Deluxe Peanut Brittle
Deluxe Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting. Its caramelized texture and nutty taste appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a Dutch oven; cook over low heat to soft-crack stage (270°F).
- Stir in peanuts; cook to hard-crack stage (300°F).
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in butter, soda, salt, and vanilla.
- Pour into two warm, buttered 15 x 10 x 1-inch jelly roll pans and spread to edges of the pans.
- Cool and break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure that your sugar mixture reaches the correct temperatures for the soft-crack and hard-crack stages for perfect texture. If you can't find raw peanuts, roasted unsalted peanuts can be a good substitute, though they will change the flavor slightly. Be careful when stirring in the baking soda, as the mixture will bubble up. For added flavor, consider using a pinch of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the peanut brittle into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking. It makes a delightful treat paired with coffee or hot chocolate, especially alongside desserts like Mom'S Filled Coffee Cake. For gifting, package it in decorative bags or boxes to share with friends and family during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make it chewy. If you need to reheat it, place it in a low oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes; this will help restore some of its crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deluxe Peanut Brittle contains roughly 1331 calories, with 12g protein, 291g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1599mg per serving (70% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts have varying flavors and textures, which will slightly alter the final taste of the brittle.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, try wrapping it in a damp paper towel and microwaving it for a few seconds at a time. This may soften it slightly, but be cautious not to melt it completely.
How long does homemade peanut brittle last?
Homemade peanut brittle can last for about 2 to 3 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's best enjoyed within the first week.
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).