Myrtle'S Peanut Brittle
Myrtle's Peanut Brittle offers a crunchy, sweet treat with rich peanut flavor and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for sharing or gifting, it combines caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts for a classic, satisfying snack that appeals to those who love homemade confections and nostalgic treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, corn syrup, and water and bring to 240°F.
- Add peanuts and continue to cook at 300°F.
- At this temperature, add soda, vanilla, and margarine or butter.
- Prepare about 3 buttered cookie sheets.
- Pour the hot brittle onto the cookie sheets and pull with a knife or fork to desired thinness.
- Let cool and store in a cool place in Ziploc bags.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your sugar mixture reaches 240°F before adding the peanuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the peanuts with sunflower seeds. Keep an eye on the temperature when cooking, as overcooking can lead to a bitter flavor. For a variation, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty balance.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cakes. It pairs beautifully with Easy Fruit Pudding for a sweet finish to any meal. For a festive touch, package it as a homemade gift during the holidays, or serve it at parties as a crunchy treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container or Ziploc bags at room temperature. It’s best kept in a cool, dry place away from humidity to maintain its crunch. If the brittle becomes soft, place it in the fridge for a short time to regain its firmness before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Myrtle'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 236 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. 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 if that's what you have on hand. However, keep in mind that roasted peanuts will not absorb the syrup as well, so reduce cooking time slightly to prevent burning.
What can I do if my brittle is too hard?
If your peanut brittle turns out too hard, try breaking it into smaller pieces and serving it with ice cream as a topping. The cold will help soften the brittle slightly, making it easier to enjoy.
How long does peanut brittle last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, peanut brittle can last up to two weeks at room temperature. Beyond that, it may start to lose its crispness, so enjoy it fresh for the best 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).