This classic homemade peanut brittle recipe delivers pure nostalgic bliss in just 55 minutes. The buttery, golden candy transforms simple ingredients into an irresistibly crunchy treat that’s perfect for gifting or satisfying sweet cravings. With only 5 minutes of prep time and 88 calories per serving, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this traditional confection comes together. The delicate balance of sweet and salty flavors creates an addictive snack that disappears quickly at any gathering.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Brittle
- Sugar: 2 cups, regular granulated sugar works best
- Light Corn Syrup: 1 cup, helps prevent crystallization
- Water: 1/2 cup, for dissolving sugar smoothly
- Salted Roasted Peanuts: 2 cups, fresh and crunchy
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted or salted both work fine
- Baking Soda: 1 1/2 teaspoons, creates airy texture
- Vanilla Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons, adds depth of flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Line your sheet pan with parchment paper and gather measured ingredients nearby
- Create Base Mixture: Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat
- First Temperature Mark: Cook with occasional stirring until candy thermometer reaches 250°F (121°C)
- Add Peanuts: Mix in peanuts and stir constantly until temperature hits 300°F
- Final Additions: Remove from heat, quickly stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla until foamy
- Spreading: Pour mixture onto prepared pan and spread evenly
- Cooling Period: Let stand for minimum 30 minutes until completely set
- Storage: Break into pieces and store in an airtight container
Candy-Making Tips
Making peanut brittle is fun, but it needs your full attention! Keep your candy thermometer handy and watch those temperatures closely. The magic happens at exactly 300°F – that’s when your brittle will be perfectly crisp. Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat, or you might end up with burned sugar. I always keep my spoon and ingredients ready before starting since timing is everything with candy making.
Storage and Gift-Giving
Your homemade peanut brittle will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place – not the fridge! This sweet treat makes an amazing holiday gift too. Break it into pretty pieces and pack them in mason jars or decorative tins. Add a cute ribbon, and you’ve got a wonderful homemade present that anyone would love!
Simple Substitutions
While traditional peanuts are classic, you can shake things up with other nuts! Try cashews, almonds, or pecans for a tasty twist. If you don’t have corn syrup, honey can work in its place – just know your brittle might be a bit darker in color. Want to make it extra special? Add a sprinkle of sea salt right after pouring the hot mixture onto your pan. It adds an amazing sweet-salty pop!
Safety First
Hot sugar can be tricky to work with, so let’s keep it safe! Always use oven mitts when handling the hot pan, and keep kids and pets away from the kitchen while making this. Have your parchment-lined pan ready before you start cooking. The mixture will be super hot when you pour it out, so take your time and be careful. If you’re new to candy making, don’t worry – just follow the temperatures carefully and you’ll do great!
Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle
Equipment
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
- Medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Measure out peanuts, butter, baking soda and vanilla and have them ready.
- Add sugar, and water to a medium saucepan and stir well. Stir in corn syrup. Cook mixture over medium heat (don’t be tempted to turn the heat up!), stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Attach your candy thermometer to the edge of the pot, and make sure it is submerged in the liquid, but not touching the bottom of the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally until temperature reaches 250°F (121°C).
- Add the peanuts and stir the mixture constantly until the candy thermometer temperature reaches 300 degrees F.
- Remove mixture from heat and immediately stir in butter, baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will foam and change texture.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and use a knife or spoon to quickly (and carefully!) spread the mixture into an even layer.
- Allow to cool completely (at least 30 minute) before breaking apart and eating.
- Store the completely cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container.
