Country Peanut Brittle
Country Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting, and suits those who love homemade confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan and set aside.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the thermometer registers 275°F (soft crack stage), about 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
When making peanut brittle, ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best results. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute, but this may alter the texture. For a more complex flavor, add a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract just before pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet. Stirring constantly is key to preventing burning.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful treat on its own but can also be served alongside coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Fresh Apple Cake With Cream Cheese Icing, offering a contrast of flavors. For a festive presentation, break the brittle into irregular pieces and arrange them on a platter as a sweet addition to any dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make it sticky. If the brittle becomes soft, briefly re-crisp it in a low oven for a few minutes. For gift-giving, consider wrapping pieces in cellophane or placing them in decorative boxes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Country Peanut Brittle contains roughly 1750 calories, with 1g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 151g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1253mg 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 roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but be cautious with the cooking time to prevent burning, as they're already cooked. This will give a different flavor and texture, making the brittle slightly crunchier. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, it may have been cooked too long. To fix overly hard brittle in the future, try cooking it to a slightly lower temperature or adding a bit more butter to the mixture for a softer texture. It’s best enjoyed when it has the right balance between crunch and chewiness.
How can I easily break the brittle into pieces?
To break the peanut brittle into pieces, let it cool completely, then use a heavy knife or a mallet to tap it gently. You can also place it between two sheets of wax paper and hit it with a rolling pin to create smaller pieces. This method minimizes crumbs and keeps the presentation tidy.
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).