If you’ve ever wanted to capture that nostalgic, buttery-crisp flavor right in your own kitchen, then Homemade Peanut Brittle is your ticket. This brilliant confection delivers a perfect snap thanks to golden caramelized sugar and hearty roasted peanuts, balanced with just a kiss of salt and vanilla. There’s something magical about watching humble pantry staples transform into a crackly, glossy candy that’s sweet, nutty, and absolutely irresistible—making Homemade Peanut Brittle a treat worth sharing (or, honestly, hoarding all for yourself).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The list for Homemade Peanut Brittle is refreshingly short, and each component plays a starring role in the final treat. These staple ingredients combine to create the glossy, crunchy, golden perfection we all crave. Here’s how each one makes a difference:
- Sugar: The backbone of the candy, caramelizes for a gorgeous brittle that shatters in all the right ways.
- Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing so your brittle stays smooth, not grainy.
- Water: Helps the sugar dissolve evenly, allowing for perfectly even cooking.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the rich flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Roasted Unsalted Peanuts: Provide that signature crunch and nutty depth—ideal for texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a layer of richness and helps create that signature glossy finish.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and a hint of cozy aroma to the brittle.
- Baking Soda: Causes the candy mixture to foam up, giving the brittle its delicate, airy crunch.
How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
First things first: get your workspace ready! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it close to your stovetop. This step is a lifesaver when it comes time to pour out that hot, bubbling brittle—no sticking, no stress. If you don’t have parchment or a baking mat, give the pan a good greasing with butter.
Step 2: Combine and Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Set the pan over medium heat and stir steadily until the sugar completely dissolves. This ensures a silky-smooth base. Once you’re sure everything’s dissolved, put your spoon aside—the key is to stop stirring now so you don’t encourage crystals to form as the syrup thickens and takes on some color.
Step 3: Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Clip a candy thermometer to your pan (if you have one—it’s very helpful here). Allow the sugar mixture to bubble away undisturbed until it reaches the hard crack stage, about 300°F. This typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, but keep a close eye on the color; you want a deep golden amber hue. Resist the temptation to stir or walk away—this is the make-or-break point for Homemade Peanut Brittle.
Step 4: Add Peanuts and Cook
As soon as your mixture hits that magic temperature, add the roasted unsalted peanuts. Stir them in gently but thoroughly—you’re just coaxing in a minute or so of toasty flavor and even distribution. Now the real excitement starts!
Step 5: Finish with Butter, Vanilla, and Baking Soda
Take your pan off the heat and immediately add in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and finally, the baking soda. It’s about to get lively—the baking soda causes the mixture to foam up dramatically. Stir with conviction! This is what gives your brittle that charmingly airy snap. Make sure everything’s blended, but work quickly; once the soda is in, the brittle can set up fast.
Step 6: Spread and Cool
Without delay, pour the bubbling mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a heatproof spatula to spread it as thin as possible—the thinner, the snappier! Let your Homemade Peanut Brittle cool completely (about 30 minutes), watching as the glossy surface hardens before your eyes. Once set, break it into pieces as big or bite-sized as you fancy.
How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle
Garnishes
The classic approach to serving Homemade Peanut Brittle is to let its golden color and glossy finish shine, but if you want to jazz it up, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled brittle adds flavor and visual flair. Both amplify the sweet-savory balance that makes peanut brittle absolutely addictive.
Side Dishes
Homemade Peanut Brittle is undoubtedly the star of any treat tray, but it pairs beautifully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee. If you’re entertaining, serve it with a spread of dried fruits and other candies for a mesmerizing candy board that pleases every palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting, stack broken pieces in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for instant nostalgia. Hosting a get-together? Toss peanut brittle shards on top of frosted cupcakes, use as a crunchy cake topper, or tuck them into goodie boxes for your guests. The crisp snap and golden sheen always impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Homemade Peanut Brittle at peak crunch, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from humidity, as moisture is the enemy of brittle. Properly stored, your brittle will stay deliciously crisp for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Homemade Peanut Brittle! Place layers between parchment paper inside a tightly sealed container or freezer bag. This helps prevent sticking and protects the texture. When ready to enjoy, let brittle come to room temperature before unsealing—this avoids any condensation making it sticky.
Reheating
Generally, brittle doesn’t need reheating, but if any pieces soften slightly, you can refresh them in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5–7 minutes. Let them cool completely to restore their signature crunch. Just be careful not to brown it further!
FAQs
Why did my peanut brittle turn out sticky or chewy?
This usually means the sugar mixture didn’t reach a high enough temperature (300°F). Use a candy thermometer if possible to nail the hard crack stage, which is key for that crunchy texture.
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in cashews, almonds, pecans, or even a blend. Just make sure your chosen nuts are roasted for the best flavor and crunch in the finished brittle.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup?
Corn syrup prevents graininess and lends that clear, shatteringly crisp structure. While some alternatives (like golden syrup) may work, skipping it can make the sugar seize up or crystallize.
How do I clean the pan after making Homemade Peanut Brittle?
Fill the sticky pan with water and bring it to a boil. The leftover sugar will dissolve easily, making cleanup a breeze without any scraping or scrubbing.
Can I double the Homemade Peanut Brittle recipe?
You can, but work quickly! A larger batch sets fast once the baking soda is in, so prep a bigger baking sheet and have extra spatulas handy to spread it out thinly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about making Homemade Peanut Brittle from scratch—the crackle, the aroma, and the joy of breaking up the glossy sheet into perfectly irregular pieces. Whether you share it or sneak a nightly piece just for yourself, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. Give it a try, and I have a feeling you’ll keep coming back to this timeless, crunchy treat!
Print
Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Homemade Peanut Brittle with this easy recipe. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or as a thoughtful homemade gift!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Boil until it reaches 300°F.
- Add Peanuts and Butter: Stir in peanuts, then quickly add butter, vanilla, and baking soda.
- Spread Mixture: Pour hot mixture onto baking sheet and spread thinly. Let cool.
- Break and Store: Once cooled, break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Work quickly after adding baking soda.
- For a salty-sweet version, use salted roasted peanuts and omit extra salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
