Sugar Peanuts
Sweet, crunchy sugar peanuts make a delightful snack with a caramelized flavor and crispy texture. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a treat, this simple recipe highlights the natural nuttiness enhanced by a sugary coating. Ideal for parties, picnics, or a quick homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the raw peanuts, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt into a large frying pan.
- Stir continuously until all the water has evaporated and the mixture becomes sticky.
- Pour the peanuts onto a flat pan and place in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even coating.
- When the peanuts look dry and caramelized, remove from the oven and cool.
- Once cooled, serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, try using roasted peanuts instead of raw. You can also add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor. Make sure to stir continuously to prevent burning; using a non-stick pan can help. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the salt.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar peanuts are perfect as a snack or a crunchy topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. They also pair beautifully with cocktails at parties, making them a great addition to your spread alongside drinks like 'Installation Punch'. Serve them in small bowls for easy sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sugar peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating as moisture can make them sticky. If they lose their crunch, you can re-bake them at 250°F (120°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugar Peanuts contains roughly 219 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% 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 different nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute raw peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the nut size and type, so check for doneness regularly.
What if the sugar mixture crystallizes?
If the sugar crystallizes before the peanuts are coated, try adding a bit more water and heating gently while stirring until it becomes smooth again. Always ensure the heat isn't too high to avoid burning.
Are these sugar peanuts suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It's a great snack option for those following vegan recipes, and the sweetness makes it appealing to everyone.
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).