Grandma Bonnie Taunton'S Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and crunchy peanuts, perfect for sharing and satisfying candy cravings with a nostalgic touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook all ingredients, except soda, until the temperature reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer or the peanuts pop in the pan.
- Stir in soda quickly and pour the mixture onto a flat, buttered pan.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into small pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect peanut brittle, use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches exactly 300°F. If you don't have paraffin wax, you can skip it, but it helps in achieving a glossy finish. For a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds. Be careful when pouring the hot mixture, as it can be very sticky and hot, so work quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes an excellent snack on its own but also pairs beautifully with Mary'S Homemade Soup for a delightful contrast. You can chop it into small pieces and use it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or mix it into trail mix for added crunch. It also complements sweet treats like Lime Slush Punch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as moisture can make it sticky. If it becomes soft, you can briefly place it in the oven at a low temperature to crisp it up again before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Bonnie Taunton'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 335 calories, with 11g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1060mg per serving (46% 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 aware that they will change the flavor and texture slightly. Roasted peanuts may provide a deeper, nuttier taste, so adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking them.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, you can try breaking it into smaller pieces and microwaving it in short intervals, checking every 10 seconds. This may soften it slightly, but be cautious not to melt it completely.
How can I add flavor variations to my peanut brittle?
You can introduce flavor variations by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture before pouring it onto the pan. For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle once it has set.
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).