Cocoa Peanut Brittle
Rich cocoa peanut brittle combines crunchy salted peanuts with smooth caramelized sugar and cocoa, creating a sweet, salty treat perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease a large cookie sheet and set aside two hours before serving or up to one week ahead.
- In a heavy 2-quart saucepan, over medium heat, beat together sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream until boiling, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved.
- Stir in the salted peanuts and continue cooking until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, approximately 300°F (150°C).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the cocoa, butter, and baking soda until well combined.
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely as you cook the mixture. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or substituting half of the salted peanuts with unsalted ones. You can also experiment by adding a splash of vanilla extract for an additional layer of flavor, but do so after removing from heat.
Serving Suggestions
This cocoa peanut brittle makes a delightful snack or dessert on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or can be crumbled over a bowl of yogurt. For a festive touch, consider packaging it in decorative bags as homemade gifts. It's a great treat to enjoy alongside coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cocoa peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Ensure that the pieces are separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you need to reheat, place in a low oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cocoa Peanut Brittle contains roughly 121 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of 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 nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute salted peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Just ensure they are roasted and salted for the best flavor. Keep in mind that different nuts may alter the texture slightly, so adjust cooking times if necessary.
What should I do if my brittle is too sticky?
If your brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the hard crack stage during cooking. Next time, use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper temperature of 300°F. Additionally, allow the brittle to cool completely before storing to help prevent stickiness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this cocoa peanut brittle vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative. Use plant-based butter or margarine as well. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, resulting in a delicious vegan treat.
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).