If you love sweet treats with a satisfying crunch, it’s time to try this peanut brittle recipe today! Peanut brittle is a timeless candy made with simple ingredients that come together to create a golden, glossy snack bursting with nutty flavor. Crisp, buttery, and perfectly sweet, it’s a favorite during holidays—but it’s just as enjoyable any time of year.
The best part? Making peanut brittle at home is much easier than many people think. With the right steps and a few practical tips, you can create bakery-quality brittle in your own kitchen in under an hour. This guide is written for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada who want a clear, reliable recipe along with expert advice for perfect results every time.
Whether you’re preparing homemade gifts, satisfying a candy craving, or trying candy-making for the first time, try this peanut brittle recipe today! and enjoy a classic treat that never goes out of style.
What Is Peanut Brittle?
Peanut brittle is a traditional hard candy made by cooking sugar until caramelized, then stirring in peanuts and baking soda before spreading the mixture thin to cool and harden. The baking soda creates tiny air bubbles, giving brittle its light, crisp texture rather than a dense hardness.
Why Peanut Brittle Is So Popular
Simple, affordable ingredients
Long shelf life
Perfect balance of sweet and salty
Great for gifting and sharing
Naturally gluten-free
Once you make it yourself, you’ll understand why so many people say, “You have to try this peanut brittle recipe today!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Basic Ingredients
This classic peanut brittle recipe uses pantry staples:
Granulated sugar
Light corn syrup or golden syrup
Unsalted peanuts
Butter
Baking soda
Salt
Vanilla extract (optional)
These ingredients are widely available across the US, UK, and Canada.
Choosing the Right Peanuts
Raw or roasted peanuts both work
Unsalted peanuts give better control over flavor
Skinless peanuts create a smoother texture
Essential Tools for Making Peanut Brittle
Candy-making doesn’t require fancy equipment, but a few tools make the process easier:
Heavy-bottom saucepan
Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
Candy thermometer (recommended, not required)
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Using the right tools helps ensure success when you try this peanut brittle recipe today!
Try This Peanut Brittle Recipe Today! (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Measure all ingredients ahead of time—once sugar starts cooking, things move quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and a small amount of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil.
Cook until the mixture reaches a deep golden color or about 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3: Add Peanuts and Butter
Stir in the peanuts and butter quickly. The mixture will bubble vigorously—this is normal.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda (and vanilla, if using). The mixture will foam and lighten in color.
Step 5: Spread and Cool
Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread thin using a spatula if needed. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
That’s it—try this peanut brittle recipe today! and enjoy a crisp, homemade candy classic.
Why Baking Soda Is Essential
Baking soda is the secret ingredient that transforms peanut brittle.
What Baking Soda Does
Creates air bubbles
Makes brittle lighter and easier to bite
Prevents overly hard texture
Skipping baking soda results in candy that’s dense and difficult to chew.
Practical Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle
Work Quickly
Once baking soda is added, the mixture sets fast. Have everything ready before you start cooking.
Use Medium Heat
Too-high heat can burn the sugar; too-low heat slows caramelization.
Don’t Stir Too Much
Stirring after the sugar dissolves can cause crystallization. Let heat do the work.
Spread Thin
Thin brittle cools faster and has a better crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple candy can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common mistakes:
Cooking sugar too fast
Burning the caramel
Skipping ingredient prep
Using humid conditions (brittle softens easily)
Touching candy before it cools
Avoiding these ensures success when you try this peanut brittle recipe today!
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the classic version, experiment with fun twists.
Chocolate Peanut Brittle
Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled brittle for extra indulgence.
Spicy Peanut Brittle
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for sweet heat.
Honey Peanut Brittle
Replace part of the syrup with honey for deeper flavor.
Mixed Nut Brittle
Use almonds, cashews, or pecans instead of peanuts.
These variations keep the recipe exciting and customizable.
Is Peanut Brittle Healthy?
Peanut brittle is a treat, but it does offer some nutritional value.
Nutritional Highlights
Peanuts provide protein and healthy fats
Naturally gluten-free
No artificial preservatives when homemade
Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How to Store Peanut Brittle
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container
Keep at room temperature
Avoid humidity
Properly stored, peanut brittle stays fresh for 2–3 weeks.
Freezing Peanut Brittle
Freezing is not recommended, as moisture can ruin the texture.
Peanut Brittle for Gifting
Homemade peanut brittle makes a thoughtful, affordable gift.
Gift Ideas
Wrap in cellophane bags
Add a ribbon and label
Pair with other homemade candies
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions.
Why This Recipe Is Beginner-Friendly
This recipe uses simple steps and forgiving techniques, making it ideal for first-time candy makers. Once you try it, you’ll realize candy-making isn’t intimidating at all.
That’s why so many home cooks encourage others to try this peanut brittle recipe today!
Peanut Brittle Across Cultures
While peanut brittle is especially popular in North America, similar nut-based candies appear worldwide. Its universal appeal comes from the contrast of crunchy nuts and caramelized sugar—a combination that transcends borders and generations.
Conclusion
Crisp, sweet, nutty, and incredibly satisfying, peanut brittle is a classic candy that deserves a place in every home cook’s recipe collection. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips, this guide, “Try this peanut brittle recipe today!”, proves that homemade candy can be both easy and rewarding.