Pastor'S Peanut Brittle
A sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting to those who love classic candy treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, Karo syrup, and water in a saucepan.
- Heat until the sugar melts completely.
- Add raw peanuts and cook until the nuts begin to pop.
- Turn off the burner and add baking soda.
- Stir well to combine.
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered pan, spreading it thinly.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely.
- Once cooled, remove from the pan and break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a perfectly crunchy peanut brittle, ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage, about 300°F on a candy thermometer. If you prefer a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds instead of peanuts. Be cautious while adding baking soda, as it will cause the mixture to bubble up. This recipe can be doubled; just use a larger pan for even spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own or can be served as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Jim'S Tropical Fruit Punch for a refreshing contrast. Consider breaking it into smaller pieces for party favors or using it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt for 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 refrigerator, as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a low oven for a few minutes to regain its crispness, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastor'S Peanut Brittle contains roughly 52 calories, with 1g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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 roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts for a deeper flavor, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. Add them in after the sugar mixture reaches the desired temperature to prevent them from overcooking. This will give you a lovely toasted flavor without burning the nuts.
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the right temperature during cooking. To salvage it, you can reheat the brittle gently in a saucepan, stirring continuously until it melts. Then, pour it back onto a buttered pan and cool it again, ensuring it reaches the hard crack stage this time.
How can I add flavor to my peanut brittle?
To enhance the flavor of your peanut brittle, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract when you combine the baking soda. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
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).