Peanut brittle is a classic homemade candy that combines crunchy peanuts with a sweet, buttery caramelized sugar coating. This delicious treat has been enjoyed for generations and makes a perfect snack or gift during the holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or trying it for the first time, this peanut brittle recipe is easy to follow and yields a delightfully crisp texture with a rich, nutty flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts.
- Perfect for Gifting: A homemade treat that’s great for holiday gifts or party favors.
- Crunchy & Sweet: The ideal balance of crunchiness and caramelized sweetness.
- No Candy Thermometer Required: This recipe provides clear steps to ensure perfect results without needing extra tools.
Ingredients Notes
- Granulated Sugar: Forms the base of the caramel and gives the brittle its signature crunch.
- Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth and glossy brittle.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and enhances the texture.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the caramelized sugar to create a light, airy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth.
- Roasted Peanuts: The star ingredient, providing a nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
How To Make This Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin, measure all ingredients and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches a deep golden color.
Step 3: Add Butter & Peanuts
Stir in the butter and peanuts, mixing constantly to coat the nuts evenly. Continue cooking until the caramel mixture reaches a hard crack stage.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda & Vanilla
Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble and expand.
Step 5: Spread & Cool
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly. Let it cool completely before breaking it into pieces.
Storage Options
Peanut Brittle is a deliciously crunchy and sweet treat that can stay fresh for weeks if stored correctly. Since it has a hard, candy-like texture, proper storage is essential to maintain its crispness and prevent it from becoming sticky or chewy. Here’s how to store Peanut Brittle for the best results:
Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 Weeks at Room Temperature)
Peanut Brittle is best stored at room temperature, where it maintains its signature crunch.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store Peanut Brittle in an airtight container, such as a glass jar, metal tin, or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. This prevents moisture from softening the brittle.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking multiple pieces, place parchment or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. This is especially helpful in warm or humid climates.
- Keep It Cool and Dry: Store the container in a cool, dry place away from heat sources such as stoves, ovens, or direct sunlight. Humidity and heat can cause the brittle to soften or become tacky.
- Avoid Refrigeration: While refrigeration extends the shelf life of some treats, it is not ideal for Peanut Brittle. The cold temperature can introduce moisture, making the brittle sticky and altering its texture.
Long-Term Storage (Up to 3 Months in the Freezer)
If you want to store Peanut Brittle for an extended period, freezing is an option. However, extra care is needed to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
- Wrap It Well: Before freezing, wrap Peanut Brittle in wax paper or parchment paper to prevent pieces from sticking together. Then, place it in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Double-Layer Protection: To further protect against moisture and freezer burn, consider adding a second layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil around the storage container.
- Freeze in Portions: If you don’t plan to eat all the brittle at once, divide it into smaller portions before freezing. This allows you to take out only what you need without repeatedly exposing the rest to temperature changes.
- Thaw Properly: When ready to eat, remove the Peanut Brittle from the freezer and let it come to room temperature while still in the container. This prevents condensation from forming on the brittle, which could make it sticky. Avoid thawing in the fridge, as the added moisture can negatively impact its texture.
Additional Tips for Keeping Peanut Brittle Fresh
Avoid Exposure to Air: Always keep the container sealed when not in use. Leaving Peanut Brittle exposed to air for long periods can cause it to lose its crunch.
Store in a Low-Humidity Environment: Peanut Brittle absorbs moisture quickly, so avoid storing it in areas with high humidity, like the kitchen during cooking or near a dishwasher.
Use a Silica Gel Packet: If you live in a humid area, consider placing a food-safe silica gel packet inside the storage container. This helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the brittle crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
Peanut Brittle is a classic treat, but the beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily tweak the ingredients and flavors to create new versions while still maintaining that signature crunchy, caramelized texture. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment, here are some creative variations and substitutions to try.
Nut Variations
While peanuts are the traditional choice, you can swap them out for different nuts to add a unique flavor and texture to your brittle.
Almond Brittle – Use chopped or slivered almonds for a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor. Almonds toast beautifully in the caramel, adding depth.
Cashew Brittle – Cashews have a buttery texture that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized sugar. Their mild taste makes them a great alternative.
Pistachio Brittle – For a vibrant green color and a nutty, slightly sweet taste, use pistachios. They make the brittle extra special and perfect for gifting.
Walnut or Pecan Brittle – These nuts have a rich, earthy taste that contrasts well with the sweetness of the brittle. They also give a more textured bite.
Mixed Nut Brittle – Combine different nuts for a flavorful twist. A mix of almonds, cashews, and pecans creates a delicious medley.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding different flavors to your Peanut Brittle can elevate its taste and give it a gourmet touch.
Vanilla Extract – A teaspoon of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the caramelized sugar’s natural sweetness.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg – Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the brittle a subtle spiced warmth, perfect for holiday treats.
Orange or Lemon Zest – A little citrus zest brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness. Orange zest pairs particularly well with dark chocolate-dipped brittle.
Coconut Flakes – Mix in some toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist. It adds a slight chewiness and complements the crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle – Melt some dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brittle for a decadent touch. You can also dip one side of the brittle in chocolate for a fancier look.
Espresso or Coffee Powder – Mixing a teaspoon of finely ground espresso into the caramel adds a deep, roasted coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the nuts.
Sweetener Substitutions
If you want to change the type of sweetener used in your brittle, here are some alternatives:
Honey Peanut Brittle – Replace some or all of the corn syrup with honey for a more floral, natural sweetness. Honey also gives the brittle a slightly softer texture.
Maple Syrup Brittle – Substitute maple syrup for a deep, rich caramel flavor. This pairs especially well with pecans or walnuts.
Brown Sugar – Instead of white sugar, use brown sugar to add a molasses-like depth to the brittle. It will make the caramel darker and richer.
Sugar-Free Brittle – Use a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb or keto-friendly version. However, be aware that some sugar substitutes may not caramelize the same way.
Dairy-Free and Vegan Options
For those who are dairy-free or vegan, you can still enjoy delicious brittle with a few simple substitutions.
Vegan Butter Substitute – Instead of regular butter, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will keep the brittle dairy-free.
Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup – Swap out honey or corn syrup for agave syrup or maple syrup to keep the brittle vegan.
Dairy-Free Chocolate – If dipping or drizzling chocolate, use dairy-free dark chocolate or a vegan chocolate alternative.
Unique Texture Add-Ins
If you want to add some extra crunch or chewiness to your brittle, try incorporating these fun ingredients:
Crushed Pretzels – Adds a salty crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Toasted Sesame Seeds – Mix in sesame seeds for a nutty, toasty flavor. This is a popular brittle variation in many Asian cuisines.
Puffed Rice or Cereal – For a light, crispy texture, stir in some Rice Krispies or cornflakes before the brittle sets.
Chopped Dried Fruit – Cranberries, cherries, or raisins can add a chewy contrast to the brittle’s crunch.
Spice It Up!
For those who love a little heat, try adding some spice to your brittle.
Cayenne Pepper or Chili Powder – A pinch of cayenne or chili powder adds a spicy kick, creating a sweet-and-spicy flavor combination.
Smoked Paprika – For a smoky depth, mix in a bit of smoked paprika. This pairs well with almonds or pecans.
Ginger Powder – Ground ginger gives the brittle a mild spiced warmth, which pairs beautifully with peanuts or cashews.
Conclusion
Peanut brittle is a timeless, satisfying treat that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it as a snack, a homemade gift, or a festive dessert, this easy recipe guarantees deliciously crunchy results every time. Try experimenting with different nuts or flavor add-ins to make it your own!