Joanne'S Peanut Brittle
Joanne's Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with roasted peanuts and caramelized sugar, perfect for snack lovers and holiday celebrations alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt in a 1 1/2-quart microwave-safe container sprayed with Pam.
- Cook for 8 minutes on High, stirring after 4 minutes.
- Stir in butter and vanilla.
- Cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Add baking soda and stir quickly until light and foamy.
- Immediately pour onto Pam-sprayed baking sheet. Spread to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Let cool.
- Break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your peanut brittle has the perfect crunch, make sure to use fresh peanuts and avoid any that are stale. If you want to experiment, try substituting half the peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a different flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time; microwaves can vary greatly, so adjust as necessary to avoid burning. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it can also be served alongside Cheesy Baked Eggs for a sweet and savory brunch. Try pairing it with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delicious treat. For a fun dessert, chop the brittle into small pieces and sprinkle it over ice cream or yogurt. It also makes a great homemade gift during the holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it chewy. If you need to reheat it, place the brittle in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm it in a low oven for a few minutes to restore its crunchiness. Keep it away from humidity for the best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joanne'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 327 calories, with 1g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 546mg per serving (24% 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 did my peanut brittle turn out chewy instead of crunchy?
Chewy peanut brittle can result from undercooking the mixture. Make sure the sugar syrup reaches the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F (150°C). Using a candy thermometer can help you achieve the right temperature for that perfect crunch. Additionally, ensure your peanuts are fresh and not stale, as this can impact texture.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but it may alter the final taste slightly. If you opt for roasted peanuts, skip the initial cooking step and only combine them with the sugar, syrup, and salt mixture. This will prevent them from becoming too brown or burnt during cooking.
How can I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking to the pan?
To keep your peanut brittle from sticking, ensure to spray the baking sheet generously with Pam or another non-stick cooking spray before pouring the mixture. You can also line the sheet with parchment paper for added protection. Allow the brittle to cool completely before attempting to break it into pieces.
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).