Peanut Brittle(About 1 Pound)
A crunchy, sweet peanut brittle with rich caramel flavors and a satisfying crunch, perfect for sharing or gifting to those who love nutty, sugary treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put sugar, molasses, and water in a saucepan and heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and cook until the syrup reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F).
- Remove from heat and add butter or margarine and baking soda; stir just enough to mix well.
- Stir in chopped peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated correctly for measuring the hard-crack stage at 300°F. If you prefer, you can substitute honey for the molasses for a lighter flavor. For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seeds instead of peanuts. Always work quickly once the mixture is ready, as it begins to harden fast.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, or you can serve it as a topping for ice cream or alongside coffee for a sweet treat. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini Bread(Low Cholesterol) for a unique dessert platter that balances flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make it sticky. If necessary, you can reheat brittle in a low oven for a few minutes to soften slightly before breaking it into pieces again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Brittle(About 1 Pound) contains roughly 296 calories, with 9g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1693mg per serving (74% 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 other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can easily substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just ensure to chop them evenly and adjust the cooking time if needed, as different nuts have varying oil contents and may affect the final texture.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the hard-crack stage during cooking. To salvage it, you can reheat the brittle gently in a saucepan while stirring to encourage it to re-crystallize. Be cautious not to burn it while doing this.
How long does peanut brittle last?
Homemade peanut brittle can last for about 2-3 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container. To maintain the best texture, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If it starts to soften, it may still be safe to eat but will lose its crunch.
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).