Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Old fashioned peanut brittle is a timeless treat that brings together the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and nutty flavors. The caramelized sugar coats the peanuts, creating a satisfying texture that’s irresistible. This recipe is quick to make, yet it has that comforting homemade quality that makes it feel like a cherished family recipe. Plus, it’s a great option for holiday gifting or just indulging in a sweet snack at home.

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups salted peanuts
A pinch of salt (if desired)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and corn syrup. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the butter to the pan and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches a golden amber color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
Stir in the salted peanuts until they are fully coated with the sugar syrup.
Pour the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, about 30-45 minutes.
Once cooled, break the brittle into pieces of your desired size.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 12-15 pieces
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 30-45 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Peanut Brittle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled peanut brittle for an extra touch of sweetness.
Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Nut Variations: You can swap the peanuts for other nuts, like cashews, almonds, or pecans, for a unique twist.
Maple Peanut Brittle: Use maple syrup in place of corn syrup for a more natural flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from humidity to prevent it from becoming sticky. Do not refrigerate, as this could cause the brittle to become chewy.

If you need to reheat the brittle to soften it, you can place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at a low temperature, but it’s usually best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I know when the peanut brittle is done?

The peanut brittle is done when it turns a golden amber color, and you can test it by dropping a small amount into a cup of cold water. If it hardens instantly, it’s ready.

Can I make peanut brittle without corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup with honey, agave syrup, or golden syrup. Just be aware that this may slightly change the flavor of the brittle.

Can I make peanut brittle with unsalted peanuts?

Absolutely! If you’re using unsalted peanuts, you can add a pinch of salt to the syrup mixture for the right balance of flavor.

What should I do if the peanut brittle is too hard?

If your peanut brittle becomes too hard to break or chew, it might have been cooked too long. To avoid this, be sure to watch the sugar mixture carefully and check the color frequently.

Can I use roasted peanuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use roasted peanuts, but raw peanuts will provide a fresher taste. Roasted peanuts will still work well and give the brittle a more intense flavor.

How can I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking?

Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat. This helps the brittle cool and easily break into pieces without sticking.

How long will the peanut brittle last?

Peanut brittle will last about two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best eaten fresh for optimal crunchiness.

Can I add other ingredients to the brittle?

You can add other items such as chocolate chips, dried fruits, or different kinds of nuts like cashews or almonds for variety.

Is peanut brittle safe for people with nut allergies?

No, peanut brittle is not safe for those with nut allergies as it contains peanuts. Be sure to find a nut-free brittle recipe if you need one for an allergy-friendly treat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Peanut brittle can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container. It’s great for holiday gifting or as a sweet snack to have on hand.

Conclusion

This Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe is a fun, easy way to make a nostalgic treat that will impress your friends and family. With its crunchy texture and sweet, buttery flavor, it’s the perfect homemade candy to indulge in or share as a gift. Whether you stick with the classic peanuts or get creative with different nuts or flavors, you’ll be sure to enjoy every bite of this delicious treat!

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

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This Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle is the perfect treat for anyone craving a crunchy, sweet, and nutty snack. Made with simple ingredients like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, butter, and salted peanuts, this homemade candy is easy to make and delicious. It’s a great holiday gift idea or an indulgent snack to enjoy at home. Customize it with chocolate, spice, or different nuts for a unique twist. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this classic recipe!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 50-67 minutes
Yield: About 12-15 pieces
Category: candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 cups salted peanuts

A pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and corn syrup. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Add butter and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture turns golden amber (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat and carefully stir in baking soda and vanilla extract (the mixture will bubble).
Stir in peanuts until fully coated in the syrup.
Pour the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
Let the brittle cool at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, then break into pieces.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Reheating: If needed, reheat the brittle for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or at low temperature in the oven.
Add-ins: Add chocolate, cayenne pepper, or different nuts like almonds or cashews for variations.
Substitutions: You can replace corn syrup with honey or agave syrup, though the flavor may differ.