Famous Peanut Brittle
Famous peanut brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting, appealing to candy lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, white Karo, and hot water in a saucepan and cook to 250°F on a candy thermometer.
- Add butter and peanuts to the mixture.
- Stir constantly and cook until the temperature reaches 310°F.
- Remove from heat; add vanilla and soda, and quickly stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered aluminum tray or pans, spreading evenly.
- Stretch and break into pieces once cooled.
- Work quickly during pouring and breaking steps to prevent hardening.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure that your candy thermometer is calibrated correctly. If you don't have raw peanuts, roasted unsalted peanuts can be used as a substitute, but be cautious of the cooking time to avoid burning. Stir constantly and work quickly during the pouring and breaking steps, as the mixture hardens rapidly. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt for balance.
Serving Suggestions
Famous Peanut Brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. It pairs beautifully with Praline Pecan Pie for a sweet treat combination. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags for gifts or party favors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make the brittle sticky. If you need to reheat, place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven for a few minutes to restore crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Famous Peanut Brittle contains roughly 113 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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
Why did my peanut brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky peanut brittle usually indicates that it didn't reach the proper temperature during cooking. Ensure you cook the sugar mixture to 310°F to achieve the desired crunch. If it seems sticky after cooling, it may have absorbed moisture from the air, so store it in a dry place.
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may affect the flavor and texture slightly. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor and provide an added layer of crunch.
How can I prevent my candy from burning?
To prevent burning, cook the mixture over medium heat and stir constantly until it reaches the desired temperature. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan can also help distribute heat evenly. If you're unsure, use a candy thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings.
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).