This Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe makes a classic sweet-and-salty candy with crunchy roasted peanuts and a crisp, golden sugar coating. It’s an old-fashioned favorite that’s especially popular during the holidays, whether you’re preparing homemade gifts, filling candy tins, or adding something special to a dessert tray.
One of the best things about peanut brittle is how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into a delicious homemade candy. This recipe combines granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, baking soda, and roasted salted peanuts to create a thin, crunchy brittle with plenty of peanut flavor.
The secret to successful peanut brittle is preparing everything before you begin cooking. Once the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature, you’ll need to work quickly to add the remaining ingredients and spread the hot candy before it hardens.
Start by lining a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coating it with nonstick cooking spray. Measure the butter, baking soda, and peanuts in advance so they’re ready when needed.
The sugar, corn syrup, and water are heated in a saucepan until the mixture turns golden brown and reaches approximately 340°F. A reliable candy thermometer makes it easier to monitor the temperature and avoid overcooking the sugar.
Once the mixture reaches the proper temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the butter and baking soda, then quickly fold in the roasted peanuts. The baking soda causes the hot mixture to foam, helping create a lighter, more delicate texture.
Immediately pour the candy onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a thin, even layer. Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into pieces.
Store the finished candy in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and preserve its crisp texture.
With its rich caramelized flavor, crunchy peanuts, and satisfying snap, this easy homemade peanut brittle is a wonderful treat to share with friends and family, especially during the holiday season.
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Peanut Brittle
- Total Time: :40
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups roasted salted peanuts
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease with nonstick cooking spray.
- Stir together the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan fitted with a candy/deep-fry thermometer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then continue to boil until it’s golden brown and/or it reaches 340 degrees F, about 15 minutes.
- Working quickly, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter and baking soda until smooth (it will foam and bubble up). Stir in the peanuts until evenly distributed among the sugar mixture.
- Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and quickly smooth with a rubber spatula into a thin and even layer. Let harden uncovered at room temperature until cooled completely. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Homemade Peanut Brittle
Prepare everything first: Measure the butter, baking soda, and peanuts before heating the sugar mixture. Once the candy reaches the correct temperature, you’ll need to work quickly.
Use a candy thermometer: Cook the sugar mixture until it reaches approximately 340°F. Watch the color carefully to avoid burning.
Choose the right saucepan: Use a sturdy, sufficiently large saucepan because the mixture will foam when the baking soda is added.
Work quickly and carefully: After adding the butter, baking soda, and peanuts, immediately spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Hot sugar syrup can cause serious burns, so keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
Spread the candy thinly: A thin, even layer produces the crisp, delicate texture associated with classic peanut brittle.
Allow it to cool completely: Let the brittle harden at room temperature before breaking it into pieces.
Keep moisture away: Store cooled peanut brittle in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to help maintain its crunch.
- Prep Time: :20
- Cook Time: :20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven