Great Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavors and toasted peanuts, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a homemade treat for peanut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter 2 large baking sheets and set aside. Butter sides of a heavy 3-quart saucepan.
- Combine sugar, syrup, water, and butter in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat until boiling, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and avoiding splashing on the sides of the pan.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the thermometer reaches 275°F, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches 295°F (hard-crack stage), about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly sprinkle baking soda over the mixture, stirring constantly.
- Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Allow the candy to cool completely and then break into pieces.
- Store tightly covered.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the best texture, make sure to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute raw peanuts with toasted pumpkin seeds. For added flavor, consider incorporating a pinch of sea salt or a dash of vanilla extract towards the end of cooking. Be cautious with the hot mixture, as it can cause burns if splashed.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it can also be served as a sweet accompaniment to coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider packaging pieces in decorative bags as gifts during the holidays. It pairs beautifully with Sweet Potato Pone Pie or can be enjoyed alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Reheating
Once the peanut brittle is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 weeks. If you live in a humid area, consider wrapping the brittle in parchment paper and then placing it in a container to help prevent moisture from softening the candy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Old-Fashioned 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
Why is my peanut brittle not hardening?
If your peanut brittle isn't hardening, it may not have reached the correct temperature. Ensure the candy thermometer is calibrated and that the mixture reaches at least 295°F. Additionally, make sure to pour the mixture onto the baking sheets immediately after removing it from heat, as cooling time is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts for a deeper flavor in your peanut brittle. However, keep in mind that they are already cooked, so add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking. This will enhance the nutty flavor without compromising the texture of the brittle.
How can I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking together?
To prevent your peanut brittle from sticking, ensure that it is completely cooled before storing. You can also layer pieces with parchment paper in the storage container. If you live in a humid climate, consider lightly dusting the brittle with powdered sugar to help keep the pieces separate.
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).