Carol'S Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a homemade treat for peanut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, water, and Karo syrup until it spins a thread when poured from a spoon.
- Add peanuts; cook until light brown.
- Remove from heat; add baking soda and stir thoroughly.
- Pour immediately into a greased cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool completely, then break into pieces with a spoon.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture for your peanut brittle, ensure that your sugar mixture reaches the right temperature; using a candy thermometer can help. If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider substituting half of the Spanish peanuts with almonds or pecans. Be careful when stirring in the baking soda, as the mixture will bubble up. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Carol's Peanut Brittle as a delightful snack or dessert alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun treat. For a festive touch, consider packaging pieces in decorative bags as homemade gifts during the holidays. This brittle will complement sweet dishes like Leah's Peach Cobbler perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid refrigerating it, as the moisture can make it sticky. If you have leftovers, it can last for several weeks, but it's best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, simply place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain its crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carol'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 117 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of nuts such as almonds, cashews, or even pecans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the type of nut you choose, as some may brown faster than others. Mixing nuts can also create a unique flavor profile in your brittle.
What should I do if my peanut brittle turns out too hard?
If your peanut brittle is too hard, it may have been cooked for too long. To fix this for future batches, ensure you monitor the temperature closely and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the right consistency. If you still have hard brittle, try breaking it into smaller pieces and serving it with a soft dessert like ice cream.
How can I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking together?
To prevent your peanut brittle from sticking together, make sure to pour it onto a well-greased cookie sheet and spread it out evenly. Once cooled, store it in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container. Keeping it in a cool, dry place will also help maintain its texture and prevent clumping.
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).