Easy Peanut Brittle

Introduction

Easy Peanut Brittle is a classic candy treat that’s perfect for holiday gifting or satisfying a sweet-and-salty craving. This golden, crunchy confection is loaded with roasted peanuts and has a delightful caramelized flavor that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a bit of patience to achieve the perfect snap.

I first tried making peanut brittle as a homemade holiday gift, and it quickly became a favorite among friends and family. The process involves cooking sugar, corn syrup, and butter until golden, stirring in peanuts, and finishing with a touch of baking soda to create the characteristic light, airy texture. Once it cools and hardens, it breaks into satisfying shards of candy perfection.

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can swap peanuts for other nuts like almonds or cashews, or even add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate for extra flavor. Whether packaged in gift bags or served as a snack, Easy Peanut Brittle is a timeless treat that’s sure to bring smiles and crunch to any occasion.

Perfect for:

Holiday gifts
Party snacks
Edible gifts
Quick desserts
Peanut lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Easy Peanut Brittle will become a go-to recipe:

Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
No Candy Thermometer Needed: Foolproof instructions make it easy for anyone.
Delightful Crunch: Perfectly crispy and not overly hard.
Sweet and Salty Balance: A delicious combination of flavors.
Customizable: Add other nuts or spices for a personalized touch.
Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for weeks when stored properly.
Budget-Friendly: A cost-effective alternative to store-bought brittle.
Great Gift Idea: Perfect for packaging as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
1 cup peanuts (raw or roasted)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

Corn Syrup: Helps achieve a smooth, crack-free brittle texture.
Peanuts: Provide the signature crunch and nutty flavor.
Baking Soda: Creates air bubbles for a light, crisp texture.
Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare for Cooking:

Line a Baking Sheet: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.

Cook the Brittle:

Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Boil the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, allowing it to reach a golden amber color (about 10-12 minutes).
Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re toasted and coated.
Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add Baking Soda: Stir in baking soda until the mixture becomes light and foamy.

Pour and Cool:

Spread on Baking Sheet: Immediately pour the brittle onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Cool Completely: Let the brittle cool for 20-30 minutes until hardened.

Break and Serve:

Break Into Pieces: Once fully set, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces. Serve or store as desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Easy Peanut Brittle:

Holiday Treats: Include it in a holiday cookie tray.
Party Favors: Package in small bags or jars for guests.
Ice Cream Topping: Crush and sprinkle over ice cream.
Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Movie Night Snack: Enjoy as a sweet and crunchy treat.
Lunchbox Treat: Add to lunchboxes for a delightful surprise.
Gift Idea: Wrap in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for gifting.
Bake Sale Favorite: A hit at community or school bake sales.
Trail Mix Add-In: Break into smaller pieces and mix with dried fruit and nuts.
Post-Dinner Dessert: A light and satisfying end to a meal.

Additional Tips

Prep All Ingredients Ahead of Time: Measure out all your ingredients before starting, as timing is critical, and brittle sets quickly once ready.
Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer ensures you hit the right temperature (300°F or “hard crack” stage), crucial for achieving the ideal texture.
Grease Your Tools: Lightly grease your spatula and baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Work Quickly but Carefully: Once the mixture is ready, pour and spread it fast, as it hardens in seconds. Be cautious—it’s extremely hot!
Avoid Over-Stirring: Stir only as directed to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and becoming grainy.
Use Fresh Peanuts: Fresh, unsalted peanuts work best for optimal flavor and texture. You can also toast them slightly for a richer taste.
Add Baking Soda at the End: Stir in baking soda last to create air bubbles, giving the brittle its signature light and crisp texture.
Don’t Make It on Humid Days: Humidity can prevent the brittle from setting properly. Choose a dry day for best results.
Cool Completely Before Breaking: Let the brittle cool fully on the baking sheet before breaking it into pieces to avoid uneven shards.
Store Properly: Keep brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispness. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make it sticky.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate-Drizzled Peanut Brittle: After the brittle has cooled, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate on top and let it harden.
Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sugar mixture for a subtle heat.
Nut Medley Brittle: Use a combination of peanuts, almonds, cashews, and pistachios for a mixed-nut twist.
Coconut Peanut Brittle: Mix in shredded coconut before pouring the mixture onto the baking sheet.
Coffee-Infused Peanut Brittle: Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules to the sugar mixture for a coffee-flavored brittle.
Honey Peanut Brittle: Replace some of the sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness and a unique flavor.
Vanilla Bean Peanut Brittle: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or scrape a vanilla bean pod into the mixture for added depth.
Sea Salt Peanut Brittle: Sprinkle a small amount of flaky sea salt over the brittle after pouring it onto the sheet for a salty-sweet balance.
Maple Peanut Brittle: Substitute part of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a rich, caramelized flavor.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brittle: Swirl in a few dollops of peanut butter before the brittle sets for a creamy and decadent variation.

Special Equipment

Candy Thermometer – Ensures the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature (typically 300°F, the hard crack stage).
Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan – Helps evenly distribute heat and prevent burning.
Silicone Spatula or Heatproof Spoon – For stirring the sugar mixture without melting or sticking.
Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper – Non-stick surface for spreading the brittle.
Large Baking Sheet or Jelly Roll Pan – Provides a flat surface to cool the brittle.
Metal Offset Spatula or Bench Scraper – Helps spread the hot brittle thinly and evenly.
Cooling Rack – Ensures airflow under the baking sheet for faster cooling.
Kitchen Scale – Accurately measures ingredients like sugar and peanuts.
Oven Mitts or Heatproof Gloves – Protects your hands from the high heat.
Food Processor (Optional) – If you prefer finely chopped peanuts instead of whole.

FAQ Section

What ingredients are needed for peanut brittle?
You’ll need sugar, corn syrup, water, peanuts, butter, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans.
How long does peanut brittle take to set?
It typically takes 30-60 minutes to fully harden at room temperature.
What type of pan should I use?
A heavy-bottomed saucepan is best to evenly distribute heat.
Can I make peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?
Yes, but it’s easier to get the right consistency with one. If you don’t have one, watch for the mixture to reach a golden brown color and test its texture by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should harden immediately.
How should I store peanut brittle?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but you can substitute it with honey or golden syrup for a slightly different texture.
Why is my peanut brittle sticky or soft?
This happens if the sugar mixture didn’t reach the correct temperature (around 300°F or the “hard crack” stage).
Can I make peanut brittle in the microwave?
Yes! Many easy recipes adapt well to the microwave for a quicker option.
Is peanut brittle gluten-free?
Most peanut brittle recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check your ingredients to ensure they are free from gluten.

Conclusion

Easy Peanut Brittle is a classic candy that delivers a delightful combination of crunchy texture and nutty sweetness. Made with roasted peanuts encased in a crisp caramelized sugar shell, this treat is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for snacking, gifting, or adding to your holiday dessert spread.

This recipe is quick and simple, requiring just a few pantry staples—sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts. A touch of baking soda creates the light, airy texture that makes peanut brittle so satisfying. Customize it with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate for a modern twist on this traditional candy.

I’d love to see your Easy Peanut Brittle creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me so I can admire your candy-making skills. Leave a comment and let me know how you personalized it—maybe with other nuts, a hint of cinnamon, or a dash of spicy cayenne for a unique flavor kick!