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