Description
Follow these steps to make classic, old-fashioned peanut brittle that achieves a perfect, satisfying snap every time. This recipe relies on accurate temperature control for a non-chewy result.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups unsalted, shelled peanuts
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
Instructions
- Lightly grease a large baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed, deep saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, avoiding the bottom of the pan.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius), the soft-ball stage. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the peanuts to the syrup mixture. Continue cooking, stirring constantly now, until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius), the hard-crack stage. Do not let the temperature go higher.
- Remove the saucepan immediately from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly. Work fast.
- Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not scrape the sides of the pan.
- Using a heat-safe spatula, quickly spread the brittle as thinly as possible across the sheet. Do not overwork the mixture.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely and harden, about 30 to 45 minutes, before breaking it into pieces.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer; success depends on reaching exactly 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ensure your baking sheet is ready before the syrup reaches the final temperature, as spreading must be done quickly.
- Do not stir the syrup once it begins boiling until you add the peanuts, or it may crystallize.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg