Chunky Peanut Brittle
A rich, crunchy peanut brittle infused with chocolate and chopped peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting, with sweet, salty, and nutty flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with Pam.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of peanut butter pieces over the prepared sheet.
- In a heavy 2-quart pan, combine sugar, corn syrup, margarine, and water.
- Heat over medium heat until boiling and cook to 300°F (hard-crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped salted peanuts.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate pieces and remaining peanut butter pieces over the hot mixture.
- Allow the chocolate and peanut butter pieces to melt, then spread evenly over the surface with a knife, ensuring all edges are covered.
- Cool until hard, then break into small pieces for serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a smooth melting of the chocolate and peanut butter pieces, you can cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel for a minute after pouring to trap heat. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Chunky Peanut Brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet treat. For an added twist, try crumbling it over yogurt or using it as a topping for Mrs. Stephenson'S Sheet Cake And Chocolate Icing. Pair it with a warm beverage for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to soften it slightly for easier breaking, place it in a warm area for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Peanut Brittle contains roughly 212 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 peanut brittle?
Yes, you can substitute salted peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them roughly to ensure they mix well with the sugar mixture.
What should I do if my sugar mixture doesn't reach 300°F?
If your mixture isn’t reaching the hard-crack stage, check the temperature of your stove and ensure it’s set to medium heat. Stirring occasionally can help distribute the heat evenly. If it still doesn’t reach 300°F, you may need to increase the heat slightly.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the margarine with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate pieces. Just make sure that all other ingredients are certified vegan as well.
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).