Homemade Peanut Brittle is one of those irresistibly nostalgic treats that instantly brings a smile with every bite. Crackly, golden, and bursting with the sweet-salty crunch of perfectly roasted peanuts, this timeless candy never goes out of style. Whether you’re making it for holiday gifts, a family movie night snack, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, the combination of crisp caramel and fresh peanuts in this Homemade Peanut Brittle is pure magic. Plus, you’ll be amazed at how you can whip up a batch right at home with just a handful of pantry staples!

Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Homemade Peanut Brittle relies on a few everyday ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that signature snappy texture and rich flavor. Let’s take a closer look at why every item in this recipe matters!

Granulated sugar: This is the backbone of the brittle, melting into a golden, glassy caramel for that signature crunch.
Light corn syrup: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and helps keep the brittle smooth and easy to work with.
Water: Combines with the sugar and corn syrup to dissolve and heat evenly, ensuring even cooking.
Salt: Just a pinch amplifies all the flavors and gives a subtle balance to the sweetness.
Unsalted roasted peanuts: The unmistakable star of this candy, lending nutty flavor and a pleasantly hearty bite in every shard.
Unsalted butter: Adds a touch of richness and helps create a tender, breakable candy texture.
Baking soda: The magic ingredient that puffs up the brittle, making it light and delightfully crisp.
Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic note to the finish that rounds out the intense caramel flavors.

How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Before you start cooking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside. This little bit of prep is essential—once your Homemade Peanut Brittle mixture is ready, it sets quickly, so you’ll want your pan ready to go!

Step 2: Combine and Heat the Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a clear syrup. Once dissolved, stop stirring but keep an eye on the bubbling mixture.

Step 3: Cook to the Perfect Temperature

Let the syrup cook undisturbed, using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. When it reaches 280°F (the soft crack stage), typically after about 10 minutes, you’re ready for the next step. This is when your kitchen will start to smell like a candy shop!

Step 4: Add Peanuts and Cook Until Golden

Carefully stir in the roasted peanuts. Continue cooking the mixture, still without stirring too much, until the temperature rises to 300°F (the hard crack stage). The peanuts will toast just a bit more and the caramel will take on a beautiful amber shade.

Step 5: Finish and Pour

Remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Be ready for the mixture to bubble and foam enthusiastically—this is the magic of baking soda at work, giving Homemade Peanut Brittle its trademark airy crunch. Quickly pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it to about 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 6: Cool and Break into Pieces

Let the brittle cool completely, resisting the urge to touch the hot candy (it sets fast and can be very hot!). Once fully cooled, break it into delightfully rustic pieces, and prepare to share or savor it all yourself.

How to Serve Homemade Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the brittle just after spreading it out. The salty sparkle perfectly contrasts the rich caramel, and a handful of chopped peanuts or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can take every piece to the next level.

Side Dishes

Homemade Peanut Brittle pairs perfectly with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot cocoa, or a fruit plate. The sweet crunch is a delightful contrast next to cold and creamy or juicy accompaniments, making this treat a year-round favorite in any dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Package shards of brittle in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for charming gifts, or arrange them in clear jars for a satisfying grab-and-go snack station. At a party, scatter Homemade Peanut Brittle pieces alongside bowls of mixed nuts and dried fruit for a candy buffet that’s sure to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Homemade Peanut Brittle delightfully crisp, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing it away, and keep it away from humidity, which can make the candy sticky.

Freezing

If you ever find yourself with leftover brittle (unlikely, but just in case!), you can freeze it by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Allow it to return to room temperature in a sealed container before enjoying for best texture.

Reheating

Homemade Peanut Brittle doesn’t require reheating, but if yours has gone a bit too soft from humidity, you can try crisping it by spreading the pieces on a baking sheet and warming them in a 250°F oven for a few minutes. Let them cool completely before serving for that signature snap.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! While the classic flavor comes from peanuts, you can experiment with cashews, almonds, pecans, or even a mixed nut blend for a twist. Just be sure to use unsalted, dry-roasted varieties for best results.

Why did my brittle turn out chewy instead of crisp?

This usually happens if the sugar mixture didn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). A candy thermometer is your best friend for achieving the right texture, so don’t skip it!

Is it possible to make Homemade Peanut Brittle without corn syrup?

Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but you can substitute with honey or golden syrup for a slightly different flavor and texture. Keep in mind these alternatives may affect the final crunch.

How long does Homemade Peanut Brittle stay fresh?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your brittle will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Humidity can make it sticky, so always keep it sealed until you’re ready to serve.

Can kids help with making this recipe?

They can definitely help with prepping ingredients and breaking up cooled brittle, but because the sugar syrup gets extremely hot, adult supervision (and hands-on cooking) is a must during the stovetop steps.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Homemade Peanut Brittle before, you’re in for such a treat! There’s something amazingly satisfying about turning simple ingredients into candy gold, and sharing those crunchy, nutty pieces with friends and family. Grab your saucepan and enjoy the sweet adventure!

Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Homemade Peanut Brittle with this easy-to-follow recipe. This classic candy is perfect for holiday treats or as a sweet homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted roasted peanuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cook Sugar Mixture: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook until it reaches 280°F, then add peanuts and cook to 300°F.
Add Final Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla.
Pour and Cool: Quickly pour the mixture onto the baking sheet, spread, and let cool.
Break into Pieces: Once cooled, break the brittle into pieces.
Store: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.