Ingredients
Peanut Brittle Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- Heaping ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1⅓ cups roasted, salted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick after cooking.
- Combine Sugar Mixture: In a medium, deep, heavy saucepan, combine sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Pour everything into the center of the pan to avoid sugar crystals forming on the sides. Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and sides remain clean.
- Cook to 280°F: Clip a candy thermometer on the pan side and continue heating without stirring until the mixture reaches 280°F, indicating the proper caramelization stage. This may take 8 to 13 minutes depending on your setup.
- Add Peanuts and Finish Cooking: Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage, about 3 to 5 minutes more. This ensures the brittle will harden properly.
- Add Butter, Vanilla, and Baking Soda: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly stir in the butter and vanilla until melted and combined. Immediately add baking soda and stir vigorously, causing the mixture to foam up and lighten in texture.
- Pour and Spread: Pour the foamy mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a greased offset spatula, spread it evenly into a ¼-inch thick layer. Work quickly and spread only once to retain the texture.
- Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely, about 30 minutes, until set and hard. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar to avoid burns.
- Using a candy thermometer is essential for precise temperature control.
- Don’t stir the sugar mixture while it’s boiling to prevent crystallization.
- Work quickly when adding baking soda and spreading the brittle, as it hardens fast.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
