If you’ve ever wondered how do you make homemade peanut brittle? — you’re in the right place. This classic candy is a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy that’s perfect for holidays, gifts, or just a special treat. Making peanut brittle at home might sound intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a batch that rivals any store-bought version.
Let’s dive into the world of homemade peanut brittle with a friendly, step-by-step guide that anyone can follow.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Peanut Brittle
The beauty of peanut brittle is its simplicity. You only need a handful of pantry staples:
– Granulated sugar (usually about 2 cups)
– Light corn syrup (about 1/3 cup)
– Water (a small amount to help dissolve the sugar)
– Butter (around 6 tablespoons, cut into small cubes)
– Peanuts (2 cups, roasted or raw, depending on preference)
– Baking soda (about 3/4 teaspoon, optional but helps with texture)
– Vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
– Salt (a pinch or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top)
These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of caramelized sugar and nutty crunch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Before you start cooking, prep a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. Have your peanuts chopped if desired, butter cubed, and all ingredients measured and ready to go. Candy making moves quickly once the sugar is hot, so being prepared is key.
2. Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to boil. Avoid stirring once boiling starts to prevent crystallization — instead, gently swirl the pan.
Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want to reach the “hard crack” stage, which is between 300°F and 310°F (about 148°C to 154°C). This ensures your brittle will harden with the perfect snap.
3. Add Peanuts and Cook Further
Once the syrup reaches around 250°F (121°C), add the peanuts and stir constantly to prevent burning. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the hard crack temperature. This step usually takes about 20 minutes total from start to finish.
4. Remove from Heat and Add Final Ingredients
Take the pan off the heat. Quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract if using. The baking soda will cause the mixture to bubble and foam, creating a lighter, more brittle texture. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. Spread and Cool
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or forks, spread it out into a thin, even layer. If it starts to harden too quickly, you can place another piece of parchment paper on top and gently roll it out with a rolling pin.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if you like a salty-sweet contrast. Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
6. Break Into Pieces and Store
Once cooled and hardened, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces. Store your homemade peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for several weeks, though it rarely lasts that long!
Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle Every Time
– Use a candy thermometer: This takes the guesswork out of cooking sugar to the right stage.
– Prep everything first: Have all ingredients measured and ready because once the sugar reaches temperature, things move fast.
– Avoid stirring once boiling: Stirring can cause sugar crystals to form and ruin the texture.
– Work quickly when spreading: The mixture sets fast, so spread it thin and even before it hardens.
– Be cautious with heat: Sugar syrup is extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Don’t taste it until fully cooled.
Variations and Substitutions
– No baking soda? Some recipes skip it for a denser brittle. Baking soda adds airiness and a lighter texture but is optional.
– Add vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
– Different nuts: Try almonds, pecans, or cashews for a twist.
– Sugar alternatives: For sugar-free or keto versions, look for recipes using sugar substitutes, though traditional brittle relies on sugar for texture.
Why Make Peanut Brittle at Home?
Making peanut brittle yourself is rewarding and fun. You control the ingredients, can customize flavors, and create a fresh, crunchy candy that tastes better than store-bought. Plus, it makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family during the holidays or any time of year.
Peanut brittle is a timeless treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home with a little patience and the right technique. Once you master this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy candy ready to share and enjoy anytime. Happy cooking!