Jake'S Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavors and a satisfying crunch, perfect for sharing during holidays or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the raw peanuts, sugar, water, Karo syrup, and paraffin wax together until the peanuts are done, stirring frequently and ensuring not to burn.
- Remove the mixture from the stove.
- Add the baking soda and stir briefly just to mix, causing foaming.
- Pour the foaming mixture onto a buttered sheet of Saran-type paper while still foaming.
- Spread the mixture very quickly over about 30 inches of paper.
- Ensure not to kill the foam before pouring onto the paper.
- Allow the brittle to cool and set before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a successful peanut brittle, ensure your peanuts are raw and fresh for the best flavor. If you don't have paraffin wax, you can use a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. When adding baking soda, work quickly to maintain the foaming effect, which will give the brittle its light texture. Consider using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature for perfect consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be used as a topping for ice cream or desserts like the Dream Dessert. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags as homemade gifts. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the brittle sticky. If you have leftovers, it can last for several weeks, but ensure it's well-sealed to maintain its quality. For best results, consume within a week.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jake'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 181 calories, with 4g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1277mg per serving (56% 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 they will alter the flavor slightly. The cooking time may also need adjustment, as roasted peanuts are already cooked. Monitor the mixture closely to avoid burning.
What if I don't have Karo syrup?
If you don’t have Karo syrup, you can substitute it with corn syrup or make a homemade version using sugar and water. Just ensure the consistency is similar to Karo for best results in the recipe.
How do I know when the brittle is done cooking?
The brittle is done cooking when it reaches a hard crack stage, ideally around 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. If you don’t have one, drop a small amount of the mixture in cold water; if it hardens into a brittle thread, it’s ready to pour.
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).