Quick Chocolate Brittle
A rich, crunchy chocolate brittle with roasted peanuts, perfect for sharing or gifting. Its sweet, nutty flavor appeals to chocolate lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9-inch square pan.
- Sprinkle raw peanuts into the prepared pan and set aside.
- Combine brown sugar and butter in a medium saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 270°F on a candy thermometer.
- Immediately pour the caramel mixture over the peanuts in the pan.
- Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate morsels over the hot caramel layer.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Remove the foil and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top.
- Chill the brittle until it is firm.
- Remove from the pan and break into pieces to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider using roasted peanuts or mixed nuts for a different flavor profile. If you don't have a candy thermometer, cook until the mixture is a deep amber color. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. For a richer taste, try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract right before pouring over the peanuts.
Serving Suggestions
Break the brittle into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. This treat is perfect for parties or as a sweet snack alongside coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Something Good Pie for a delightful dessert spread. For a fun twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store the chocolate brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you live in a particularly warm climate, consider refrigerating it to prevent melting. Avoid stacking pieces directly on top of each other to maintain their shape, using parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Chocolate Brittle contains roughly 173 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 13g fat.
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 a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Just ensure they are raw and chopped if needed. Each nut will bring its unique flavor and texture to the brittle, making it versatile for different preferences.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it reaches 270°F on a candy thermometer, indicating it's at the hard crack stage. If you don't have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads. Be cautious not to overcook it, as it can quickly become bitter.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or even a splash of liqueur for added flavor. Dried fruits or coconut flakes can also be mixed in with the peanuts for a unique twist. Just ensure that the added ingredients do not affect the overall consistency.
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).