There’s something magical about peanut brittle—a delightful combination of crunchy, sweet, and nutty that dances in your mouth. The aroma of caramelizing sugar fills the kitchen, making your taste buds tingle with anticipation. You can almost hear the satisfying crack as you break a piece off, revealing its golden-brown color and speckled peanuts like little treasures hidden within.
I remember the first time I made peanut brittle. It was during the holiday season, and my family gathered around to watch me attempt this confectionery wonder. Their eager faces lit up as I poured the bubbling mixture onto the baking sheet. Let’s just say that by the end of the evening, we had more peanut brittle than we knew what to do with—and everyone had sticky fingers and big smiles.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Peanut brittle is easy to make, taking only a few minutes from start to finish
- The rich caramel flavor paired with crunchy peanuts will leave you craving more
- Visually, the glossy finish of the brittle is appealing and perfect for gift-giving!
- It’s versatile enough to serve at parties or enjoy as a sweet snack anytime
Gathering around a table full of homemade treats always brings back fond memories of laughter and fun!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Granulated Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for a smooth caramel texture.
-
Light Corn Syrup: This helps prevent crystallization, ensuring your brittle remains perfectly crunchy.
-
Unsalted Butter: A touch of butter adds richness without overwhelming other flavors.
-
Raw Peanuts: Opt for raw peanuts; roasted ones can burn in the cooking process.
-
Baking Soda: This will give your brittle that signature airy crunch when it cools.
-
Salt: A pinch enhances sweetness while balancing flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later on.
Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together sugar and corn syrup until fully combined. Stir occasionally until it starts bubbling—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Add Butter and Peanuts: Once bubbling, stir in butter until melted completely. Then add the raw peanuts; keep stirring constantly for about 5-7 minutes until everything turns a nice golden brown.
Incorporate Baking Soda: Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda; this will create a frothy effect as it aerates the mixture. Be careful—it’s hot!
Pour onto Baking Sheet: Quickly pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet while it’s still hot. Use a spatula to spread it evenly—this part can be tricky but fun!
Let It Cool and Break Apart: Allow your peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Once set, break into pieces and enjoy!
Now you’re ready to indulge in some homemade peanut brittle that could rival any candy store’s offerings! Enjoy every satisfying crunch while reminiscing about those sweet moments shared with loved ones.
You Must Know
- Peanut brittle is not just a treat; it’s a sweet memory wrapped in crunchy goodness
- The aroma of caramelizing sugar fills the air, and the satisfying crunch makes it irresistible
- Avoiding grainy texture is key for that smooth finish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To master peanut brittle, cook the sugar until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F). Stir constantly to prevent burning, and add peanuts just before pouring onto a greased surface.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your peanut brittle by adding chocolate drizzle or sea salt on top. You can even experiment with different nuts, like almonds or cashews, for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it fresh. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make it sticky and chewy instead of crunchy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best peanut brittle, ensure you use fresh peanuts for maximum flavor
- Don’t rush the cooking process; patience prevents burning
- A candy thermometer will help you reach that perfect temperature for crispness without guesswork
Sharing my first attempt at making peanut brittle was hilarious! I ended up with a sticky mess all over my kitchen counter, but my family loved it regardless—turns out, they enjoy a good laugh as much as they enjoy sweets!

FAQ
Can I use other nuts for peanut brittle?
Yes, you can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or even mixed nuts.
How do I prevent my peanut brittle from being grainy?
Ensure that your sugar is fully dissolved before boiling to avoid graininess in the final product.
What should I do if my peanut brittle becomes too hard?
If it’s too hard, briefly microwave or wrap in a damp cloth to soften slightly before breaking apart.
Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is a classic candy that combines the irresistible crunch of peanuts with a sweet, buttery caramel. Perfect for gift-giving or as a delightful treat to share, this easy-to-make confection captures the essence of homemade goodness. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create your own batch of this delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup raw peanuts
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and corn syrup until fully mixed. Stir occasionally until bubbling.
- Add butter and raw peanuts to the mixture, stirring constantly for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda; be cautious as it will bubble up.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour) before breaking into pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz (28g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg


