Description
Delightful homemade old fashioned peanut brittle recipe delivers classic Southern sweet crunch with simple pantry ingredients. Crisp golden confection combines sugar, corn syrup, and roasted peanuts for nostalgic candy perfection you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (200 g/7 oz) dry roasted peanuts (unsalted)
- 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) light corn syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) water
- 2 tbsps (30 g/1 oz) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Workspace Preparation: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat, lightly coating the surface with butter to facilitate easy candy release.
- Sugar Transformation: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and corn syrup, heating gradually while stirring to create a smooth, golden caramel base, carefully monitoring temperature with a candy thermometer until reaching the hard-crack stage.
- Peanut Integration: Once the caramel achieves a rich amber color, swiftly fold roasted peanuts into the molten mixture, ensuring rapid and even distribution to prevent potential burning.
- Candy Casting: Quickly pour the blazing hot caramel onto the prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to spread into a gossamer-thin, uniform layer that promises a delicate, crisp texture.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow the brittle to rest undisturbed at room temperature, permitting complete solidification without manipulation, which could compromise its structural integrity.
- Fracturing and Storing: Once fully hardened, gently fragment the brittle into rustic, irregular pieces using the back of a heavy utensil, then transfer to an airtight container to maintain its characteristic crispness and protect against moisture infiltration.
Notes
- Prepare Tools Safely: Use heavy-bottomed saucepan and long-handled wooden spoon to protect hands from hot sugar splatter.
- Control Sugar Temperature: Watch candy thermometer closely; slight temperature variation can turn brittle into burnt sugar or chewy mess.
- Roast Peanuts Perfectly: Toast peanuts beforehand for enhanced nutty flavor and crispier texture, ensuring even caramelization.
- Handle Hot Caramel Carefully: Work quickly when pouring molten sugar to prevent crystallization and maintain smooth, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg