Mike'S Peanut Brittle
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and roasted peanuts, perfect for gifting or enjoying as a classic treat for any peanut lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, Karo, and water in a large kettle until it reaches crack stage, 275°F on a candy thermometer.
- Add peanuts, stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla, soda, and butter. Stir until the butter melts.
- Pour the mixture onto 2 1/2 feet of buttered foil, stretching to desired thickness as it cools.
- When cool, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate to achieve the perfect crack stage. If you don't have raw peanuts, you can substitute with roasted peanuts, but reduce the cooking time slightly. For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon after pouring the mixture onto the foil. Keep an eye on the temperature to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mike's Peanut Brittle as a delightful snack on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. It also makes a fantastic addition to gift baskets or as a holiday treat. For a fun twist, crumble some over a slice of Rich White Cake With Strawberry Frosting for added texture and sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Once the peanut brittle has cooled and set, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its crunchiness. Avoid storing in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make it chewy. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks, making it a great treat to share or enjoy over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 388 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 6g 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
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the correct temperature during cooking. To remedy this, you can reheat the brittle gently in a saucepan and then pour it out again to cool, ensuring it reaches the proper crack stage next time.
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various nuts like almonds or cashews instead of peanuts. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have different cooking times and flavor profiles. Ensure they are raw if you want to achieve a similar texture and taste as the original recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of Mike's Peanut Brittle, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands may use bone char in their processing.
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).