Karo Peanut Brittle

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with a rich caramel flavor, perfect for satisfying snack cravings or sharing at gatherings, suitable for nut lovers and candy enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 to 4 cups parched peanuts
  • 1/2 cup white Karo syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon baking soda

Instructions

  1. Mix sugar, Karo syrup, and boiling water in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil until the mixture forms soft balls in cool water.
  3. Add peanuts and cook until the mixture turns an amber color.
  4. Remove from heat and add baking soda; stir well to combine.
  5. Pour the mixture into buttered pans and spread evenly.
  6. Allow to cool and harden before breaking into pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using roasted peanuts instead of parched peanuts. Make sure to monitor the candy closely as it cooks, as the sugar can burn quickly once it reaches the amber color stage. If you want a bit of variation, try adding a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast. This Karo Peanut Brittle pairs beautifully with Monster Munch Snack for a delightful treat mix.

Serving Suggestions

Break the brittle into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a decorative platter as a sweet snack. It's perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also include it as part of a dessert table featuring American recipes for a festive touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it chewy. If you need to reheat, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Karo Peanut Brittle contains roughly 110 calories, with 1g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 634mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

110 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 0.4g 1% DV
Carbs 27g 10% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 25g 50% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 633.5mg 28% DV
Potassium 12.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Calcium 2.1mg
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Peanut

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 different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with various nuts like almonds or cashews. Just keep in mind that different nuts may alter the flavor and texture slightly, so always ensure they're roasted for the best results.

What should I do if my brittle is too sticky?

If your brittle turns out sticky, it may not have cooked long enough to reach the right temperature. To fix this, you can reheat it gently and cook it a bit longer until it reaches the soft ball stage. Make sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.

How do I know when the candy is ready?

The candy is ready when it reaches a soft ball stage (about 240°F) or turns an amber color while cooking. You can test this by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it's done. Always use a candy thermometer for best accuracy.

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).

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