Peanut Brittle(Total Cooking Time: 18 To 20 Minutes)
A classic crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting, offering a sweet, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place sugar, corn syrup, salt, and peanuts in a 2-quart microwave-proof bowl or casserole.
- Cook on High (maximum power) for 5 minutes, then stir.
- Cook on High for 13 to 15 minutes, or until syrup separates into threads and reaches the hard crack stage (300°F on a candy thermometer).
- Stir several times during the last few minutes, but do not leave the thermometer in the oven while cooking.
- Stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla until light and bubbly.
- Pour the mixture onto a buttered cookie sheet.
- Spread and cool.
- Break into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure your peanut brittle turns out perfectly, use a candy thermometer to monitor the syrup's temperature closely. If you prefer, roasted peanuts can be used in place of raw for a deeper flavor. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a delightful kick. Stirring frequently during the final moments of cooking will help achieve that perfect crunchy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own but can also be served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat. It pairs beautifully with the Sweet And Nutty Cheese Ball for a festive platter. Consider packaging it in decorative bags as homemade gifts for friends and family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can cause it to become sticky. To refresh the brittle, simply leave it out for a few hours to regain its crispness before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Brittle(Total Cooking Time: 18 To 20 Minutes) contains roughly 212 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1736mg per serving (75% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may have varying cooking times and flavors, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What should 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 fix this, you can reheat the brittle gently until it melts again, and then pour it out onto a buttered surface to cool and harden once more.
How can I tell when my peanut brittle is done?
The peanut brittle is done when it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F on a candy thermometer. At this stage, the syrup will separate into threads and harden when cooled. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
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).