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Easy Peanut Brittle

18 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 15 min. + cooling

Makes

about 2-1/2 pounds

Updated: Oct. 04, 2023
Whenever my grandmother was in the kitchen, everything had to be "just so" to guarantee her time-tested results. Watching her make this peanut brittle is one of my favorite memories, and I'm glad I can pass on this delicious recipe. —Karen Grenzow, Sumas, Washington
Easy Peanut Brittle
Easy Peanut Brittle Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 4 teaspoons plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup plus 1 teaspoon water, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 jar (16 ounces) unsalted dry roasted peanuts
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Grease 2 baking sheets with 2 teaspoons butter each and keep warm in a 200° oven. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup and 1 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 240° (soft-ball stage). Cube remaining 1/4 cup butter. Stir in cubed butter, salt and peanuts. Continue heating, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 300°. Remove saucepan from the heat.
  2. Combine the baking soda, 1 teaspoon water and vanilla. Stir baking soda mixture into the saucepan. Quickly pour half the mixture over each baking sheet. Spread with a buttered metal spatula to a 1/4-in. thickness. Cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Peanut Brittle Tips

Do I need a candy thermometer to make this easy peanut brittle recipe?

Yes! You don't want to be guessing the temperature when making brittle. A candy thermometer is handy when making this recipe.

Why is my peanut brittle not crunchy?

Chances are, if your brittle is soft, you didn't cook the sugar mixture long enough or bring it up to the right temperature. Be sure to check your candy thermometer prior to each use to make sure its accurate. Here are more tips on how to make candy that you'll find useful when making brittle and other sweets!

Can you use other types of nuts to make easy peanut brittle?

Yes! Substitute your favorite type of nut for the peanuts if you are looking for some variation. You can use cashews, almonds or even a mixed variety to make an almond brittle or a pistachio brittle.

How can you replace the corn syrup in peanut brittle?

If you want to replace the corn syrup, use golden syrup since it has identical properties and will work just as well. Other sweeteners might not work because they crystallize, so double-check before making any swaps.

How can I serve peanut brittle?

Peanut brittle makes a great dessert for any party. It's also a great gift idea! Package the brittle in gift boxes or mason jars, and hand it out to friends and family during the holiday season. Here are some of our other favorite homemade food gifts.

How should I store peanut brittle?

This peanut brittle recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant and Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor
Candy Thermometers
We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Nutrition Facts

1 ounce: 151 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.