Soft Peanut Brittle

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A crunchy, sweet, and slightly pink peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor, perfect for sharing or gifting, appealing to those who love nutty, sugary confections.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup Pet milk
  • 2/3 cup Karo white syrup
  • 2 1/2 cups peanuts
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • red food coloring

Instructions

  1. Put peanuts in the oven and toast for 6 to 7 minutes.
  2. Combine sugar, Pet milk, and Karo white syrup and cook until a soft ball forms in cold water.
  3. Add butter, powdered sugar, and red food coloring to the hot mixture to make it pink.
  4. Stir until the mixture begins to stiffen.
  5. Drop spoonfuls onto greased wax paper to set.

Tips & Substitutions

For a softer texture, ensure you cook the sugar mixture to the soft ball stage only; overcooking can lead to a hard candy. If you prefer a nut-free version, consider using sunflower seeds instead of peanuts. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness. For color variation, you can substitute the red food coloring with your preferred hue to match a holiday theme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soft peanut brittle as a delightful treat during gatherings or holidays. It pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. For an extra touch, consider crumbling it over vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Jenny'S Apple Short Cake for a sweet contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating as it can absorb moisture, making it sticky. If it hardens too much, you can briefly warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Soft Peanut Brittle contains roughly 485 calories, with 0g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 30g fat.

485 kcal 24% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 30.2g 39% DV
Carbs 54.7g 20% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 48.9g 98% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 5.9mg
Potassium 51.2mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 90mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 5.5mg
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Contains Milk Peanut

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 nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just ensure they are toasted for the best flavor. However, keep in mind that different nuts may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

What can I do if my peanut brittle is too hard?

If your brittle turns out too hard, try microwaving it in short bursts of 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly. Alternatively, you can use a hammer or rolling pin to break it into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Ensure the syrup used is also free from any animal-derived ingredients, which is generally the case with Karo syrup.

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).

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