Description
Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle is a classic, crunchy candy featuring roasted peanuts embedded in a rich, buttery caramelized sugar base. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple pantry ingredients to create a nostalgic and satisfying treat perfect for gifting or snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Peanut Brittle
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Grease a large rimmed baking sheet or line it with a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a heavy 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture starts boiling, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Peanuts and Cook: Stir in the peanuts. Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking, stirring occasionally but not excessively to avoid grainy brittle, until the mixture reaches 300 to 310°F (150 to 155°C) – the hard crack stage, about 10 minutes.
- Mix Butter and Baking Soda: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in the unsalted butter and baking soda; the soda will cause the mixture to foam and become airy.
- Spread the Mixture: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using two forks, lift and pull the brittle into a 12×14-inch rectangle while still hot.
- Cool: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely until firm, at least 30 minutes.
- Break into Pieces: Once cooled, use a mallet or your hands to break the brittle into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute the peanuts with macadamia nuts for a special variation and gift option.
- Using a silicone baking mat instead of greasing the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- Be cautious during cooking; reaching the correct temperature is critical to achieve the perfect brittle texture.
- Avoid excessive stirring after adding peanuts to prevent graininess in the brittle.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 28g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
