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Home » Dessert » Peanut Brittle

Published: November 25, 2018 Last Modified: March 10, 2019 By Sara 107 Comments

Peanut Brittle

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Peanut Brittle Recipe | Peanut Candy | Homemade Candy #candy #peanuts #dessert #sweets #dinneratthezoo #christmas

This recipe for homemade peanut brittle is a buttery, crispy confection loaded with roasted peanuts. Break the brittle into bite sized pieces and serve for a simple yet satisfying dessert, or package up your peanut candy for gift giving.

There’s nothing better than homemade candy, some of our favorites include rocky road fudge and buckeye balls. Peanut brittle is also at the top of our list, and it tastes so much better when you make it yourself!

Peanut Brittle Recipe | Peanut Candy | Homemade Candy #candy #peanuts #dessert #sweets #dinneratthezoo #christmas Peanut Brittle Recipe | Peanut Candy | Homemade Candy #candy #peanuts #dessert #sweets #dinneratthezoo #christmas

A stack of peanut brittle pieces on a serving plate.

Peanut brittle is my mom’s favorite candy, but to be honest, it’s never really been my thing. I made this recipe for her, and let me tell you, it’s the best peanut brittle EVER. I’ve eaten way too much of it over the last few days, and that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even like this candy!

How do you make peanut brittle?

Peanut brittle is easier to make than you’d think. Corn syrup, salt, sugar and water get boiled, then butter and dry roasted peanuts are added to the mix. Everything gets cooked together until a rich and golden brown candy forms. The final step is a touch of baking soda. The peanut mixture gets poured onto a sheet pan and then it needs to cool completely before you can break it into pieces.

Butter and sugar boiling in a pot.

The trick to making peanut brittle is to get yourself a candy thermometer. This is a necessary tool for successful peanut brittle. Luckily, candy thermometers are inexpensive and widely available. Be sure to monitor the temperature of your sugar mixture carefully so that you don’t overcook or undercook the brittle. If you overcook your brittle, it could become bitter or burn, and if you don’t cook it for long enough, it can get sticky.

A sheet pan of peanut brittle before it's been broken into pieces.

Why do you use baking soda in peanut brittle?

Baking soda may seem like an odd ingredient to put into candy, but the baking soda creates a ton of tiny air bubbles that improve the texture of the brittle. Don’t be tempted to skip this step!

A sheet pan of broken pieces of peanut brittle.

Tips for peanut brittle

  • Not a peanut fan? You can substitute an equal amount of pecans or almonds for the peanuts.
  • Peanut brittle can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Use a bigger pot than you think you need for this recipe, as the sugar mixture expands quite a bit, especially after you add the baking soda.

Peanut brittle pieces in a decorative tin.

I love to package peanut brittle in gift tins and give it away to family and friends during the holidays. This candy is so much better than any store bought brittle I’ve had, and dozens of people ask me for the recipe as soon as they get a taste of this delicious treat!

More delicious candy recipes

  • Peppermint Patties
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Candy Cane Hearts
  • Crock Pot Candy
  • 50 Christmas Candy Recipes
A stack of peanut brittle pieces on a serving plate.
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5 from 28 votes

Peanut Brittle

This recipe for homemade peanut brittle is a buttery, crispy confection loaded with roasted peanuts. Break the brittle into bite sized pieces and serve for a simple yet satisfying dessert, or package up your peanut candy for gift giving.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 24
Calories 254kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup butter cut into slices
  • 2 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts unsalted
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
  • Place the sugar, corn syrup, salt and water in a large, deep pan. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. 
  • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. This takes about 6-7 minutes.
  • Add the butter to the pan. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until a candy thermometer registers 280 degrees F. This takes about 15 minutes.
  • Add the peanuts to the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring constantly, or until a candy thermometer registers 305 degrees F. 
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the baking soda. 
  • Pour the peanut mixture evenly onto the sheet pans. Spread to a 1/4 inch layer.
  • Cool, then break into pieces and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 242mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 235IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!

 

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    Comments

    1. Lila says

      December 11, 2021 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      This brittle is outstanding! I made it to bring to a cookie exchange but it went so quickly will double up the recipe next time.

      Reply
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