Light Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for satisfying cravings or sharing at gatherings with a rich, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the mixture reaches the hard ball stage at 252°F.
- Stir in peanuts and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300°F. Remove from heat.
- Add salt and baking soda to the mixture. Stir vigorously to prevent boiling over when adding soda.
- Stir only until the ingredients are blended.
- Pour the hot mixture quickly onto a lightly buttered cookie sheet. Let cool, then crack into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your peanut brittle sets properly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely. If you want a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute like erythritol, which can work well in candy recipes. Be cautious when adding the baking soda, as it causes the mixture to bubble vigorously.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle is a delightful snack on its own but can also be served as a topping for desserts like ice cream or mixed with other nuts for a gourmet snack mix. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great treat for afternoon gatherings. For a fun twist, try incorporating it into a Crunch Tote Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispiness. Avoid storing it in a humid environment, as moisture can make it sticky. For longer storage, you can freeze it; just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Peanut Brittle contains roughly 380 calories, with 1g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1726mg per serving (75% 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
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan version of peanut brittle, simply replace the light corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. The rest of the ingredients remain the same.
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).