If you’ve ever craved a nostalgic treat with a perfect balance of sweet crunch and nutty delight, this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe is going to become your new favorite. This timeless candy delivers that classic crisp snap with roasted peanuts nestled in a light, buttery, caramelized sugar coating. The blend of simple ingredients creates a sophisticated flavor and texture that’s both addictive and comforting, making it an ideal treat for sharing or savoring solo. Whether you’re a candy enthusiast or just discovering peanut brittle, this recipe brings homemade goodness right to your kitchen with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because it relies on a handful of essential ingredients, each playing a crucial part in perfecting the final texture and taste. From the sweetness of granulated sugar to the rich nuttiness of roasted peanuts, every element shines through.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This is your base, providing the sweetness and structure for caramelization.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Prevents crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth and glossy.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly for a consistent syrup.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts: The star nut delivering crunch and deep flavor without added saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the brittle.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the candy’s flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Creates tiny air bubbles, making the brittle lighter and easier to break.
How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace
Before diving into candy-making, grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent sticking and make removing the brittle effortless once it cools down.
Step 2: Cook the Syrup
Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, which forms the base of your brittle’s golden, crunchy texture.
Step 3: Boil to Hard Crack Stage
Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for exactly 300°F, also known as the hard crack stage—this ensures your brittle will snap perfectly once cooled.
Step 4: Add Peanuts
Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts, letting them cook in the hot syrup for 1 to 2 minutes. This allows the peanuts to soak up the sweetness and ensures an even, luscious coating throughout.
Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and carefully mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract. The butter melts into the syrup, adding a rich, silky flavor that elevates the brittle beyond basic candy.
Step 6: Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda—watch as the mixture immediately foams up, creating a light, airy texture. This reaction is what gives the brittle its signature delicate crunch and ease of breaking.
Step 7: Spread the Brittle
Pour the bubbling mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or spoon, spread it out thinly and evenly, which helps the brittle set uniformly and achieve that perfect snap in every bite.
Step 8: Cool and Break
Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying homemade treats imaginable.
How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle shines on its own, sprinkling a touch of flaky sea salt on top just before it sets can intensify the flavor wonderfully. For a festive touch, try adding a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate to some pieces for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This peanut brittle pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte, balancing the sweet crunch with robust warmth. It also makes a delightful contrast alongside soft ice cream or vanilla custard, adding texture and a nutty kick to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the brittle in decorative jars tied with ribbon as charming edible gifts, or scatter pieces on top of cakes and cupcakes to add crunch and flair. Crushed peanut brittle can also be sprinkled over yogurt parfaits or used as a topping for ice cream sundaes, turning simple treats into extraordinary experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your peanut brittle fresh by storing pieces in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity, as moisture can soften the brittle and lose its signature snap. Properly stored, it stays crisp for up to two weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe just as fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap pieces tightly in parchment or wax paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When thawed at room temperature, the texture remains just as crunchy.
Reheating
While peanut brittle is best enjoyed at room temperature, if it becomes too cold or loses some crunch, gently warming it in a low oven for a few minutes can revive that delightful crispness. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the candy.
FAQs
What makes this the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe?
This recipe balances classic ingredients with a simple yet precise technique that delivers perfect texture and flavor every time. The addition of baking soda for lightness and the careful cooking to 300°F ensures a brittle that snaps just right.
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
While salted peanuts add extra flavor, using unsalted peanuts lets you control the salt level and maintain the brittle’s sweetness without overpowering it. You can always sprinkle a little sea salt on top instead.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is key for accuracy, but if you don’t have one, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should harden into brittle threads. However, investing in a reliable candy thermometer really elevates your results.
Why does the recipe call for baking soda?
Baking soda reacts with the hot syrup to create tiny air bubbles, which lighten the brittle’s texture. This results in a more delicate crunch that’s easier to bite and break, making the candy feel less dense and more enjoyable.
Can this recipe be made sugar-free or with alternative sweeteners?
Peanut brittle relies on sugar’s unique caramelizing properties, so substituting with sugar-free alternatives can be tricky and may affect texture and taste. For best results, stick with traditional sugar and corn syrup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making the Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe from scratch—it’s a sweet tradition that connects you to a simpler time with every crunchy bite. Once you try this recipe, I promise you’ll appreciate how a few humble ingredients come together to create a candy that’s utterly irresistible. So, invite some friends over or enjoy it as a special treat for yourself, and let the warm, nutty goodness brighten your day!
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a perfectly crunchy, sweet candy studded with roasted peanuts. Made by cooking a sugar syrup to the hard crack stage and adding baking soda for a light, airy texture, this homemade peanut brittle is a nostalgic treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper and set it aside. This will make it easier to spread the brittle and prevent sticking once the candy is poured out.
- Cook the Syrup: Combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to medium-high and let the syrup boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F, which is the hard crack stage, essential for the perfect brittle texture.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in the roasted, unsalted peanuts carefully into the hot syrup. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to ensure the peanuts are evenly coated and incorporate fully into the candy mixture.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract carefully, stirring until fully combined, which adds richness and flavor.
- Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda quickly. The mixture will foam up as the baking soda reacts with the syrup. This reaction creates a light, airy texture in the brittle.
- Spread the Brittle: Immediately pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out into a thin, even layer before it hardens.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once set, break into approximately 15 pieces and store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer for best results to achieve the correct temperature and texture.
- Work quickly after adding baking soda as the mixture sets fast.
- Storing the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature keeps it crisp for up to two weeks.
- You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans for variety.
- Ensure peanuts are unsalted to avoid overly salty candy, as salt is already added to the syrup.
