Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

If there’s one classic treat that never fails to delight my family and friends, it’s the Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe. With its shatteringly crisp texture, golden hue, and deep roasted peanut flavor, this homemade candy is a true labor of love. It combines a handful of simple pantry ingredients in a magical transformation, creating an irresistible snack that sparks nostalgia at every bite. Whether you’re gifting it during the holidays or treating yourself on an ordinary afternoon, this is one recipe that always draws a crowd.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe is all about choosing just the right essentials. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that irresistible crunch, sweet caramelized flavor, and beautiful bronzed color that define perfect brittle.

• Granulated Sugar: The foundation of the candy, it melts and caramelizes for that signature snap and sweetness.
• Light Corn Syrup: Helps prevent crystallization so the brittle stays smooth and glossy.
• Water: Makes it easier to dissolve the sugar and control the candy’s texture as it cooks.
• Roasted or Raw Peanuts (16 ounces): The star of the show! Roasted peanuts yield a toasty flavor, but raw work beautifully if you prefer a milder crunch.
• Salt: Brightens and balances the sweetness with just a hint of savory depth.
• Butter: Adds richness and a hint of silky texture when stirred in at the end.
• Baking Soda: The secret for that airy, bubbly structure—don’t skip it!

How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-slip baking liner. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures the brittle lifts off easily when it’s time to break it into pieces. Have everything ready before you begin, as candy moves fast once it’s hot!

Step 2: Combine the Sugar, Syrup, and Water

In a sturdy pot, mix together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place the pot over medium-high heat. You’ll notice the sugar starting to dissolve into a clear, sweet syrup—resist the urge to stir too much at this point, as it can cause crystallization.

Step 3: Bring to a Boil and Attach Your Thermometer

Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium and carefully secure a candy thermometer to the side of the pot. Make sure the thermometer’s tip is fully submerged in the syrup and not touching the bottom or sides of the pot. Accurate temperature is the secret to perfect brittle!

Step 4: Boil to 250°F

Let the mixture continue to boil, stirring very occasionally, until the thermometer reads 250 degrees F. This can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, so don’t rush—trust the thermometer over the clock!

Step 5: Add the Peanuts and Salt

Stir in your peanuts and salt as soon as the syrup reaches 250°F. The nuts will start to toast and infuse the candy with their warm, nutty aroma. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom.

Step 6: Cook to 295°F

Continue to cook the mixture until it hits 295 degrees F on your thermometer, usually another 15 to 30 minutes. Watch closely at this stage; the syrup will darken to a beautiful amber color and thicken slightly—this is when the flavor deepens wonderfully.

Step 7: Add Butter and Baking Soda

Once off the heat, immediately stir in the butter and baking soda. You’ll see a dramatic color change and a foaming effect—this is the baking soda working its magic to give the brittle its signature airy crunch!

Step 8: Pour and Spread the Brittle

Quickly pour the foaming, golden mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Work fast, as the brittle starts setting up almost immediately and you want it thin and even.

Step 9: Cool and Break Into Pieces

Let your brittle cool completely on the baking sheet, then break it into bite-sized shards by hand. The Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe yields plenty to share, so resist the urge to nibble too much—at least until you’ve divided it up for gifting or serving!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes the best finish is the simplest! For a classic touch, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cooling brittle adds a pop of brightness. Around the holidays, try drizzling with a bit of melted dark chocolate or scattering crushed candy canes on top for festive flair.

Side Dishes

The Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe is wonderful as a standalone treat, but it pairs delightfully with creamy vanilla ice cream for a play on textures. You can also serve it alongside a tray of mixed candies or a cheese board—yes, a little salty brittle next to sharp cheddar is unexpectedly delicious!

Creative Ways to Present

This candy is a joy to gift. Pile shards into clear cellophane bags tied with twine or nestle them in small tins lined with parchment for a homespun touch. For parties, break the brittle into smaller chunks and serve in pretty bowls, or tuck pieces into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity and moisture as much as possible—these will cause the candy to become sticky or soft. A cool, dry spot in your pantry is ideal, and your brittle should stay crisp for at least two weeks.

Freezing

Freezing this Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe is a surprisingly good option! Place the brittle in layers, separated by parchment, inside a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it come to room temperature before unsealing to prevent condensation from spoiling the texture.

Reheating

Brittle is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if it has softened slightly, a quick pop in a low oven (about 200°F for 3-4 minutes) can help restore some crunch. Let it cool completely again before handling.

FAQs

How do I know when my brittle is ready to pour?

Your thermometer is your best friend here! As soon as the mixture reaches 295 degrees F, it’s ready for the finishing ingredients. You’ll also notice a rich amber color and a thicker, bubbly consistency. Don’t wait too long once you pull it from the heat—timing is key for the perfect Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe.

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or even pecans can be swapped in for peanuts. Keep in mind that different nuts have unique flavors and textures, but the base recipe works beautifully for customizing to your favorite nutty combination.

Help! My brittle turned out chewy, not crisp. What went wrong?

This usually happens if the mixture didn’t reach a high enough final temperature before pouring. Make sure your thermometer is accurate and well-positioned, and that you reach at least 295°F to achieve that signature snap of classic brittle.

Can I make this recipe without a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible to test using the “hard crack” stage in a glass of cold water, a thermometer is the best way to guarantee results for the Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe. Investing in this tool makes all the difference for precision and stress-free candy making.

Is it safe for kids to help make this candy?

Kids can help with preparing ingredients and breaking the cooled brittle into pieces, but the boiling sugar syrup gets extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Always handle the stove steps yourself and keep little ones at a safe distance during cooking and pouring.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making an Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe at home, I promise you’re in for a treat. Not only does it make any day feel extra special, but it truly brings people together—everyone wants a shard! Grab your sugar, your peanuts, and a sense of fun, and discover just how simple and rewarding homemade candy can be.

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