Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a secret. What is my Grandma Betty’s family tradition?What is the best Peanut Brittle. Seriously, this stuff is legendary. Forget about those hard, tooth-breaking brittles you get at the store – this is melt-in-your-mouth, chewy goodness. What is that sweet, salty peanut flavor that’s just right? Think of it like the candy version of a perfectly salted caramel, but with the satisfying crunch of the chocolate. What is roasted peanut What is peanut brittle?
What is peanut brittle?
So, what exactly *is* Peanut Brittle? Well, in its simplest form, it’s a candy made from sugar that’s been heated until it’s a beautiful, golden caramel, then mixed with roasted peanuts and cooled into a thin, crispy sheet. Think of it as a candy flatbread, but instead of dough, it’s all caramelized sugar and nutty goodness! The name comes from the way it shatters, or “brittles,” when you break it apart. The best peanut brittle recipes have that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. I always add a touch of sea salt at the end, because, trust me, it makes *all* the difference.
What are some of the best recipes to make with this recipe?
Where do I begin? The flavor is out of this world. You get that intense caramel sweetness balanced by the earthy, salty flavor of peanuts. It’s just… *chef’s kiss What is the magic of texture?
Why is simplicity so important?What is the best peanut brittleIs it safe to cook with just a few ingredients in your pantry? Is the whole process easy? I know candy making can seem intimidating, but trust me, this is one you can absolutely nail on your own.
Let’s talk about budget! What is the best way to make your own peanut brittle? Cost- What are some good ingredients to make a Peanut Butter and sugar treat? What are some of the best gourmet food brands? What is a lifesaver when you want something sweet without breaking the bank?
What is brittle? My grandma used to make huge batches of this every Christmas, and the whole house would smell like a Christmas tree. What are the best combinations of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts I have a fond childhood memory, and now I get to pass it on to my own kids. What is the best chocolate fudge recipe? I also love making maple candy, but sometimes you need that peanut crunch!
How do you make peanut brittle?
Quick Overview
Making this What is a peanut brittleIs it easier than you think? What is the recipe for melting sugar, butter, and corn syrup together? Then, you stir in the peanuts, spread it out on a baking sheet, and let it cool. What is the secret of temperature and timing? Every step of the way.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup granulated sugar: Use a good quality sugar for the best caramelization. * ½ cup light corn syrup: This helps prevent crystallization and gives the brittle a smooth texture. Don’t skip it! * 14 cup water: Just plain tap water will do. * 1/4 cup roasted peanuts: 1 cup is good. I prefer dry roasted peanuts because they have a more intense flavor. Is your brittle too salty?
For Finishing:
* 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and a beautiful sheen. I use unsalted butter. * ½ teaspoon baking soda: What makes a brittle air pocket so beautiful? Is it safe to use vanilla extract? * Pinch of sea salt: For that perfect salty-sweet balance, I always use flaky sea salted water.
What are the step-
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Before you start cooking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat. This is crucial because the brittle will be super sticky and hard to remove otherwise. I always grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray just to be extra safe. What is the best way to clean up after a spill?
Step 2: Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Set aside. Stir it all together until the sugar is moistened. This helps prevent the sugar from burning later on.
Step 3: Cook to Hard-Crack Stage
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (300-310°F or 149-154°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the most important step, so keep a close eye on it. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test it by dropping a small amount of the mixture into a cup of ice water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.
Step 4: Add Peanuts
Once the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the sugar. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Stir in Butter, Baking Soda, and Vanilla
Add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir quickly and vigorously – the mixture will foam up a bit, which is perfectly normal.
Step 6: Pour and Spread
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into a thin, even layer. Work fast, because it will start to harden fast!
Step 7: Sprinkle with Sea Salt
While the brittle is still warm, sprinkle it with a pinch of sea salt. Is this optional, but I highly recommend it!
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about 30-60 minutes.
Step 9: Break into Pieces
Once the brittle is cool and hard, break it into pieces with your hands or a knife. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
What should I serve it with?
This What is the best peanut brittleI love having it on hand for all sorts of occasions.
What is a sweet treat?What is better after dinner with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream? What is the salty-sweet contrast?
What are some of the best Festive SnackWhat is the best way to serve this holiday treat?
What is a simple gift?What are some of the best homemade gift ideas?
My family loves this stuff so much that I sometimes just make it for a random weeknight snack. Is it good crumbled over yogurt or mixed into trail mix? What are the possibilities?
What are some tips for perfecting peanut brittle?
I’ve learned a few tricks that can really take your life.peanut brittle recipe to the next level.
Use a Good Candy Thermometer: This is crucial for getting the sugar to the right temperature. Don’t skimp on this!
Don’t Stir While Cooking: Stirring can cause the sugar to crystallize, which will ruin the texture of your brittle. Just let it cook undisturbed.
Work Quickly: Once the mixture is ready, you need to work fast to pour and spread it out. It will start to harden quickly, so don’t delay!
Use Fresh Baking Soda: Old baking soda won’t have the same effect, so make sure yours is fresh.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you try to make too much brittle at once, it won’t cook evenly. It’s better to make it in smaller batches.
Experiment with Flavors: Once you get the basic recipe down, feel free to experiment with different flavors. Try adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick, or some chopped nuts for extra crunch.
I’ve had my fair share of brittle fails, but these tips have helped me consistently create perfect brittle every time.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you somehow manage to not devour all of your peanut brittle recipe immediately, here are some tips for storing it properly.
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Refrigerator Storage: While you can refrigerate it, it’s not recommended because it can become sticky.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.
The biggest thing is to keep it sealed so moisture doesn’t ruin the crispness! I usually end up making a double batch so I can have some for now and some to freeze for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This peanut brittle recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a piece of my family history. It’s simple to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just a weeknight snack, I guarantee it will be a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my recipe for caramel apples! Happy baking (and snacking)! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to leave a comment and let me know! Also, rate the recipe if you love it!
Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup peanut butter creamy peanut butter
- 2 cups peanuts roasted and salted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
- Continue cooking, without stirring, until mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and baking soda. Stir until combined.
- Quickly stir in peanuts.
- Pour mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
