Munchie Peanut Brittle
Sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with toasted peanuts and caramelized sugar, perfect for candy lovers and sharing during holidays or as a homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish, stir together the peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt.
- Place in microwave oven and cook for 8 minutes, stirring well after 4 minutes.
- Add butter and vanilla to the syrup mixture, blending well.
- Return dish to oven and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Peanuts will be lightly browned and syrup will be very hot.
- Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy.
- Pour mixture onto a lightly oiled cookie sheet.
- Allow the brittle to cool and harden.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider toasting the peanuts before adding them to the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar. Be cautious while handling the hot syrup, as it can cause burns. Always use a microwave-safe dish to prevent accidents during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a candy alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Cranberry Ripple Cake for a festive dessert platter. For a fun twist, chop the brittle into pieces and sprinkle it over ice cream or yogurt for added crunch and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for several weeks if kept dry and sealed properly. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to soften it slightly, place it in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Munchie Peanut Brittle contains roughly 978 calories, with 6g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and potassium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 added flavor, but you might want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different from the original recipe.
What should I do if my brittle doesn't harden?
If your peanut brittle remains soft, it might not have been cooked long enough. You can try reheating it gently in the microwave and adding a bit more baking soda to help it foam up again. Spread it out on a cookie sheet and cool it down to see if it hardens properly this time.
How can I make this recipe more festive for the holidays?
To add a festive touch, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle or sprinkle it with sea salt for a gourmet finish. This will enhance the flavor and make it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings.
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).