Mom'S Peanut Brittle
Creamy, crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and sweet roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting, appealing to sweet tooth lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, Karo syrup, and butter until it spins a good thread.
- Add raw peanuts and cook until light golden brown, stirring constantly.
- Remove from stove; stir in vanilla and melted butter, then add baking soda.
- Stir until fluffy.
- Pour onto a very lightly buttered cookie sheet and spread thin.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly crispy peanut brittle, ensure your sugar mixture reaches the proper temperature before adding peanuts; a candy thermometer can help. If you're out of Karo syrup, you can substitute with golden syrup or honey, but the flavor will vary slightly. Stir continuously to prevent burning, and feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a twist. This treat pairs wonderfully with ice cream, especially in the Ice Cream Pumpkin Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the peanut brittle into bite-sized pieces and serve it as a sweet snack or dessert. It makes a great addition to a gift basket or can be enjoyed while watching a movie. For a delightful dessert pairing, try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crumbled over a slice of Grandma Edwards' Devil's Food Cake (Fit For Angels) for an added crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh and crunchy. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as humidity can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a warm oven briefly to regain its crunch, but be careful not to overheat and burn it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 289 calories, with 3g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g 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
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but be mindful of the cooking time; they require less time in the syrup since they're already cooked. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning them.
What if I don't have a candy thermometer?
If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the sugar mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water. If it forms a soft ball, it's ready for the peanuts. Just be cautious as the syrup can get very hot.
How long does the peanut brittle last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, peanut brittle can last for up to two weeks. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to consume it within a week.
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).