Homemade Peanut Brittle
Homemade peanut brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor and caramel notes. Perfect for sharing during holidays or as a gift, it combines simple ingredients to create a nostalgic candy that appeals to both kids and adults alike, delivering a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix peanuts, Karo syrup, water, and sugar together in a saucepan.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the syrup turns a caramel color, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add soda and stir vigorously for a few seconds.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Allow to cool completely, then break into desired pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, toast the peanuts in the oven before adding them to the syrup mixture. If you don't have Karo syrup, you can substitute with light corn syrup or honey; however, the flavor may vary slightly. Ensure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning, as the sugar can caramelize quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it can also be served as a sweet addition to a dessert platter alongside items like Cranberry-Apple Mold. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags as gifts. Pairing with coffee or tea enhances its flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make it chewy. If it does become soft, you can re-crisp it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Peanut Brittle contains roughly 69 calories, with 2g 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
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but be cautious with the cooking time since they are already cooked. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent overcooking and ensure they stay crunchy.
What should I do if my mixture crystallizes?
If your mixture crystallizes, it could be due to stirring too much once the sugar has dissolved. If this happens, you can try adding a small amount of water and reheating gently while stirring until it smooths out again.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this peanut brittle vegan, simply ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it an easy adaptation.
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).