Charlie'S Peanut Brittle
Charlie'S Peanut Brittle is a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavors and a crisp texture. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a homemade dessert, it combines caramelized sugar, butter, and vanilla, topped with roasted peanuts for added crunch and flavor appeal for those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter 2 baking sheets, each 15 1/2 x 12 inches; keep warm.
- Combine soda, 1 teaspoon water, and the vanilla; set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect peanut brittle texture, ensure your sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage before adding the soda mixture. If you’re out of light corn syrup, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup for a slightly different flavor. For a nutty twist, try adding roasted almonds or pecans in addition to the peanuts. Keep an eye on the temperature to avoid burning, as it can quickly go from perfect to overdone.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful treat on its own or can be chopped and used as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Cream Cupcakes for a sweet dessert platter. Consider serving it alongside a warm beverage, such as coffee or hot chocolate, to balance its sweetness. This candy can also be a great addition to gift baskets during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can cause it to soften. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Charlie'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 141 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 11g 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, cashews, or pecans. Just make sure they are roasted for the best flavor. Each nut will impart a different taste to the brittle, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle is sticky, it may not have reached the right temperature during cooking. Ensure the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F). If you've already made it and it's sticky, you can try re-heating it gently to achieve the right consistency, but this may alter the texture.
How can I tell when my peanut brittle is done cooking?
The best way to check if your peanut brittle is done is by using a candy thermometer. It should reach a temperature of 300°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the syrup into cold water; if it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready to be removed from heat.
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).