Pete'S Peanut Brittle(Yield: Makes 3.5 Lbs.)
Creamy, crunchy peanut brittle with a rich caramel flavor and toasted peanut crunch, perfect for sharing or gifting to peanut lovers and dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter 2 heavy large baking sheets.
- Combine sugar, water, and light corn syrup in a heavy saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a boil without stirring and cook until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (about 300°F).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda, vanilla extract, and unsalted butter.
- Immediately stir in the salted roasted peanuts.
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheets and spread evenly.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve the perfect texture, ensure your sugar mixture reaches exactly 300°F for that ideal hard crack stage. If you prefer a less sweet version, consider substituting half of the sugar with honey. Also, using raw peanuts instead of salted can allow for better control over the saltiness in the final product. Stir gently when adding the peanuts to avoid clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Break the peanut brittle into bite-sized pieces and serve as a delightful snack or dessert. It pairs beautifully with creamy coffee punch for a perfect afternoon treat. For a festive touch, consider packaging it in decorative bags as gifts during holidays or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If stored properly, it can last for several weeks. To refresh the texture, you can briefly warm it in a low oven before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pete'S Peanut Brittle(Yield: Makes 3.5 Lbs.) contains roughly 478 calories, with 2g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% 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 unsalted peanuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use unsalted peanuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that you might want to adjust the added salt in the recipe or omit it altogether to prevent the brittle from becoming too bland.
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. For future batches, ensure you're using a candy thermometer and cooking the mixture to exactly 300°F. If it's already made, you can try to re-crisp it in a low oven.
How can I add flavors or variations to my peanut brittle?
You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar mixture, or try incorporating chocolate drizzle once the brittle has cooled. For a fun twist, consider mixing in pretzels or other nuts, similar to the variations found in nut goodie bars.
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).