Description
Classic Peanut Brittle is a traditional American sweet treat made by cooking sugar and corn syrup to the hard crack stage and combining with crunchy raw peanuts, butter, vanilla, and baking soda. This homemade candy recipe yields a delightfully crispy and golden nut brittle with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, ideal for holiday gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Brittle Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup raw peanuts (shelled, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside to cool the brittle once cooked.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add Peanuts and Continue Cooking: Stir in the raw peanuts and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the mixture reaches a deep golden color and 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Incorporate Butter and Flavorings: Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up due to the baking soda, so stir rapidly to combine evenly.
- Spread the Brittle: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer for uniform thickness.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes until hardened. Then, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use raw peanuts for the best flavor and crunchy texture in the brittle.
- Do not leave the saucepan unattended while cooking as the sugar mixture can burn quickly.
- Adding baking soda creates bubbles that aerate the brittle, making it lighter and easier to bite.
