Daddy'S Peanut Brittle
Rich and crunchy peanut brittle with sweet caramel flavor, perfect for sharing and satisfying sweet cravings. Ideal for candy lovers and nostalgic treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Best if cooked in an iron skillet to ensure even heat distribution.
- Combine sugar and Karo syrup in a saucepan and heat until boiling.
- Add raw peanuts to the mixture and cook until the caramel reaches the desired temperature.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda to create a foaming effect.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased surface or parchment paper and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool and harden before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfect peanut brittle, use raw peanuts for a fresher flavor and ensure even cooking by using an iron skillet. If you prefer, you can substitute white sugar with coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor. Keep an eye on the candy thermometer to avoid burning; the mixture should reach around 300°F for the best texture. Stir constantly after adding the peanuts to ensure even caramelization.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be chopped and used as a topping for vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a sweet treat. Consider serving it alongside the Green Pea Vegetable Salad for a balanced meal that's both savory and sweet.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a low oven briefly or microwave it for a few seconds to restore some crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Daddy'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 196 calories, with 8g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1682mg per serving (73% 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 mindful that they may burn faster. It's best to reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor the caramelization closely to achieve the right texture without overcooking the nuts.
How can I tell when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it reaches a temperature of about 300°F on a candy thermometer, which is the hard crack stage. If you don't have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it likely wasn't cooked long enough or wasn't stored properly. To fix this, you can try re-baking it in a low oven to dry it out, or simply enjoy it as a chewy candy!
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).