Peanut Butter Brittle
A rich, crunchy peanut butter brittle with chocolate and peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting, offering a sweet, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Spread 1 cup of peanut butter chips evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan; set aside.
- In a 2 1/2-quart pan, melt the margarine.
- Add sugar, light corn syrup, and water to the melted margarine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300° to 310°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in the coarsely chopped peanuts.
- Immediately pour the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, being careful not to disturb the chips.
- Quickly sprinkle the remaining peanut butter chips and chocolate mini chips over the candy.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate if desired.
- Break into small pieces and store in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the margarine is fully melted before adding the sugar and corn syrup. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, consider substituting some of the peanuts with additional chocolate mini chips. You can also use natural peanut butter chips for a more authentic taste. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to avoid burning, especially as it nears the hard crack stage.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut butter brittle makes a delightful snack on its own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It pairs beautifully with Individual Cherry Cheesecakes or can be crumbled over yogurt for a crunchy topping. For a festive touch, package pieces in decorative bags for gifting during holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store the peanut butter brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To keep it fresh, layer pieces with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If the brittle becomes too soft, you can briefly refrigerate it, but avoid freezing to maintain its texture. Enjoy it as a sweet treat or in gift baskets.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Brittle contains roughly 289 calories, with 5g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% 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 butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine in this recipe. While margarine provides a slightly different texture, butter will add a rich flavor. Just ensure it’s fully melted before mixing in the other ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
What is the hard crack stage and how do I know when I reach it?
The hard crack stage is reached when the candy mixture reaches a temperature between 300° and 310°F. You can test it by dropping a small amount into cold water; if it forms hard, brittle threads, it's ready. Using a candy thermometer is the most reliable method.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
To make this peanut butter brittle nut-free, you can replace the peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Additionally, ensure that the peanut butter chips are labeled as nut-free. However, the texture and flavor will vary slightly, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
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).