If you’ve ever longed for that perfect crunchy, sweet, and nutty treat that brings back nostalgic memories, then you’re in for a delight with the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe. This classic candy combines the heavenly caramelized sugar crunch with roasted peanuts, delivering a sweet, buttery flavor and satisfying snap in every bite. It’s the kind of homemade candy that’s simple enough for a weekend kitchen project but impressive enough to share with friends and family during any occasion. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it has remained a timeless favorite for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor profile. Each component plays a critical role, from the sweet base to the nutty crunch, and even the little chemical magic that lightens the brittle’s texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This provides the sweetness and structure as it caramelizes into golden brittle perfection.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization, ensuring a smooth, shiny candy with the ideal crunch.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and control cooking temperature for even caramelization.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and boosting the peanut taste.
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts: Adds the signature crunchy texture and rich, nutty flavor that makes this candy truly special.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Brings a silky richness and depth to the brittle’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Layers in a warm, fragrant sweetness that elevates the candy’s complexity.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates airy bubbles in the brittle, making it lighter and easier to bite.
How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Start by greasing a large baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper. This step might seem small, but it’s crucial—it ensures your brittle won’t stick and will come off easily once it’s cooled and set.
Step 2: Cook the Syrup
Combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth syrup. This base is the heart of your brittle, so take your time here.
Step 3: Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Turn the heat up to medium-high without stirring. Allow the mixture to boil until it hits 300°F on a candy thermometer, known as the hard crack stage. This temperature ensures the brittle will set with that perfect, satisfying snap.
Step 4: Add the Peanuts
Stir the roasted peanuts into the hot syrup and let them cook together for 1 to 2 minutes. This step ensures every nut is beautifully coated in caramelized sugary goodness, making the brittle irresistibly crunchy throughout.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and carefully mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds a luscious richness while the vanilla infuses the candy with a cozy aroma and depth of flavor.
Step 6: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda next. It reacts with the hot syrup to create tiny bubbles that foam up the mixture and give the brittle a light, delicate texture rather than a dense crunch.
Step 7: Spread the Brittle
Quickly pour the bubbling mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, then spread it thinly and evenly with a spatula or spoon. Speed is key here—working fast ensures your brittle cools uniformly and crisps perfectly.
Step 8: Cool and Break
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once set, break it into bite-sized pieces and store them in an airtight container to keep fresh and crunchy.
How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is delicious on its own, pairing it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before cooling can add a lovely contrast that makes every bite pop with flavor. For festive occasions, scatter edible gold dust or wrap pieces in pretty cellophane for charming homemade gifts.
Side Dishes
Peanut brittle pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect after-dinner treat. It also complements creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or rich chocolate mousse, providing a delightful textural crunch and balancing sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging broken brittle pieces in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. You can also crush it slightly and sprinkle over cakes, cupcakes, or even salads to surprise guests with a crunchy, nutty twist. The possibilities to make it shine at your table are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut brittle fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, it stays crispy and delicious for up to two weeks—perfect for snacking anytime cravings hit.
Freezing
You can freeze peanut brittle to extend its shelf life. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it, and it’ll retain its wonderful crunch.
Reheating
Since peanut brittle is best eaten as-is, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if it becomes slightly sticky or soft, placing it in a low oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes can restore its crisp texture without melting it.
FAQs
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful that salted peanuts will increase the overall saltiness of your brittle. If you prefer, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the balance just right.
What happens if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is ideal for precision, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water—if it hardens and cracks easily, you have reached the hard crack stage needed for perfect brittle.
Can I substitute peanuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans all work wonderfully in this recipe and’ll add their unique flavors while maintaining the crunchy texture you love.
Why is baking soda added to the brittle?
Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles in the hot sugar mixture, which lightens the candy’s texture, making it less dense and giving it that signature crisp snap instead of a heavy crunch.
How long does peanut brittle last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, peanut brittle stays fresh and crunchy for about two weeks, making it ideal for making ahead of festivities or gifting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making candy from scratch, especially with a timeless classic like this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe. It’s rewarding, fun, and the result is a sweet treat that never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re crafting a gift or simply indulging yourself, this recipe has all the warmth and crunch you could hope for. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create some delicious memories!
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe creates a classic, crunchy candy combining the perfect balance of sweetness and salty roasted peanuts. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop to a hard crack stage, this peanut brittle is buttery, light from baking soda aeration, and ideal for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Syrup: Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Boil the Mixture: Increase heat to medium-high and allow the syrup to boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature and continue boiling until it reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage.
- Add Peanuts: Stir the roasted, unsalted peanuts into the hot syrup. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes while continuously stirring to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully stir in the softened unsalted butter and vanilla extract, blending them smoothly into the mixture.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda; the mixture will foam up and lighten in texture, which will help to create the brittle’s characteristic crispiness.
- Spread the Brittle: Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or spoon, spread it thinly and evenly before it cools.
- Cool and Break: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely and harden at room temperature. Once set, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to ensure accuracy in reaching the hard crack stage for the best texture.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda as the mixture will begin to foam and set rapidly.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to keep it crisp and prevent it from absorbing moisture.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the corn syrup to 1/3 cup and balance with an adjusted sugar amount, but results may vary.
- For a nut variation, try substituting peanuts with pecans or almonds.
