Ms. Grace'S Peanut Brittle
A rich, crunchy peanut brittle with sweet caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peanuts, sugar, karo, water, butter, and a pinch of salt into a heavy saucepan.
- Put the pan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Boil vigorously for about 13 minutes or until the mixture reaches hard crack stage on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Add vanilla and soda, stir to mix thoroughly.
- Quickly pour the mixture onto a buttered 18 x 18-inch aluminum foil-lined sheet.
- Tease with forks to spread to the desired thickness.
- Allow to cool for about 1 hour, then break into pieces approximately 1x2 inches in size.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a heavy saucepan to ensure even heat distribution. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try roasting the peanuts lightly before adding them to the mixture. Keep a close eye on the candy thermometer to avoid burning. If you don't have white karo, light corn syrup can be a suitable substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a sweet treat during gatherings. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon snack. It also makes a great gift when packaged in decorative boxes. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside the Springy Garden Dip for a sweet and savory combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. For best results, consume within two weeks, but it can last longer if kept properly sealed away from moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ms. Grace'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 545 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 744mg per serving (32% 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 salted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can use salted peanuts for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the brittle too salty.
What should I do if my candy mixture crystallizes?
If your mixture crystallizes, try adding a small amount of water and stirring it gently over low heat until it becomes smooth again. Be careful not to over-stir, as this can encourage more crystallization.
Can I add other nuts or flavors to the brittle?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other nuts like almonds or cashews, or add flavors like cinnamon or chocolate to customize your brittle. Just be mindful that this may change the texture and cooking time slightly.
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).