Description
Follow these steps to make classic, crunchy peanut brittle with a perfect snap every time. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a buttery, sweet, and salty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups unsalted, shelled peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed, large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Insert a candy thermometer. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), the soft-ball stage.
- Add the peanuts to the syrup mixture. Continue cooking, stirring gently but constantly, until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius), the hard-crack stage. This step requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly. Stir just until combined.
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-safe spatula to spread it thinly and evenly. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
- Let the brittle cool completely and harden at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Once fully cooled and hard, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; reaching 300 degrees Fahrenheit is key for a crisp snap.
- Work quickly once you remove the mixture from the heat, as the candy hardens fast.
- Do not over-stir the sugar mixture while it is boiling, as this can cause crystallization.
- Store brittle in a dry place; humidity causes it to become sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 5