Buttery Peanut Brittle
Buttery Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat infused with rich caramel flavors and roasted peanuts. Its crisp texture and irresistible taste make it perfect for sharing or gifting. Ideal for those who love classic confections with a homemade touch, this brittle delivers satisfying crunch and buttery richness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a 3-quart saucepan.
- Cook and stir over high heat until sugar dissolves.
- When the syrup boils, blend in butter.
- Stir frequently.
- When the mixture reaches a syrup stage (approximately 230°F), reduce heat to medium.
- Continue cooking until the temperature reaches soft crack stage.
- Add peanuts to the mixture.
- Stir until the temperature reaches hard crack stage, approximately 305°F.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture onto two cookie sheets with sides.
- Spread candy evenly over the sheets, loosen from the pan as soon as possible, and turn the candy over.
- Allow to cool and then break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, ensure your mixture reaches the hard crack stage at 305°F for a perfect crunch. If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider using roasted peanuts instead of raw. For added sweetness, mix in a handful of chocolate chips once the brittle is cooled but still warm. Always keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Buttery peanut brittle is a delightful treat on its own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect snack for gatherings or holiday parties. For a creative twist, crumble it over a One-Bowl Trifle Chocolate Oatmeal Jumbles for a unique dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain its crisp texture, avoid refrigerating it, as humidity can make it chewy. If you have leftovers, separate the pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy within two weeks for the best flavor and crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttery Peanut Brittle contains roughly 493 calories, with 0g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 40g fat.
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 other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time if you're using raw nuts, as they will need to be toasted before adding them to the brittle.
What should I do if my brittle is too sticky?
If your brittle turns out too sticky, it may not have reached the hard crack stage during cooking. Next time, ensure you monitor the temperature closely. If it's already made, let it sit out to dry for several hours, which might help reduce stickiness.
How can I tell when the brittle is done cooking?
The brittle is done when it reaches the hard crack stage at 305°F. You can test by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms hard and brittle threads, it's ready. A candy thermometer is a helpful tool for accuracy.
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).