Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

This Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe is a classic treat. Many families love this Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe for holidays. It is very sweet and crunchy.

You will enjoy making this Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe at home. It tastes just like grandma used to make. It is the perfect snack for any time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The flavor of this candy is very rich. It has a deep, buttery taste. The sugar turns into a golden caramel. It smells wonderful while it cooks.

The texture is the best part of all. It is very light and crisp. It breaks easily when you bite it. The baking soda creates tiny air bubbles. This makes the candy easy to eat.

This recipe is also very fast to make. You only need about twenty minutes. It is a very simple process to follow. Most of the time is just waiting. You do not need to be an expert. Beginners can make this with great success.

Equipment List

Baking Sheet: You need a flat surface for cooling. A large metal pan works best here. It helps the candy spread out thin.

Parchment Paper: This paper is very important for cleaning. It stops the sugar from sticking fast. You can peel the candy off easily.

Large Pot: Use a pot with a thick bottom. This helps the heat spread out evenly. It prevents the sugar from burning quickly.

Candy Thermometer: This tool measures the heat very precisely. You must reach the hard crack stage. Without it, the brittle might stay soft.

Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon stays cool to touch. Use it to stir the thick syrup. It will not melt in high heat.

Ingredients You Need for Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

White Sugar: This is the base of the candy. It melts into a golden brown syrup. It provides the sweet flavor you love.

Corn Syrup: This liquid prevents sugar from getting grainy. It ensures the brittle is very clear. Your candy will look professional and shiny.

Salt: A little salt makes flavors pop out. It cuts through the heavy sugar taste. It makes the peanuts taste much better.

Raw Peanuts: These nuts cook inside the hot sugar. They become toasted and very crunchy. They are the star of this recipe.

Unsalted Butter: Butter makes the candy very creamy. It adds a rich and savory depth. It helps the brittle break apart easily.

Baking Soda: This creates tiny bubbles in the candy. It makes the texture light and airy. Your brittle will not be too hard.

Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm and sweet aroma. It makes the kitchen smell like heaven. It rounds out the buttery peanut flavor.

How to Assemble

Step 1:

Prepare your baking sheet first. Line it with parchment paper. This prevents a big mess later. Set the pan on a flat surface.

Step 2:

Mix sugar and corn syrup. Put them in the large pot. Add a little bit of water. Stir them together very well.

Step 3:

Turn on the stove heat. Set it to medium-high heat. Let the mixture start to boil. Do not stir it yet.

Step 4:

Clip on your candy thermometer. Watch the temperature rise slowly. Wait for two hundred eighty degrees. This takes a few minutes.

Step 5:

Add the peanuts and butter. Stir them in very quickly. The mixture will get very thick. Keep stirring so nothing burns.

Step 6:

Cook until three hundred degrees. This is called the hard crack stage. This makes the brittle very crunchy. Watch the color turn golden.

Step 7:

Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the baking soda quickly. Add the vanilla extract now too. The mix will foam up.

Step 8:

Pour it onto the sheet. Spread it thin with a spoon. Do this part very fast. The candy hardens very quickly.

Step 9:

Let the candy cool completely. It will become hard and firm. Break it into small pieces. Use your hands to snap it.

Recipe Notes

Tip 1: Use a heavy pot to prevent burning sugar.

Tip 2: Work fast once you add the baking soda.

Tip 3: Always use fresh peanuts for the best taste.

Tip 4: Clean your pot with hot soapy water easily.

Tip 5: Check your thermometer in boiling water first.

How To Store Leftover

Keep your brittle in an airtight container. Put it in a cool, dry place. Do not put it in the fridge. The moisture makes the candy very sticky.

It stays fresh for two weeks. You can also freeze the brittle. Use a freezer bag for long storage. It lasts for three months that way.

Sides & Pairings Suggestions

This candy goes well with hot coffee. Serve it with a cold glass of milk. It is great on top of ice cream. Crush the pieces for a sundae topping.

You can also pair it with dark chocolate. The salty nuts taste good with cocoa. Serve it at a party with fruit. It adds a nice crunch to snacks.

Nutritions

Nutrient	Value
Calories	150 kcal
Total Fat	7 g
Total Sugar	15 g
Protein	3 g
Sodium	120 mg

FAQs about Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

Why is my brittle chewy?

You did not cook it long enough. The sugar must reach 300 degrees. Always use a thermometer for accuracy.

Can I use salted peanuts?

Yes, you can use salted peanuts. Just skip adding extra salt later. This keeps the flavor well balanced.

Is corn syrup necessary?

Yes, corn syrup is very important. It stops sugar crystals from forming. This makes the candy very smooth.

How do I clean the pot?

Fill the pot with hot water. Let it sit for ten minutes. The hard sugar will melt away easily.

Final Thoughts

Making candy is a fun hobby. This recipe is perfect for beginners. You will love the homemade taste.

Share it with your friends today. It makes a wonderful gift. Everyone will ask for the recipe. Enjoy your sweet and salty treat.