Southern Peanut Brittle
Sweet, crunchy peanut brittle with rich caramel flavor and a light airy texture, perfect for sharing or gifting, appealing to lovers of classic confections.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a heavy iron skillet, stirring constantly until dark golden brown (hard crack stage). Remove from heat.
- Working quickly, add butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- The baking soda will foam up; stir thoroughly to combine.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Do not try to spread it out; let it move by itself as it cools.
- Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.
- Break the cooled brittle by hitting the bottom of the cookie sheet on a firm surface.
Tips & Substitutions
For perfectly cooked peanut brittle, use a candy thermometer to ensure you reach the hard crack stage, which is around 300°F. If you prefer a more nutty flavor, consider substituting half of the Spanish peanuts with chopped pecans or almonds. When adding baking soda, be cautious as it foams up quickly, so stir immediately to prevent overflow.
Serving Suggestions
Peanut brittle makes a delightful snack on its own, but it can also be served as a festive addition to gift baskets or holiday treats. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon indulgence. For an interesting twist, try it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigeration, as it can cause the brittle to become sticky. If you need to reheat, place the brittle in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore its crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Peanut Brittle contains roughly 98 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 743mg per serving (32% 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 roasted peanuts instead of raw for this recipe?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts; however, be mindful that they may brown faster, so reduce cooking time slightly to prevent burning. Raw peanuts allow for better control over the caramelization process and flavor development.
What can I do if my peanut brittle is too sticky?
If your peanut brittle turns out sticky, it may not have reached the proper temperature during cooking. To salvage it, you can reheat the brittle in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it becomes pliable, then pour it back onto a greased sheet to cool.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate or spices?
Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for a sweet twist or sprinkle in spices like cinnamon or cayenne pepper while cooking for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the proportions to maintain the balance of sweetness.
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).