Perfect Peanut Brittle
Sweet and crunchy peanut brittle offers a caramelized flavor with roasted peanuts, making it a classic treat perfect for sharing or gifting during holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the sugar, raw peanuts, and Karo syrup to hard crack stage.
- Remove from fire.
- Add butter; stir until melted.
- Add baking soda and stir well.
- Spread on a buttered cookie sheet.
- As it cools, pull from sides until very thin.
- Cool and break into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect crack stage, use a candy thermometer and aim for 300°F. If you don't have peanuts, almonds or cashews can make a delightful substitution. Keep stirring the mixture constantly to prevent burning. If the mixture hardens too quickly, you can gently reheat it on low heat to make it more pliable.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a fantastic standalone treat or a sweet addition to a dessert platter alongside other confections like Chocolate Ripple Divinity. For a fun twist, chop it into smaller pieces and sprinkle over ice cream or yogurt for added crunch. Pair it with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. To maintain its crunchiness, avoid refrigerating it as moisture can make it sticky. If you need to reheat it, place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Perfect Peanut Brittle contains roughly 512 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g 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
What should I do if my peanut brittle is too soft?
If your peanut brittle doesn't harden properly, it may not have reached the hard crack stage. You can try reheating the mixture, bringing it back to 300°F before pouring it out again. If it still doesn't set, you might need to start over with a new batch.
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but you'll want to add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from overcooking. Stir them in after removing the mixture from heat, then proceed with adding the butter and baking soda.
What can I do with broken pieces of peanut brittle?
Broken pieces of peanut brittle can be used in various ways. They make excellent toppings for ice cream or can be mixed into trail mix. You can also crush them and use them as a decorative garnish for cakes or cupcakes for added flavor and 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).