Momma'S Peanut Brittle
A classic homemade peanut brittle with a sweet, crunchy texture and rich peanut flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have a buttered pan ready before starting.
- Combine sugar and Karo syrup in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter and vanilla.
- Add baking soda and salt (if using raw peanuts), then stir vigorously until the mixture is foamy.
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared buttered pan and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your peanut brittle has the perfect texture, make sure to cook the sugar and Karo syrup mixture to the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C). If you prefer a nutty flavor, consider substituting the peanuts with cashews or almonds. For added depth, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the sweetness. Always have your buttered pan ready, as timing is crucial in this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Momma's Peanut Brittle makes a delightful snack or dessert on its own. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. Consider using it as a topping for ice cream or as a crunchy element in dessert bars. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags as gifts. Explore more American recipes for additional dessert inspirations.
Storage & Reheating
Once the peanut brittle has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, consider wrapping pieces in wax paper before placing them in the container. Enjoy within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Momma'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 168 calories, with 1g protein, 21g 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 1735mg 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
Can I use different nuts in this peanut brittle recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can substitute them with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger or smaller nuts, as they may require different cooking times to achieve the right texture.
What should I do if my peanut brittle turned out too sticky?
If your peanut brittle is sticky, it might not have reached the hard crack stage during cooking. To salvage it, you can reheat the brittle gently in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it reaches the right temperature. Then, pour it back onto a buttered pan to cool again.
Can I make peanut brittle ahead of time?
Yes, peanut brittle can be made ahead of time! It stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Just ensure it is completely cooled before storing to maintain its crunchy texture.
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).