Peanut Brittle Recipe | Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

Peanut Brittle is a classic, crunchy, and nutty treat that's loved by people of all ages. Whether you're making it for a holiday gathering, a special gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a timeless favorite that's surprisingly simple to make. With its golden color, delightful peanut crunch, and a hint of caramel sweetness, you'll find it hard to resist this homemade candy.

Why You'll Love This Nostalgic Candy

• Addictive Crunch. The satisfying snap of peanut brittle is utterly addictive, making it a delightful treat for snack lovers.
• Easy to Make. Despite its gourmet appearance, peanut brittle is straightforward to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
• Great for Gifting. Homemade peanut brittle is a thoughtful and delicious gift for family and friends, especially during the holiday season.
• Customizable. While this recipe uses peanuts, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist.
• Long Shelf Life. Properly stored peanut brittle can last for several weeks, so you can enjoy it over time.

With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, this Peanut Brittle is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

Why Didn't My Homemade Peanut Brittle Get Hard?

If your homemade peanut brittle didn't become hard and turned out too soft, several factors could be responsible. Achieving the right texture for peanut brittle can be a bit tricky, but understanding these common issues can help you troubleshoot and improve your recipe for next time:

1. Temperature Not Reached: Peanut brittle needs to reach a specific temperature to achieve the desired hard and brittle texture. Usually, this is around 300°F to 310°F (149°C to 154°C) on a candy thermometer. If the mixture didn't reach this temperature, it might remain soft. Make sure your candy thermometer is calibrated and accurate.
2. Undercooking: Even if the temperature is reached, the mixture may not have cooked long enough. It needs to be at the hard crack stage, which means that the sugar syrup has cooked sufficiently to become hard and brittle when it cools. This stage is usually achieved at the specified temperature, but cooking times can vary.
3. Not Stirring Constantly: During the cooking process, it's crucial to stir the mixture constantly to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots. Uneven stirring can result in some areas being undercooked and not achieving the proper texture.
4. Humidity: High humidity can affect the outcome of your peanut brittle. Excess moisture in the air can cause the brittle to absorb moisture and become softer. Try making peanut brittle on a dry day or use a dehumidifier in your kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Granulated Sugar- The primary sweetening agent in peanut brittle. It caramelizes during the cooking process, providing the brittle with its characteristic sweetness and contributing to its hard texture.
• Light Corn Syrup- Serves multiple purposes in peanut brittle. It prevents the sugar from crystallizing, resulting in a smoother texture. It also adds moisture to the mixture, making it easier to work with, and enhances the brittle's shine.
• Water- Is used to dissolve the sugar and corn syrup, creating a syrupy mixture. It aids in the cooking process by allowing the sugar to reach the desired temperature for the brittle.
• Salt- Enhances the flavor of the peanut brittle, balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle savory element. It complements the nutty and sweet profile of the candy.
• Roasted Unsalted Peanuts- The star ingredient in peanut brittle. They provide the signature nutty flavor, crunch, and texture to the candy. Roasting the peanuts intensifies their flavor and enhances the overall taste of the brittle.
• Unsalted Butter- Adds richness and a creamy texture to the peanut brittle. It also contributes to the flavor profile and helps prevent the candy from sticking to the pan during cooking.
• Pure Vanilla Extract- Imparts a subtle vanilla flavor to the peanut brittle, enhancing its overall taste. It complements the sweetness and nuttiness of the candy.
• Baking Soda- Serves as a leavening agent in peanut brittle. When added, it causes a chemical reaction with the sugar syrup, creating tiny bubbles that make the brittle light and airy. This gives it a pleasing, less dense texture and allows it to snap when broken.

How To Make This Peanut Brittle Recipe

1. Prepare a Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. You'll pour the hot brittle mixture onto this sheet later.
2. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, Water, and Salt. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir them together over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture begins to boil, insert a candy thermometer.
3. Cook to 300°F (Hard Crack Stage). Without stirring, let the mixture cook until it reaches 300°F (Hard Crack Stage) on the candy thermometer. This will take about 8-10 minutes. Be patient and keep an eye on the temperature.
4. Add Peanuts and Butter. Once the mixture reaches 300°F, stir in the roasted peanuts and butter. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the temperature reaches 310°F (Hard Crack Stage). This should take another 3-5 minutes. The mixture will turn a lovely golden color.
5. Remove from Heat and Add Vanilla and Baking Soda. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up when you add these ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
6. Pour onto Baking Sheet. Immediately pour the hot peanut brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer. Allow it to cool and harden completely.
7. Break into Pieces Once the peanut brittle has cooled and hardened (usually within 30 minutes to an hour), break it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or a mallet.
8. Store. Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for several weeks.

Tips And Tricks

Making peanut brittle can be a rewarding but somewhat challenging endeavor due to the precise cooking temperatures involved. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make it perfect:

• Use a Candy Thermometer. A reliable candy thermometer is essential for making peanut brittle. It helps you monitor the temperature accurately and ensures you reach the hard crack stage, usually between 300°F to 310°F.
• Prep Ingredients in Advance. Have all your ingredients measured and prepared before you start cooking. Once the sugar syrup reaches the right temperature, you'll need to act quickly, so having everything ready is crucial.
• Stir Constantly. During the cooking process, stir the sugar mixture constantly to prevent it from burning or developing hot spots. Use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to stir.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pan. A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat evenly and reduces the risk of scorching the sugar mixture.

Variations

Peanut brittle is a classic candy, and while the traditional recipe is beloved, there are several delightful variations you can explore to add different flavors and textures to this sweet treat. Here are some variations:

• Cashew Brittle- Substitute peanuts with cashews for a more buttery and slightly sweeter brittle. Cashews add a creamy texture and a unique flavor.
• Almond Brittle- Replace peanuts with whole or chopped almonds. Almond brittle offers a nuttier and slightly milder taste compared to peanuts.
• Pecan Brittle- Pecans can add a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch to your brittle. Chopped pecans work well for this variation.

What To Enjoy With Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is a delightful sweet treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various complementary items for a delicious experience. Here are some ideas for what to enjoy with it:

• Ice Cream- Peanut brittle makes a fantastic topping for ice cream. Crush it into small pieces or crumble it over your favorite ice cream flavor for added crunch and sweetness.
• Chocolate- Peanut brittle and chocolate are a classic combination. Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over broken pieces of brittle, or dip the brittle into melted chocolate for a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures.
• Coffee or Tea- Enjoy a piece of peanut brittle alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. The sweetness and crunch of the brittle can be a delightful accompaniment to your hot beverage.

Does Peanut Brittle Go Bad?

Properly stored peanut brittle can last for several weeks to a couple of months. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh and crunchy.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze peanut brittle for longer-term storage. Freezing can help preserve the freshness and extend the shelf life of your peanut brittle, especially if you've made a large batch or want to enjoy it over an extended period.

It's worth noting that while freezing can help preserve the peanut brittle's texture and flavor, it may still become slightly stickier upon thawing due to the sugar content. However, this should not affect its overall taste.

Properly stored, frozen peanut brittle can remain good for several months, ensuring you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever you like.

More Homemade Candy Recipes

• Peppermint Bark
• No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
• Chocolate Covered Pretzels
• Keto Gummy Bears
• Sweet Cream Truffles

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