Sweet & Snappy Peanut Brittle Recipe: Homemade Joy in Every Bite

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with this delightful peanut brittle that promises a nostalgic crunch.

Childhood treats often carry magical moments of joy and connection.

Crisp caramel studded with golden roasted nuts creates a delectable symphony of flavor and texture.

Crafting this classic confection requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques anyone can master.

Each bite transports you to warm gatherings where laughter and sweetness intertwine.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe bridges generations with its timeless appeal.

Crack into a piece and let the rich, buttery essence whisk you away to pure culinary bliss.

Questions Answered About Mary Berry Peanut Brittle

• Why use corn syrup in peanut brittle?

Corn syrup prevents sugar from crystallizing, creating a smooth, glossy texture and preventing graininess in the final candy.

• How do I know when the sugar mixture is ready?

Use a candy thermometer. The critical temperatures are 250F (hard-ball stage) and 300F (hard-crack stage), which determine the brittle’s final texture.

• Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or pecans work great. Just ensure they’re raw and unsalted for the best caramelization and flavor.

• What happens if I add baking soda?

Baking soda creates tiny air bubbles, making the brittle light, crisp, and slightly foamy instead of dense and hard.

Why Mary Berry Peanut Brittle Is A Crunchy Favorite

• Conquer Sweet Cravings: Satisfy your dessert desires with this classic peanut brittle that delivers a perfect crunch and nutty sweetness in every bite.
• Master Simple Candy Making: Learn an impressive confectionery skill without advanced techniques, perfect for beginners wanting to explore homemade treats.
• Create Nostalgic Gifts: Craft a traditional candy that sparks memories and delights friends and family with its golden, glossy appearance and rich flavor profile.
• Enjoy Quick Preparation: Transform basic pantry ingredients into a stunning candy in minimal steps, making it an ideal last-minute dessert or homemade present.

Mary Berry Peanut Brittle Ingredient List

• Sugar: The primary sweetener that caramelizes to create the brittle's signature golden color and crisp texture.
• Corn Syrup: Helps prevent sugar crystallization and provides a smooth, glossy consistency to the brittle.
• Peanuts: The key flavor and crunch element that gives the candy its classic nutty taste and texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth quality to the brittle.
• Baking Soda: Creates tiny air bubbles that make the brittle light and crisp instead of dense and hard.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aromatic notes.

• Parchment Paper: Provides a non-stick surface for easy candy removal and prevents sticking to the baking tray.
• Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and create the initial syrup base for the brittle.

Steps To Make Mary Berry Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the entire surface is covered smoothly and evenly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Sugar Syrup Base

• Sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water

Blend these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture.

Step 3: Heat and Transform Syrup

Gradually warm the sugar mixture, controlling the temperature carefully. Heat gently until the mixture reaches 250°F, then continue heating while stirring consistently until it reaches 300°F.

Step 4: Introduce Nutty Crunch

When the syrup hits 300°F, quickly add peanuts to the pan. Stir constantly to ensure even coating and prevent burning.

Step 5: Elevate Flavor Profile

• Butter
• Baking soda
• Vanilla

Stir these ingredients quickly to create a light, airy texture.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined tray. Spread rapidly and evenly, allowing the brittle to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 7: Break and Store

Once fully cooled, break the brittle into irregular, delightful shards. Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.

Pro Tips For Mary Berry Peanut Brittle

• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Brush down sugar crystals from pan sides with a wet pastry brush to ensure smooth, clear brittle.
• Monitor Temperature Precisely: Use a candy thermometer for accurate readings, as even a few degrees can change texture dramatically.
• Quick Spreading Technique: Pour brittle mixture immediately and spread rapidly with a silicone spatula to create thin, crisp shards.
• Manage Baking Soda Reaction: Add baking soda at the very end and stir vigorously to create light, airy texture without deflating the mixture.
• Safe Handling Tip: Wear oven mitts and work carefully when pouring hot sugar, as it can cause severe burns if splashed.

Tasty Spins On Mary Berry Peanut Brittle

• Almond Crunch Brittle: Replace peanuts with roasted almonds for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Brittle: Use certified gluten-free corn syrup and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute half the sugar with monk fruit sweetener for reduced calorie content.
• Seed Brittle for Nut Allergies: Swap peanuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Peanut Brittle

• Savor Creamy Companions: Pair this sweet, crunchy peanut brittle with a scoop of rich vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
• Brew the Perfect Match: Complement the caramel notes with a robust dark roast coffee or a smooth amber ale, which will enhance the nutty, buttery flavors of the brittle.
• Cheese Lover's Delight: Serve alongside a sharp aged cheddar or creamy blue cheese to create a sophisticated sweet-and-savory flavor experience that balances the brittle's sugary crunch.
• Cocktail Pairing Pleasure: Mix a classic old fashioned or bourbon-based cocktail to echo the caramel undertones and provide a warming, spirited accompaniment to this classic treat.

How To Store Mary Berry Peanut Brittle Properly

• Seal peanut brittle in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping it fresh for up to 2 weeks.
• Wrap brittle tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, storing for 1-2 months without losing crispness.
• Store in a sealed container away from humidity and direct sunlight, maintaining crunchiness for 1 week.
• If brittle becomes soft, spread pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 250°F oven for 5-10 minutes, then cool completely.

Peanut Brittle Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crunchy homemade “Grandma’s Classic Peanut Brittle” delivers nostalgic sweet memories from Southern kitchens. Caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts combine for a delightful candy that will satisfy cravings and spark childhood joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
• 1 cup light corn syrup

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Leavening Agent:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, merge sugar, corn syrup, and water, creating a smooth preliminary mixture.
3. Apply medium heat, allowing the solution to gradually warm without stirring, monitoring temperature carefully until reaching 250°F.
4. Continue heating, gently swirling the pan to distribute heat evenly, until the temperature climbs to precisely 300°F.
5. Immediately introduce raw peanuts into the molten sugar mixture, stirring vigorously to coat each nut thoroughly and prevent burning.
6. Remove the pan from heat source and rapidly incorporate butter, creating an instant flavor transformation.
7. Quickly fold in baking soda and vanilla extract, watching the mixture dramatically foam and become lighter in color and texture.
8. Swiftly pour the caramelized mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined tray, using a heat-resistant spatula to spread it thinly and evenly.
9. Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
10. Once solidified, fracture the brittle into irregular, rustic shards using gentle hand pressure.
11. Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container, preserving its crisp texture and preventing moisture absorption.

Notes

• Toast peanuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the brittle.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control, ensuring the perfect caramelization without burning.
• Prepare all ingredients in advance, as the final steps require quick action and timing.
• For a gluten-free version, verify that all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the vanilla extract and corn syrup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 131 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg