Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for crunchy, sweet treats, then this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe is about to become your new obsession. I absolutely love how this candy crackles and melts in your mouth, delivering that perfect balance of buttery sweetness and toasted peanuts. Whether it’s for a holiday gift, a snack to share, or just a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is straightforward and fun — and I’m here to walk you through every step so you nail it just like the best candy shop around.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together for that timeless peanut brittle taste — nothing fancy, just good stuff. When choosing your peanuts, I recommend raw or dry-roasted for the best flavor and crunch.

• White Sugar: The backbone of candy-making; makes the brittle sweet and crunchy.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, which keeps your brittle smooth.
• Water: Dissolves the sugar and adjusts consistency.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Peanuts: Adds crunch and that unmistakable nutty taste; fresh is best!
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and softens texture slightly.
• Baking Soda: The magic ingredient that aerates the brittle, giving it lightness and the perfect snap.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve tried a few tweaks over the years, and you’ll find that playing around can make this recipe feel fresh and exciting each time.

• Nut Swaps: My family goes crazy for versions using macadamia or pecans for a different flavor profile.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper can take the flavor to the next level.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, I drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top right after spreading for a perfectly balanced sweet-salty snack.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

This step saves you headaches later! Measure out all your ingredients first, grease a large rimmed baking sheet (or use a silicone baking mat), and have everything ready to go. Once that sugar syrup hits the right temperature, things move fast, so prepping in advance is key.

Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture boils—about 5 minutes. This is when patience pays off: don’t crank the heat, or it might burn.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Cook to Hard Crack Stage

Now stir in your peanuts and clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan. Resist the urge to stir constantly here — occasional gentle stirring is enough. You want to let the temperature rise to between 300-310°F (150-155°C), the “hard crack” stage, which is crucial for that brittle crunch. This is where I discovered the importance of a good thermometer — it truly makes or breaks your batch!

Step 4: Add Butter and Baking Soda, Then Spread Quickly

Once you hit that perfect temp, remove from heat. Quickly stir in the butter and baking soda—they foam up giving the candy that airy light texture. Immediately pour onto your prepared sheet, then with two forks, lift and pull the mixture into a roughly 12×14-inch rectangle. Work fast here since the brittle sets up in minutes!

Step 5: Cool and Break

Let the brittle cool completely (about 30 minutes). Once hardened, use a mallet or the back of a heavy knife to break it into chunks. I love this part because every piece is a surprise size and shape — perfect for sharing or munching solo.

How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

I usually like to keep it classic, but sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the brittle right after spreading — it brightens the flavor and makes every bite pop. For special occasions, a light dusting of edible gold glitter makes the brittle shine beautifully as a festive treat.

Side Dishes

This brittle pairs wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee or a mug of hot chocolate. I also love serving it alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful textural contrast. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve wrapped chunks in cello bags tied with rustic twine as neighbor gifts during the holidays, and it never fails to bring smiles. For parties, arranging shards in a decorative glass jar or a beautiful wooden bowl adds a charming, homemade touch. You can even use cookie cutters to shape warm brittle before it fully hardens for themed parties or holidays.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature — this keeps it crispy for up to two weeks. Just make sure to keep it away from moisture because humidity is brittle’s nemesis and will cause it to get sticky.

Freezing

Although I rarely freeze peanut brittle because we tend to eat it too fast, I have had success wrapping pieces tightly in plastic wrap then in foil before freezing. When thawed at room temperature, it keeps its crunch remarkably well.

Reheating

If your brittle loses a bit of its crispness, warming it gently in a low oven (about 200°F) for 5-10 minutes can help restore some crunch—but be careful not to overheat or it will melt.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to think peanut brittle was tricky, but once I found this recipe and a few key tricks, it quickly became a kitchen staple I love making and sharing. I’m confident you’ll enjoy how satisfying and delicious this Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe is—and you’ll feel proud knowing it was made with your own hands. Give it a try, have fun with it, and most importantly, enjoy every crunchy bite!

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