A timeless treat, this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) recipe offers the perfect balance of buttery crunch and sweet caramelized goodness. It’s a delightful choice for holiday gifting or an indulgent snack any time of the year. Made with simple ingredients, this old-fashioned candy is as nostalgic as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly crunchy with a light, airy texture thanks to the baking soda.
Made with pantry staples—no fancy ingredients required.
A versatile treat for gifting, snacking, or adding to dessert spreads.
It’s a crowd-pleaser with its rich, buttery sweetness and roasted peanut flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Prepare the Workspace
Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
Cook the Syrup
Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Add Peanuts
Stir in the peanuts quickly and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the hot syrup.
Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Mix swiftly but carefully, as the mixture will be extremely hot.
Add Baking Soda
Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam slightly, creating the signature brittle texture.
Spread the Brittle
Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it thinly and evenly. Work quickly, as the brittle hardens as it cools.
Cool and Break
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Once hardened, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 15 pieces
Calories per Serving: 190 kcal
Variations
Nut Options: Swap peanuts for cashews, almonds, or pecans for a fun twist.
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy-sweet treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the brittle with melted chocolate for added decadence.
Salted Brittle: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the brittle before it cools for a sweet-salty combination.
Festive Add-Ins: Mix in 1/4 cup of crushed candy canes for a holiday-inspired flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its crisp texture.
Freezing: Peanut brittle can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Brittle cannot be reheated once hardened, so make sure to spread it quickly during preparation.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the peanut brittle from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan generously with butter or use parchment paper to ensure the brittle lifts off easily once cooled.
Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Why did my brittle turn out chewy instead of crunchy?
Chewy brittle usually happens if the sugar mixture doesn’t reach the hard crack stage (300°F). Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?
While it’s possible to judge the hard crack stage by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water, a candy thermometer ensures precise results.
Is peanut brittle gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all ingredients, especially the corn syrup, are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
This old-fashioned peanut brittle is a classic treat that’s easy to make and always a hit. With its perfect crunch and rich caramelized flavor, it’s an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Whether shared as a gift or enjoyed at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite tradition.
📖 Recipe:
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Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 15 pieces
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The best old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe, perfectly crunchy with a sweet caramelized flavor. This timeless treat is quick, easy, and ideal for gifting or snacking year-round. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a nostalgic delight for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Workspace
- Grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Cook the Syrup
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to medium-high; boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) using a candy thermometer.
- Add Peanuts
- Stir peanuts into the hot syrup and cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring even coating.
- Incorporate Butter and Vanilla
- Remove from heat; mix in butter and vanilla carefully.
- Add Baking Soda
- Stir in baking soda, allowing the mixture to foam and create a light texture.
- Spread the Brittle
- Pour onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread thinly and evenly using a spatula or spoon.
- Cool and Break
- Allow the brittle to cool completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Use a candy thermometer for precise results.
Ensure the brittle mixture reaches 300°F for the perfect crunch.
Spread the mixture quickly, as it hardens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 15 pieces
- Calories: 190 kcal
