How to Make the Perfect Peanut Brittle
American · Easy · 40 min · 16 servings
This classic crunchy peanut brittle is a timeless kid friendly candy that is surprisingly simple to make with a little adult supervision for the hot sugar. Kids love watching the sugar transform into a golden caramel and then seeing it puff up when the baking soda is added.
Why this recipe works
This Peanut Brittle recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 185 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups roasted salted peanuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it lightly with butter. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go since this recipe moves fast once the sugar is cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Syrup
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar and corn syrup and stir until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches a deep golden amber color, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Butter
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the peanuts, butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Work quickly as the mixture will start to harden.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda and Spread
Stir in the baking soda and watch it foam and puff up. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it as thin as possible. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes until hard then break into pieces.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- roasted salted peanuts → cashews or almonds for a different nutty flavor
- light corn syrup → honey for a more natural sweetener with a slightly different flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Stirring the sugar syrup after it starts boiling which causes crystallization and a grainy texture
- Not spreading the brittle thin enough immediately after pouring which results in a very thick chewy candy instead of a crispy snap
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 185 calories, 4g protein, 26g carbs, 9g fat, 1g fiber.
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