James' Peanut Brittle
A rich, crunchy peanut brittle with sweet caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for satisfying sweet tooths and gifting during holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, Karo syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Cook until the syrup reaches the thread stage.
- Add butter and peanuts to the syrup.
- Continue cooking until the syrup turns brown and the peanuts are done.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla and soda to the mixture.
- Mix well and pour onto aluminum foil to cool.
- Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure perfect peanut brittle, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you don’t have peanuts, almonds or cashews can be great substitutes. For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt before pouring the mixture onto the foil. Make sure to work quickly once the brittle is cooked, as it hardens fast. If you want an extra crunch, try incorporating a handful of chopped walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes for an excellent snack on its own, but it can also be served as a delightful topping for ice cream or yogurt. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside other treats like Walnut Spice Cookies during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat and soften it slightly for easier breaking, use a microwave in short bursts, but be cautious not to melt it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of James' Peanut Brittle contains roughly 434 calories, with 7g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chewy instead of crunchy?
Chewy peanut brittle often results from not cooking the sugar mixture to the right temperature, ideally between 300°F and 310°F for the hard crack stage. Ensure you use a candy thermometer for accuracy and cook until it reaches the correct stage for the ideal crunch.
Can I add chocolate to my peanut brittle?
Absolutely! For a delicious twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle or mix in chocolate chips during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet variation. Just be careful not to add too much moisture, as it can affect the texture.
How can I make this recipe more festive?
You can make your peanut brittle more festive by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or incorporating dried fruits or other nuts for variety. Consider making it as a gift in decorative packaging, which pairs nicely with treats like Spinach Balls Hors D'Oeuvres.
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).