Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle: Classic Holiday Candy

Craving a sweet and salty treat this holiday season? Look no further than homemade peanut brittle. This classic holiday candy is a crowd-pleaser, boasting a 4.98 rating from 1,577 votes. With just six simple ingredients and six easy steps, you can whip up this budget-friendly delight in your own kitchen.

Your homemade peanut brittle adventure starts with 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 2 cups of salted roasted peanuts. Add a touch of butter, baking soda, and vanilla for that perfect balance of flavors. In just 55 minutes – including prep, cook, and cool time – you’ll have a pound of crunchy, golden goodness.

This easy recipe yields about 169 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or searching for a thoughtful gift, this homemade peanut brittle is sure to impress. Get ready to create a timeless treat that combines the best of sweet and savory in every bite.

Peanut brittle is a big part of American culture, especially at holidays. It’s a favorite in many homes, with recipes shared through families.

The story of peanut brittle is as tasty as the treat itself. It’s said a Southern woman made it by mistake. She used baking soda instead of cream of tartar, making it crunchy.

This recipe has won hearts for many years. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. With simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and peanuts, you can make a delicious candy for 8-10 people.

Making perfect peanut brittle is a science. You need to control the temperature carefully. Use a candy thermometer to heat the mix to 250°F first, then to 350°F. Adding baking soda makes it crispy by creating a foam.

Remember, National Peanut Brittle Day is on January 26th. It’s a great excuse to make this classic treat!

To make perfect peanut brittle, you need the right mix of ingredients. This recipe calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. The main ingredient is 2 1/4 cups of unsalted, dry roasted peanuts. They add crunch and flavor to the brittle.

Butter is key for the right texture. Baking soda is also important. It makes the candy light and airy by reacting with acidic ingredients.

The quality of your ingredients is crucial for great peanut brittle. Choose fresh, high-quality items for the best results. With these ingredients, you’re all set to make delicious peanut brittle!

Making peanut brittle needs special tools and kitchen gear. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make this classic holiday treat.

A candy thermometer is key for making great peanut brittle. It helps you hit the perfect temperature of 295-300°F, known as the hard crack stage. Without it, your brittle might not turn out right, affecting its texture and taste.

For cooking your peanut brittle, pick a heavy-bottomed, medium-sized saucepan. This pot spreads heat evenly, avoiding hot spots that could burn your candy. A sturdy wooden spoon is great for stirring the hot mixture.

When working with hot sugar, safety is top priority. Wear heat-resistant gloves or oven mitts to keep your hands safe. Use a metal-rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat for pouring and cooling your brittle.

With these tools and equipment, you’re set to make a tasty homemade treat. Remember, getting ready is important – have everything ready before you start cooking.

Ready to make the perfect peanut brittle? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for this classic treat. This peanut brittle recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results every time.

Start by setting up your kitchen. Gather all ingredients and tools. Grease a 10×15 inch baking sheet and set aside. Ensure your candy thermometer is calibrated for accuracy.

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook without stirring until mixture reaches 250°F (hard-ball stage).

Stir in raw peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 310°F (hard-crack stage). This critical step ensures your brittle has the right texture.

Remove from heat. Quickly stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla. The mixture will foam up. Pour onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it thin. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Following these step-by-step instructions will result in perfect peanut brittle every time. Remember, timing and temperature control are key to success!

Mastering candy temperature stages is key for perfect peanut brittle. Success depends on precise timing and heat control. Start by heating sugar, corn syrup, and water to 250°F, the hard-ball stage. Then, add peanuts and cook until you hit 300°F, the hard-crack stage.

Timing is everything with peanut brittle. Cook too long, and it becomes too hard. Cook it too short, and it won’t set right. Always use a reliable candy thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.

For gas or induction stoves, slowly increase the heat to keep the temperature steady. Once you hit 300°F, take it off the heat right away. Add butter, vanilla, and baking soda, stirring fast. Then, pour it onto a prepared surface. Let it cool for 45-60 minutes before breaking it into pieces.

Making peanut brittle can be tricky, but with the right safety practices, you’ll make delicious treats. Here are key safety tips and mistakes to avoid during your candy-making adventure.

When working with hot sugar, safety is crucial. Always wear oven mitts and long sleeves to protect your skin from burns. Keep a bowl of ice water nearby in case of accidental contact with hot sugar. Remember, the sugar mixture reaches temperatures of 300°F, so treat it with respect!

One of the most common mistakes is incorrect temperature readings. Make sure your candy thermometer doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan, as this can lead to false readings. Aim for the precise 300°F “hard crack” stage for that perfect crunch. Don’t rush the process by turning up the heat too high – patience is key for quality brittle.

When it’s time to spread your peanut brittle, act fast but carefully. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape the pan bottom effectively. Pour the mixture onto a prepared surface and spread it quickly with a silicone spatula. Avoid overworking the brittle as it cools, or you’ll risk a grainy texture. With practice, you’ll master the art of creating smooth, evenly spread peanut brittle.

Learning how to store peanut brittle is crucial for keeping homemade candy fresh. The right methods can make your treats last for weeks or even months.

Storing peanut brittle in airtight containers at room temperature is best. Glass jars with rubber seals or plastic dishes with snap-on tops are good choices. Keep it between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C) for the best taste. This way, it stays fresh for about a week, but with care, it can last 6-8 weeks.

Freezing is the best choice for long-term storage. It keeps your peanut brittle fresh for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers and separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.

When giving homemade peanut brittle as a gift, how you present it matters. Use decorative tins or glass jars lined with wax paper. Layer the brittle pieces carefully to avoid breakage. Add a festive ribbon or personalized label for a thoughtful touch.

Remember, moisture is the enemy of crispy peanut brittle. Always make sure your storage containers are dry before use. Avoid refrigeration, as it can make your brittle soft. With these tips, you’ll be an expert at preserving homemade candy in no time!

Peanuts brittle variations can add exciting twists to the classic recipe. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can make the flavor richer. For a crumblier texture, increase the baking soda by 20%.

Changing ingredients can also transform your peanuts brittle. Try using honey, light molasses, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup instead of corn syrup. Each one brings a unique flavor and texture, letting you customize your brittle. Remember, these changes might affect the taste and texture slightly.

For a deeper flavor, cook your sugar mixture until it’s darker or reaches 310°F. This can make the taste richer and more caramel-like. But, be careful not to overcook it, as peanuts brittle can burn easily.

With these variations and substitutions, you can make a unique peanuts brittle. Try different combinations to find your favorite recipe.

Learning to make homemade peanut brittle opens up a world of sweet treats in your kitchen. This classic candy has a rich history, dating back to 1890. It’s not just tasty; it’s also packed with protein and healthy fats from peanuts and peanut oil.

Peanut brittle comes in many forms, each with its own charm. The traditional crunchy version is loved by many. But soft peanut brittle is gaining fans for its soft texture and richer flavor. It pairs well with desserts like ice cream and fruit salads, adding a special touch to your dishes.

When you start making holiday candies, remember to be precise. Use a candy thermometer or watch for visual signs to hit the perfect temperature (300-310 degrees Fahrenheit). With a recipe that’s rated 4.8 out of 5 from 37 reviews, you know it’s a treat that will delight your family and friends all year round.