Quick Peanut Brittle
A sweet and crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor, perfect for snack lovers and easy to make for any occasion or gift-giving.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a large cookie sheet and spread the salted peanuts on it.
- In a 2-quart saucepan, stir together Karo syrup, sugar, and margarine.
- Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
- Boil gently over medium heat for 14 minutes.
- Remove from heat and pour the caramel mixture over the peanuts.
- Allow to cool and then break into pieces.
- Store in a tightly covered container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider using raw peanuts instead of salted. If you want to experiment, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Keep an eye on the boiling mixture to prevent burning; stirring occasionally helps distribute heat evenly. If you're avoiding margarine, coconut oil can be a good vegan substitute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve peanut brittle as a sweet snack or dessert, perfect for holiday treat tables or homemade gift baskets. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun presentation, consider breaking it into smaller pieces and placing it in decorative jars or bags, making them a delightful addition to any gathering, similar to how you would present Lemon 7-Up Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crunch. Avoid humid environments, as moisture can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to reheat, place it in a low oven for a few minutes to restore its original texture, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Peanut Brittle contains roughly 767 calories, with 3g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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 use unsalted peanuts if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the final product will have a different flavor profile, so you may want to adjust the salt levels in your other dishes if serving alongside them.
How can I tell when the caramel is ready?
The caramel should reach a full rolling boil and continue boiling gently for 14 minutes. To test, you can drop a small amount into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it's ready. Use a candy thermometer for precision, aiming for about 300°F (hard crack stage).
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this peanut brittle vegan by substituting margarine with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Ensure that the sugar you use is also vegan, as some sugars are processed with bone char. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat while adhering to a vegan diet.
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).