Description
This classic Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a crunchy, sweet treat featuring toasted raw peanuts embedded in a buttery caramelized sugar base. The candy is expertly cooked to the hard crack stage, then flavored with vanilla and leavened with baking soda to create a light, airy texture. Perfect for holiday gifts or anytime snacking, this homemade peanut brittle is easy to make with straightforward ingredients and a stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 ½ cups raw peanuts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Prep the baking sheet: Line an 11×15-inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. This will prevent the brittle from sticking as it cools.
- Cook sugar mixture: In a heavy 3 to 4-quart pan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 250°F (soft ball stage). This process takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add peanuts and cook to hard crack stage: Stir in the raw peanuts, continuing to cook the mixture. Keep stirring occasionally until the temperature reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), approximately 8 to 10 minutes. The mixture should be golden and bubbly.
- Stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda: Remove the pan from heat immediately. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda until fully combined. The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam and lighten in texture.
- Pour and spread: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer before it hardens.
- Cool and break into pieces: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once set and hardened, break it into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to ensure perfect brittle texture.
- Work quickly when pouring the hot candy mixture to avoid it setting before spreading evenly.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming sticky.
- You can substitute raw peanuts with roasted peanuts if preferred, but raw peanuts will toast in the candy mixture for fresher flavor.
- Be cautious while handling hot sugar syrup; it can cause severe burns.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 15g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
