Real Peanut Brittle
Crispy, sweet peanut brittle offers a rich caramel flavor and crunchy texture, perfect for sharing or gifting to peanut lovers and those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, water, and syrup in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cook on high heat until mixture becomes thick with very tight bubbles.
- Add peanuts and continue to cook until mixture begins to turn tan in color.
- Peanuts may pop during cooking.
- Stir slowly and constantly throughout.
- Add margarine and stir until mixed.
- Add baking soda and stir until mixture foams to the top of the pan.
- Add vanilla and stir until combined.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased pizza pan.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your ingredients are measured accurately, as the sugar-to-liquid ratio is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, consider substituting half of the raw peanuts with roasted peanuts. Keep an eye on the mixture while cooking, as it can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Having a greased pan ready to pour the mixture into can save you time.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own but can also be served alongside desserts like ice cream or paired with coffee for a sweet treat. Consider offering it as a topping for a Tropical Salad Bar or crumbling it over Heavenly Chocolate Treats for added texture. It’s perfect for sharing during gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store any leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to reheat it, do so in an oven at a low temperature to restore its crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Peanut Brittle contains roughly 99 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% 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
Why did my peanut brittle turn out sticky?
Sticky peanut brittle usually results from not cooking the sugar mixture to the correct temperature. Make sure to bring the mixture to a hard crack stage, around 300°F (150°C). Using a candy thermometer can help ensure accuracy and prevent stickiness.
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes! While peanuts are traditional, you can use almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly, as different nuts may have varying moisture content and cooking properties.
How do I know when the candy is done cooking?
The candy is done cooking when it reaches a golden tan color, and the mixture bubbles tightly. Using a candy thermometer can help; it should reach around 300°F for the perfect brittle. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount in cold water—if it hardens instantly, it's ready.
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).