Homemade peanut brittle is the perfect combination of sweet and salty. It is SO easy to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This amazing candy is a holiday tradition that brings back treasured memories.
Making candy can feel intimidating, but I promise it is easy! Using a candy thermometer takes guessing out of the brittle-making process. Once you try this simple process, you can even experiment with other toppings and additions, like a layer of melted chocolate (once your brittle has cooled, before you break it up).
You can also use different nuts or add cinnamon and cayenne for a spicy twist. Other playful mix-ins are dried fruit or even bacon crumbles.
That being said, there is something special about simple, perfect, homemade peanut brittle. This homemade peanut brittle is perfect for gifting, too, because it stays fresh for up to two months if stored properly.
My mom was famous for her peanut brittle recipe. Friends and family would anxiously await for her to make, break and package her brittle in various decorative containers and tin cans she thoughtfully wrapped. While I can’t make it and gift it to all of you, I’m excited to share her recipe with you!
I love to take a day to make all of our favorite Christmas candy including Peanut Brittle, Buckeyes, Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares, Peanut Clusters, White Chocolate Fudge and of course, Peanut Butter Fudge!
Ingredients
Sugar – The base of this brittle recipe, it creates that luxuriously glossy texture and caramelized sweetness you expect from peanut brittle.
Corn Syrup – This key ingredient helps the sugar cook evenly and adds to its signature texture. You can substitute cup for cup with honey, light molasses, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. Please note that these substitutions will produce brittle with a slightly different taste, texture, and consistency.
Butter – Just that little bit of butter adds richness and depth to the caramel flavor.
Peanuts – Unsalted or lightly salted work best, but any nut works well. Try different nuts to mix it up, just remember, stronger nuts like walnuts will bring a much more pronounced flavor.
Baking Soda – This ingredient is a must! This creates tiny air bubbles for that light, delicate, crisp texture.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the sugar, syrup, and peanuts.
Tips From My Test Kitchen
Mise en place – Have all of your ingredients measured out and ready to go. This recipe moves quickly and being prepared eliminates stress.
Use a Candy Thermometer – A candy thermometer takes all the stress and guesswork out of peanut brittle (and all candy making)!
Use an Oversized Pot – The mixture quickly expands when you add baking soda.
More Homemade Candy Recipes
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 3 cups white granulated sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 3 cups peanuts 16 ounces
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prep
- Liberally coat a large baking sheet with butter, measure ingredients and set aside.
Make
- In a large or oversized saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer (or place conveniently nearby), add sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium-high heat. Stir to combine. Continue stirring occasionally until it reaches 236℉ on a candy thermometer, just under soft ball stage, approximately 6-7 minutes.If you are not using a thermometer, test to see if it forms a soft, pliable ball in a small shallow bowl of cold water.3 cups white granulated sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, ½ cup water
- Using a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, fold in peanuts, stirring continuously until it reaches 295℉ just under soft crack stage, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat. If you are not using a thermometer, add a small amount of syrupy mixture to a shallow bowl of cold water. If it makes a cracking noise and threads like taffy, it is ready.3 cups peanuts
- Add butter, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt
- Pour onto prepared pan and spread using spatula or spoon. Allow to cool.
- Cut with a knife or use the handle of a wooden spoon to crack into pieces.
Julie’s Tips
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
