My Best Peanut Brittle
Sweet, crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting to peanut lovers and confectionery enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil.
- Add the white sugar and syrup to the boiling water.
- Boil until the mixture spins a thread when tested with a spoon.
- Add raw peanuts and a pinch of salt, then cook slowly over low heat until golden brown.
- Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F.
- Remove from heat and add butter.
- Add baking soda and vanilla, then quickly stir.
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered cookie sheet, spreading it as thin as possible.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, use a candy thermometer to ensure your mixture reaches exactly 300°F, which is the hard crack stage. If you don't have peanuts, you can substitute with almonds or cashews for a different nutty flavor. For added complexity, consider incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure to work quickly when adding the baking soda and vanilla to prevent the mixture from hardening too soon.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be crumbled over desserts like ice cream or yogurt. It pairs beautifully with Kids Favorite Fruit Salad for a sweet and salty combination. Serve it in festive bowls during gatherings or package it as gifts during the holidays for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a humid area, consider wrapping it in wax paper before placing it in the container to prevent sticking. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the brittle to become chewy instead of crunchy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Best Peanut Brittle contains roughly 116 calories, with 30g carbohydrates.
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 alternative sweeteners instead of white sugar?
While you can experiment with alternative sweeteners, they may not provide the same texture or flavor as white sugar. If you want to try a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or agave syrup, but be aware that adjusting the cooking times may be necessary to achieve the right consistency.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too soft?
If your peanut brittle turns out too soft, it may not have reached the required temperature during cooking. You can re-melt the brittle in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until it reaches 300°F again, then pour it back onto a cookie sheet to set once more.
How can I prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, ensure that your cookie sheet is well-buttered before pouring the mixture. You can also line the sheet with parchment paper for easy removal. If the brittle does stick, gently warm the underside of the pan on the stove to loosen it before attempting to remove.
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).