Classic Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - The Kitchens Aid - The Kitchens Aid

Classic Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Sweet, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive—this peanut brittle is everything you’ve been craving! Whether you’re whipping up gifts for the holidays or just wanting to satisfy your sweet tooth, this classic treat is surprisingly easy to make at home. As a bonus, your kitchen will smell like a caramelized wonderland!

If you’ve never made candy at home, this peanut brittle is the perfect place to start!

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s made with simple pantry ingredients—no fancy equipment or obscure components required.
  • You can customize it with different nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist.
  • This recipe is perfect for gifting or adding some homemade love to your dessert table.

### Ingredients Breakdown

  • Granulated Sugar: The base of your caramel. Be sure to use white sugar for that signature brittle texture.
  • Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and keeps your brittle smooth and shiny.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Roasted Peanuts: The star of the show! Use unsalted, roasted peanuts for best results.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps with that perfect snap.
  • Baking Soda: Creates air pockets to make the brittle light and crunchy.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a touch elevates the flavor to another level.
Delicious peanut brittle shards on a countertop

### Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside—things move quickly once the brittle is cooked!
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bottom. Let the mixture boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This takes about 10–15 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla until well incorporated. The mixture will bubble and foam—that’s the magic happening!
  5. Fold in the peanuts, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the caramel.
  6. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out as thinly as possible using a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon.
  7. Let the brittle cool completely, about 1 hour. Once set, break it into shards with your hands and enjoy!

### Chef’s Tips and Tricks

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
  • Keep all your ingredients measured and ready to go. The caramel can harden quickly once off the heat.
  • If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test readiness by dropping a bit of the mixture into cold water. If it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s ready.

### Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

  • Add a Touch of Spice: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm kick.
  • Sea Salt Sprinkle: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the brittle as it cools for a sweet-and-salty variation.
  • Swap the Nuts: Try cashews, almonds, or even pecans for a twist. You can even mix different nuts for extra texture.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair your peanut brittle with a cup of black coffee or crumbled over vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert topping.

### FAQs

  • Can I store peanut brittle? Absolutely! Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
  • My brittle is sticky. What went wrong? This could happen if it didn’t reach 300°F. A candy thermometer ensures accuracy!
  • Can I freeze it? While freezing is not recommended (it can impact the texture), you can make it ahead and store it properly to keep it crisp.

### Recipe Card

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a large saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and salt over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
  3. Cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F.
  4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, baking soda, vanilla, and peanuts.
  5. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread thinly.
  6. Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy!

Serves: About 10 servings
Cook Time: Approx. 20 minutes

I can’t wait to hear how your peanut brittle turns out! Whether you gift it, serve it at a party, or enjoy it all yourself (no judgment!), share your creations with me. Tag your photos #TheKitchensAid so I can celebrate your sweet success!

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