a large cookie sheet and the sides of a 3-quart saucepan.
- In the saucepan, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar or dark Karo syrup, light corn syrup, water, butter or margarine, and salt.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugars.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Cook over medium heat with a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until the syrup reaches 275°F (deep golden color).
- Stir in the peanuts; continue cooking and stirring often until the temperature reaches 295°F.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda.
- Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the buttered cookie sheet.
- If desired, pull with forks to stretch thin; cool completely.
- Break into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best results, make sure your ingredients are measured accurately. If you don't have dark Karo syrup, you can substitute with an equal amount of honey or molasses for a similar flavor. Keep a close eye on the candy thermometer, as sugar can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Using raw peanuts is essential for the right texture.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack or a sweet gift when packaged in a decorative box. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a fun twist, consider using it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes, or incorporate it into your favorite American recipes for added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crunchy. Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as humidity can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Sugar (Dark Karo) Peanut Brittle contains roughly 282 calories, with 6g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 961mg per serving (42% 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
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Using roasted peanuts will alter the flavor and texture of the brittle, as they won't provide the same crunch. It's best to stick with raw peanuts for this recipe to achieve the desired result.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the right temperature during cooking. Ensure you use a candy thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature. Unfortunately, if it's already cooled and sticky, there's no way to salvage it.
How can I make my peanut brittle more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your peanut brittle, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick while the mixture is cooking. Both will add depth to the sweetness of the brittle.
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).