Description
Classic American peanut brittle is a crunchy, sweet candy made by boiling sugar syrup with peanuts until it reaches hard crack stage, then mixed with butter, vanilla, and baking soda to create a light, airy texture before cooling and breaking into pieces. Perfect for gifting or a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 2 ½ cups shelled peanuts
- ⅓ cup salted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick during cooling.
- Boil Sugar Mixture: In a large pot over medium-high heat, whisk together granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all ingredients dissolve completely.
- Add Peanuts and Cook: Stir in the shelled peanuts and continue boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the candy thermometer registers 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from Heat and Add Flavor: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the salted butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Baking Soda: Quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will froth up and expand rapidly, creating a light texture.
- Pour and Spread: Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly into a thin layer using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Cool Completely: Allow the peanut brittle to cool and harden completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Break Into Pieces: Use the back of a wooden spoon to break the cooled brittle into bite-sized pieces for serving or storing.
- Store: Keep the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage for the best texture.
- Work quickly when spreading the mixture as it hardens fast.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if desired.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from softening the brittle.
- Wear oven mitts and be cautious handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
