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The Ultimate Easy Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe: Perfect Crunch Guaranteed

A stack of golden brown, glossy pieces of homemade peanut brittle recipe loaded with whole peanuts, sitting on a white plate.
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You can make classic, crunchy homemade peanut brittle with this easy recipe. We guide you through hitting the hard crack stage with a candy thermometer for that perfect, satisfying snap every time. This old fashioned candy recipe uses simple ingredients for a sweet and salty snack.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed, medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture without touching the bottom of the pan.
  4. 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.
  5. Stir in the roasted peanuts. Continue to cook, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the mixture reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius), the hard-crack stage. This is crucial for a crunchy peanut brittle.
  6. Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up rapidly. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a metal spatula to quickly spread the brittle into a thin, even layer. Do not scrape the sides of the pan, as the burnt bits can ruin the flavor.
  8. Let the peanut brittle cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until hard.
  9. Once fully cooled and hard, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; temperature control is the key to achieving the hard crack stage and a crisp texture.
  • Prepare your baking sheet and measure all ingredients before you start cooking the sugar mixture, as the final steps move very fast.
  • For a gourmet peanut brittle, use dry-roasted, salted peanuts for an enhanced sweet and salty snack flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/peanut-brittle-recipe/