Perfect Homemade Peanut Brittle – Crispy, Buttery, and Irresistible
This classic peanut brittle is sweet, crunchy, and just the right amount of buttery. Perfect for holiday gifting or a nostalgic treat any time of year.
📝 Ingredients (Makes about 1½ pounds)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 1½ cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
👨🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare Your Station:
📄 Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly butter it. Have all ingredients measured and ready—this recipe moves fast once the sugar caramelizes.
2️⃣ Cook the Sugar Mixture:
🍯 In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring. Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
3️⃣ Add Butter and Peanuts:
🥜 Stir in the butter and peanuts. Cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until golden brown.
4️⃣ Add Vanilla and Baking Soda:
✨ Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. The mixture will foam up—stir fast!
5️⃣ Spread and Cool:
🪵 Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it thin and evenly. Let it cool completely (about 30 minutes), then break into pieces.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves for Making the Best Peanut Brittle
- 🍬 Candy Thermometer – Essential for hitting the perfect hard crack stage.
- 🥄 Heat-Resistant Spatula – Handles the hot sugar without melting.
- 🍯 Light Corn Syrup – The key to a smooth, glassy brittle.
- 🥜 Unsalted Roasted Peanuts – Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for brittle.
- 🫖 Heavy-Bottom Saucepan – Prevents scorching during caramelization.
- 📄 Parchment Paper – Makes spreading and removing brittle a breeze.
💡 Helpful Tip:
Don’t skip the prep—once the sugar reaches temperature, you’ll have seconds to add your final ingredients and spread the brittle before it hardens.