Easy Peanut Brittle

Name: Easy Peanut Brittle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: about 2-1/2 pounds.
Ingredients: 3 cups sugar; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup water; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 jar (16 ounces) unsalted dry roasted peanuts; 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

about 2-1/2 pounds

Updated: Nov. 17, 2022

Whenever my grandmother was in the kitchen, everything had to be "just so" to guarantee her time-tested results. Watching her make this peanut brittle is one of my favorite memories, and I'm glad I can pass on this delicious recipe. —Karen Grenzow, Sumas, Washington

Easy Peanut Brittle Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon salt
1 jar (16 ounces) unsalted dry roasted peanuts
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Grease two baking sheets and keep warm in a 200° oven. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 240° (soft-ball stage). Stir in butter, salt and peanuts. Continue heating, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°.
Meanwhile, combine the baking soda, 1 teaspoon water and vanilla. Remove saucepan from the heat. Stir in baking soda mixture. Quickly pour half the mixture over each baking sheet. Spread with a buttered metal spatula to a 1/4-in. thickness. Cool. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Peanut Brittle Tips

Do I need a candy thermometer to make this easy peanut brittle recipe?

Yes! You don't want to be guessing the temperature when making brittle. A candy thermometer is handy when making this recipe.

Why is my peanut brittle not crunchy?

Chances are, if your brittle is soft, you didn't cook the sugar mixture long enough or bring it up to the right temperature. Be sure to check your candy thermometer prior to each use to make sure its accurate. Here are more tips on how to make candy that you'll find useful when making brittle and other sweets!

Can you use other types of nuts to make easy peanut brittle?

Yes! Substitute your favorite type of nut for the peanuts if you are looking for some variation. You can use cashews, almonds or even a mixed variety to make an almond brittle or a pistachio brittle.

How can you replace the corn syrup in peanut brittle?

If you want to substitute the corn syrup, use golden syrup since it has identical properties and will work just as well. Other sweeteners might not work because they crystallize, so double-check before making any swaps.

How can I serve peanut brittle?

Peanut brittle makes a great dessert for any party. It's also a great gift idea! Package the brittle in gift boxes or mason jars, and hand it out to friends and family during the holiday season. Here are some of our other favorite homemade food gifts.

How should I store peanut brittle?

This peanut brittle recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant and Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor

Candy Thermometers

We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

1 ounce-weight: 292 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.