Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about homemade treats, especially when they’re made with love and a sprinkle of nostalgia. Easy homemade peanut brittle is one of those delightful recipes that seamlessly fills your kitchen with warmth and sweetness. It reminds me of family gatherings where laughter mixes with the aroma of warm, buttery sweets. Each crunchy piece bursts with the rich flavor of roasted peanuts and caramel, creating that perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Imagine preparing a batch for a cozy movie night, or perhaps for a festive bake sale where your goodies will stand out. This peanut brittle is not just a snack; it’s a piece of heartwarming tradition. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make! In just a little over half an hour, you’ll have a crunchy, sweet treat that everyone will adore.
how to make easy homemade peanut brittle
Making peanut brittle can feel like a sweet adventure. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll craft a treat that’s perfect for sharing or just enjoying yourself.
Ingredients
– 2 cups sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1. Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set it aside; this will be where all the magic happens.
2. Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla. Having these ingredients ready will make the process smoother, like a well-rehearsed dance.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine **sugar**, **water**, and **corn syrup**. Stir it well and heat over medium. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally. You want it to come to a gentle boil.
4. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and keep cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches **250°F (121°C)**. This step is essential for that crunchy texture we love.
5. Once you hit that perfect temperature, add the **peanuts**. Stir constantly and let it cook until the mix reaches **300°F (149°C)**. This can be the tricky part, so stay close!
6. Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the **butter**, **baking soda**, and **vanilla**. The mixture will foam up and change texture, which is always a delightful surprise.
7. Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
8. Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely for about **30 minutes**. Once it’s cool, break it into pieces. Remember, the cracks and chunks are part of its charm!
9. Store your crunchy treasures in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy for longer.
how to serve easy homemade peanut brittle
Serving peanut brittle is as easy as making it! You can keep it simple and place a few pieces in a bowl at your next gathering, letting guests help themselves. Alternatively, consider wrapping pieces in clear cellophane and tying them with a ribbon; they make lovely gifts for friends and neighbors.
For a cozy movie night, place a bowl of brittle next to your popcorn. The flavors complement each other beautifully, creating that perfect sweet and salty experience. It’s an easy way to kick the evening up a notch.
how to store easy homemade peanut brittle
Proper storage is key to keeping your peanut brittle fresh. Allow the brittle to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’s best to keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. If it’s humid where you live, consider placing a piece of wax paper in the container to absorb any excess moisture. Peanut brittle tends to stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets devoured much sooner!
tips to make easy homemade peanut brittle
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Candy Thermometer is Your Friend: When it comes to candy making, timing is everything. A candy thermometer is an indispensable tool that gives you an accurate reading of the temperature. This ensures that your brittle reaches the correct consistency.
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Be Mindful When Pouring: The mixture is incredibly hot, so be very careful as you pour it into the prepared pan. You don’t want to get burnt! Be sure to use heatproof gloves if you have them.
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Experiment with Flavors: While the classic recipe is delightful as is, feel free to experiment with flavors! Add a pinch of sea salt on top right before it cools, or stir in some chocolate chips after pouring. It’s your kitchen, so let your creativity shine!
variation (if any)
While this recipe is delightful in its classic form, feel free to explore variations! For a nut-free version, you could substitute peanuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You might even try using different nuts like almonds or pecans for a flavorful twist. Another fun option is adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch during the holidays.
Pro Tips for Success
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Use a Heavy-bottomed Pan: A heavy-bottomed saucepan distributes heat more evenly, reducing the chance of hot spots that can cause your sugar to burn.
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Prep Your Ingredients First: Before you start cooking, measure and set aside all your ingredients. Candy-making waits for no one, and having everything ready will make the process smoother and less stressful.
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Keep an Eye on the Temperature: Sugar can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Make it a point to keep a close watch as the temperature rises. It pays to be patient!
Serving Ideas
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As a Sweet Treat: Simply serve pieces of peanut brittle in little treat bags for cozy gatherings. It’s a simple yet delightful way to share love with friends and family.
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Garnish Desserts: Consider breaking up the brittle and using it as a garnish for ice cream or pudding. It adds a delightful crunch and enhances the dessert’s flavor.
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Gift Giving: Peanut brittle can make a heartfelt gift. Package it up in a festive tin or jar, and it becomes an easy yet thoughtful present for birthdays or holidays!
FAQs
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Can I use unsalted peanuts? Yes, you can! Just be mindful that it will lessen the contrast of flavors, so consider adding a pinch of salt at the end.
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What happens if my brittle doesn’t harden? It may mean the mixture didn’t reach the right temperature. If this happens, you can try reheating it gently and bringing it back to temperature.
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How do I break the brittle into pieces? After it has cooled and hardened, you can simply tap it with a mallet or use your hands to break it apart. It’s a fun part of the process!
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Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just make sure you have a large enough pan, and watch the cooking times since a larger batch may take a bit longer to reach the right temperature.
Quick Recap
Making easy homemade peanut brittle is not just about the delicious candy; it’s about creating memories in your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little love, you can create a crunchy, sweet treat that will bring smiles to faces near and far. So why not bake this weekend? You’ll be glad you did!
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts You can use unsalted if preferred.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Measure out the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla to have them ready.
Cooking
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir well and heat over medium, stirring occasionally until it comes to a gentle boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and keep cooking until it reaches 250°F (121°C).
- Once at temperature, add in the peanuts. Stir constantly and heat until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C).
- Remove the pan from heat, stir in butter, baking soda, and vanilla. The mixture will foam up.
- Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Allow the brittle to cool completely for about 30 minutes and then break into pieces.