Description
A classic, crunchy old-fashioned candy made with roasted peanuts and a buttery, sweet brittle base. Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or nostalgic snacking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional, if using unsalted peanuts)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil without stirring. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (the hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter, peanuts, baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt if using. The mixture will foam up—stir quickly to combine.
- Immediately pour the brittle onto the prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it out as thinly as possible.
- Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature, then break it into pieces.
Notes
- Use mixed nuts instead of peanuts for variety.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for sweet-salty flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- Dip pieces in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg