If you’re looking for a sweet, crunchy treat that’s as satisfying as it is simple, peanut brittle is the answer. This golden, caramelized candy studded with roasted peanuts has been a holiday classic for generations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. But here’s the best part—you don’t need to be a professional baker to master it.
With just a handful of pantry staples, a saucepan, and a little patience, you can whip up a quick & delicious peanut brittle recipe you must try! Perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding to dessert trays, peanut brittle is one recipe worth keeping in your kitchen arsenal.
In this guide, you’ll learn the step-by-step process for making flawless peanut brittle, plus expert tips, fun variations, and storage hacks to keep it fresh and crunchy.
What Makes Peanut Brittle Special?
Peanut brittle isn’t just candy—it’s tradition. Here’s why it’s beloved:
Satisfying Crunch – That perfect snap when you bite into it.
Sweet & Nutty Balance – Caramelized sugar paired with roasted peanuts.
Simple Ingredients – Just sugar, corn syrup, butter, peanuts, and baking soda.
Long Shelf Life – Keeps well, making it a great homemade gift.
Versatility – Works with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans.
Ingredients for Classic Peanut Brittle
To make a batch, gather the following:
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup (or golden syrup in the U.K.)
¼ cup water
1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
👉 Tip: Using unsalted peanuts lets you control the sweetness-to-saltiness ratio.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Tools
Peanut brittle sets quickly, so have everything ready:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Keep a heatproof spatula handy.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Syrup
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
Attach a candy thermometer to the pan.
Step 3: Add Peanuts
Once the mixture reaches 280°F (soft crack stage), stir in peanuts. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Step 4: Add Butter, Vanilla & Baking Soda
Remove from heat.
Stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda. (It will foam—this is what makes the brittle airy and light.)
Step 5: Spread & Cool
Quickly pour onto the prepared baking sheet.
Spread thin with a spatula.
Let cool completely, then break into pieces.
🎉 And just like that, you’ve mastered a quick & delicious peanut brittle recipe you must try!
Practical Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle
Use a candy thermometer – Precision matters when making brittle.
Don’t stir too much – Once the sugar dissolves, avoid stirring to prevent crystallization.
Work quickly – The mixture hardens fast, so spread it immediately.
Store properly – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature (lasts up to 2 months).
Avoid humidity – Moisture softens brittle, so skip making it on rainy days.
Fun Variations to Try
Want to put a twist on the classic? Try these ideas:
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Brittle
Dip cooled pieces halfway in melted chocolate for a decadent upgrade.
🌶️ Spicy Peanut Brittle
Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a sweet-spicy kick.
🥜 Mixed Nut Brittle
Use almonds, pecans, or cashews instead of peanuts—or mix them together.
🥥 Coconut Peanut Brittle
Sprinkle shredded coconut over the brittle before it cools for tropical flair.
🍯 Honey Peanut Brittle
Replace part of the sugar with honey for a softer texture and rich flavor.
Peanut Brittle Troubleshooting
Grainy texture? The sugar crystallized—make sure to wash down pan sides with a wet brush as it boils.
Too soft? It didn’t reach hard crack stage—always cook to 300°F.
Stuck to pan? Grease generously or line with parchment.
Serving & Gifting Ideas
Peanut brittle isn’t just for snacking straight from the jar—it’s versatile:
Holiday Gifts – Wrap in cellophane bags with ribbons.
Party Favor – Small jars of brittle are crowd-pleasers.
Dessert Topping – Crush over ice cream, cakes, or brownies.
Coffee Pairing – Serve brittle bites alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Healthier Alternatives
Want a lighter version? Try these swaps:
Use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
Try stevia or coconut sugar for reduced sugar content.
Swap peanuts for almonds or sunflower seeds for added nutrients.
Conclusion
Making homemade candy might sound intimidating, but once you try this quick & delicious peanut brittle recipe you must try, you’ll see just how simple and rewarding it is. With its sweet caramel crunch, nutty flavor, and endless variations, peanut brittle is a treat that never disappoints.
Next time you need a last-minute holiday gift, a crunchy dessert topping, or just a sweet snack to share, skip the store-bought version and whip up a batch yourself. One bite, and you’ll understand why this old-fashioned favorite has stood the test of time.
🍬 Crisp, golden, nutty, and irresistible—peanut brittle is the sweet tradition you’ll love making over and over again!