Butter Brittle
Butterscotch brittle with roasted peanuts offers a crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty treat perfect for sharing and gifting, appealing to candy lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, stir together the sugar, water, and corn syrup.
- Over medium heat, stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Add peanuts gradually so the mixture continues to boil.
- Cook, stirring often, to 260° on a candy thermometer or until a teaspoon of mixture dropped in cold water forms a ball that is plastic but hard enough to hold its shape.
- Add butter and stir until it melts.
- Continue cooking, stirring often, to 300° or until a teaspoon dropped into cold water separates into hard brittle threads.
- Remove from heat. Quickly stir in baking soda.
- Pour onto 2 ungreased cookie sheets.
- Spread with a spatula. When cold, break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your saucepan is heavy-bottomed to prevent burning the sugar mixture. If you can't find Spanish or Virginia peanuts, substitute with unsalted roasted peanuts for a similar taste. Keep a close eye on the temperature as candy can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy.
Serving Suggestions
Butter Brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, or you can serve it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Orange Spread for a unique flavor combination. Consider gifting packaged pieces for holidays or special occasions; it’s a sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Butter Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to two weeks if kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to reheat, briefly microwave it to soften, then let it cool to restore its crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Brittle contains roughly 1812 calories, with 62g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (123% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and potassium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 23g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts like almonds or cashews, but be aware that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the nut used. Just ensure they are raw and shelled for best results.
What should I do if my brittle doesn't harden?
If your brittle doesn't harden, it likely didn't reach the correct temperature. Try reheating the mixture while stirring constantly until it reaches 300°. You can then pour it out again and allow it to set.
How can I make this recipe easier for beginners?
For beginners, using a candy thermometer is essential to track the temperature accurately. You might also consider using pre-roasted peanuts to simplify the process. Just make sure they are unsalted to maintain the intended flavor 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).