Peanut Brittle – Step into my world of delights, where today I’d like to share with you an American confectionary classic. Peanut Brittle. This delightful crispy treat holds a place, in our hearts as it embodies the pleasure of crafting homemade candies. With its core ingredients of toasted peanuts, sugar and a touch of vanilla this Peanut Brittle recipe is bound to evoke memories while creating ones.
I can still vividly recall the first time I whipped up a batch of Peanut Brittle. It was one chilly evening when I yearned to surprise my family with a made-from-scratch dessert. The sheer delight on my husband’s and child’s faces upon tasting the brittle was absolutely priceless. Their smiles were as wide as the candy itself! Since then it has become an all-time family favorite that we eagerly request for gatherings or savor as an indulgence on nights.
What makes this Peanut Brittle truly special?
What sets this Peanut Brittle apart from the rest? Firstly its simplicity in preparation makes it incredibly hassle-free requiring a handful of ingredients. Secondly, the delicate balance, between sweetness and saltiness, achieved by using peanuts makes it irresistibly addictive. Lastly, its versatility shines through. Perfect for gifting occasions, festive celebrations or simply relishing as a snack.
What You Need To Make This Peanut Brittle Recipe?
Granulated Sugar: It’s the heart of our brittle, like those moments in life. It. Transforms into something magical – a golden caramelized delight that serves as the foundation of our candy.
Light Corn Syrup: This is our ingredient for achieving a shiny texture and satisfying snap. It acts as the glue that binds all our components together ensuring that our brittle has the right amount of crunch.
Water: Just a splash: Incredibly crucial! It helps dissolve our sugar and corn syrup reminding us that sometimes it’s the things that can make all the difference.
Salted Roasted Peanuts: They steal the show! Each peanut brings its burst of joy and crunchiness adding a salty kick that perfectly balances out the sweetness. Imagine each peanut as a memory contributing its flavor to enrich our lives.
Baking Soda: Our miracle worker, in the kitchen. It adds lightness and airiness to the brittle transforming it into an experience that melts in your mouth. Like a laugh, it lifts up everyone’s spirits when mixed into our concoction.
Unsalted Butter: The touch of richness and creaminess. It feels like an embrace seamlessly merging with our senses adding a delightful creamy touch that enhances everything.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla is enough to bring in an inviting and comforting aroma. It’s, like the stroke, on a crafted masterpiece leaving behind a subtle and lingering sense of warmth.
Steps To Make Peanut Brittle:
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Step 1: To start preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and coating it with butter. This will serve as the base, for our Peanut Brittle.
Step 2: In a saucepan combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved, feeling like a master candy maker! Once the mixture starts boiling it’s time to add the peanuts. Now comes the fun part – keep stirring until the temperature reaches 300 degrees.
Step 3: Once you’ve reached that temperature swiftly incorporate the butter, baking soda, and vanilla into the mixture. Observe as it undergoes a transformation, before your eyes! Next, pour this concoction onto your baking sheet. Spread it evenly. Allow it to cool down at its pace.
Tip:
The key, to creating the Peanut Brittle lies in controlling the cooking temperature. It’s important to use a candy thermometer and closely monitor the sugar mixture as it cooks. The magic happens when the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, known as the ‘hard crack’ stage. At this point, the sugar mixture transforms into a brittle texture. Not soft and not too hard. Going beyond this temperature risks burning the sugar resulting in a taste. On the other hand, if the temperature is too low your brittle won’t have that satisfying snap when you bite into it. By paying attention to temperature you can ensure that your Peanut Brittle always has texture and flavor.
This tip not only guarantees a texture for your brittle but also helps you master the art of candy making setting your Peanut Brittle apart with its exceptional quality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted ones?
Of course! If you’d like a milder taste using unsalted peanuts is an option. You can simply adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.
How do I store the Peanut Brittle?
To store the Peanut Brittle it’s best to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for two weeks if it manages to last that long.
Can I add other nuts or flavors?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative and try out nuts or even add some spices, like cinnamon to give it a one-of-a-kind flavor twist.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 c granulated sugar
- 1/2 c light corn syrup
- 1/4 c water
- 1 1/4 c salted roasted peanuts
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet, with aluminum foil. Apply a layer of butter to it. Place the baking sheet in the oven to warm up.
- In a saucepan mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of corn syrup and 1/4 cup of water. Stir the mixture frequently until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add 1 1/4 cups of salted peanuts into the boiling mixture. Keep stirring constantly while cooking until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the saucepan from heat promptly. Stir in 2 tablespoons of softened butter along with 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Expect a foaming reaction, from the mixture.
- Pour out the mixture onto the baking sheet. Tilt the sheet gently to ensure a spread of the brittle mixture.
- Let the brittle cool down at room temperature until it sets completely. Once set break it into desired pieces for serving or storing.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
