If you have a sweet tooth and a love for crunchy delights, you simply cannot miss out on this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe. This classic treat brings together the perfect balance of caramelized sugar, roasted peanuts, and a whisper of vanilla, all bursting with nostalgia and irresistible texture. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gift, a party snack, or just because, this recipe delivers that timeless crunchy crackle and rich flavor that peanut brittle lovers dream of. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-addictive.

Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this candy, as each one plays a crucial role in achieving that golden color, crisp texture, and as much flavor as can be packed into one bite. The simplicity of these staples makes the magic happen in your kitchen.

1 cup granulated sugar: The essential sweet foundation that caramelizes into that perfect brittle base.
1/2 cup light corn syrup: Adds softness to the sugar mixture and prevents crystallization for a smooth texture.
1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar evenly before boiling to the hard crack stage.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the peanuts’ natural flavor.
1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts: The star ingredient that brings crunch and nutty goodness throughout.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a subtle creamy finish to the brittle.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts to create tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its light, crisp texture.

How to Make Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Workspace

Start by greasing a large baking sheet or lining it with parchment paper. This step prevents your brittle from sticking and makes clean-up easier. Having your workspace ready means you can move quickly once your candy mixture hits the right temperature.

Step 2: Cook the Syrup

Combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. This is the base of your brittle, and getting a smooth mixture here sets the stage for that perfect caramelization.

Step 3: Boil to the Hard Crack Stage

Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture without stirring to avoid crystallization. Use a candy thermometer and watch for the temperature to reach 300 degrees Fahrenheit—the precise hard crack stage that ensures your brittle will snap nicely once cooled.

Step 4: Add Peanuts

Once your syrup reaches 300°F, quickly stir in the roasted peanuts. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to let the peanuts soak in some of the syrup’s sweetness and heat, coating every nut for even flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Incorporate Butter and Vanilla

Remove the saucepan from heat right after adding the peanuts. Mix in the softened butter and vanilla extract carefully—they enrich the brittle with creamy and aromatic tones, making your candy taste irresistibly decadent.

Step 6: Add Baking Soda

Stir in the baking soda with a swift motion; you’ll notice the mixture foam up. This reaction is key—it aerates the brittle, giving it that light, crisp texture instead of a dense candy block.

Step 7: Spread the Brittle

Immediately pour your foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it thinly and evenly. This helps your brittle set quickly and crisp up beautifully, creating those classic shards everyone loves.

Step 8: Cool and Break

Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until hardened. Once firm, break it into bite-size pieces. Store these crunchy delights in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crisp, ready for snacking or sharing.

How to Serve Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe

Garnishes

While the brittle is fantastic on its own, sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before it cools can add a lovely burst of contrast that tantalizes your taste buds even more. For festive occasions, a dusting of edible gold glitter or colored sugar crystals can bring an extra sparkle to your candy presentation.

Side Dishes

Peanut brittle pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like rich coffee, creamy hot chocolate, or spiced chai. It also works as a crunchy topper for vanilla ice cream or a decadent addition to dessert cheese boards, giving you a playful mix of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or parties, consider wrapping individual pieces in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon. You can also break brittle into uniform rectangles and layer them in decorative tins or mason jars. Another fun idea is to crumble the brittle over cakes or cupcakes to add texture and a delightful surprise crunch element.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature, preferably in a cool, dry place. This keeps the candy crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks without any loss of quality or flavor.

Freezing

Freezing peanut brittle is generally not recommended as moisture can cause it to lose its crisp texture and become sticky. However, if you need to freeze it, be sure to wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and then thaw completely before unwrapping to avoid condensation damage.

Reheating

Since peanut brittle is meant to be enjoyed crunchy and cool, reheating is unnecessary and can lead to melting or stickiness. Instead, simply ensure it’s at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted?

Using salted peanuts can add extra saltiness to your brittle, which might overpower the sweetness. If you prefer salted nuts, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors perfectly.

What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?

While a candy thermometer is ideal for precision, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water—it should become brittle and break easily when the mixture has reached the hard crack stage. However, a thermometer ensures foolproof results every time.

Why is baking soda important in peanut brittle?

Baking soda creates tiny bubbles within the candy mixture when added at the right moment, lightening the brittle’s texture and preventing it from becoming too dense or hard. This little ingredient is the secret to that perfect crunchy snap.

Can I substitute peanuts for other nuts?

Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can try almonds, cashews, or pecans. Just keep in mind that different nuts may change the flavor and texture slightly, so experiment to find your new favorite twist on this old-fashioned candy.

How do I prevent my peanut brittle from sticking?

Make sure your baking sheet is well-greased or lined with parchment paper before spreading the mixture. Also, allow the brittle to cool completely before attempting to break it. Storing it in airtight containers keeps moisture out, preventing stickiness over time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about making candy the old-fashioned way, and this Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe captures that spirit perfectly. It’s a tender nod to tradition, with a crunchy, sweet reward that you can whip up in under an hour. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it remains a beloved classic for generations. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, warm up your stove, and share the joy of this timeless treat with your loved ones.

Best Peanut Brittle (Old-Fashioned Candy) Recipe

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4.3 from 157 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 15 servings 1x

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a classic, crunchy candy loaded with roasted peanuts and a perfect balance of sweetness and buttery flavor. Made by cooking a sugar syrup to the hard crack stage and incorporating baking soda for a light, airy texture, this peanut brittle is an irresistible treat ideal for holidays, gifts, or anytime snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Prepare the Workspace: Grease a large baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside as this will be needed immediately once the brittle is ready to pour.
Cook the Syrup: Combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which is critical for the brittle’s crisp texture.
Add Peanuts: Stir in the roasted, unsalted peanuts, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to evenly coat the nuts with the hot syrup.
Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately mix in the softened unsalted butter and vanilla extract carefully to enrich the flavor and add smoothness to the candy.
Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda quickly. This causes the mixture to foam and aerate, creating a lighter, more delicate texture in the brittle.
Spread the Brittle: Pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula or spoon, spread the mixture thinly and evenly to ensure even cooling and the signature thin brittle shape.
Cool and Break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens. Once fully set, break into pieces and store in an airtight container for freshness.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure the brittle sets properly.
Be cautious when handling the hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Unsalted roasted peanuts provide the best flavor balance; salted or raw peanuts may alter taste and texture.
For a variation, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or substitute vanilla with almond extract.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Candy
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American