It has been a family tradition to make Peanut Brittle each year around the holidays. This infamous candy is made with roasted peanuts and hardened in a caramelized sugar coating that makes this the most perfect holiday candy to give away as great gifts.
I’I’m going to try to not get too emotional writing this post but Peanut Brittle hits a little different with me than some of the recipes of my blog. It’s because of the emotional connection I have to this candy because of my grandmother. Every year, my grandmother would make a variety of candies and baked goods around the holidays. I’m talking fudge, brownies, fruit cakes (my least favorite), and the best Peanut Brittle. I also remember my grandfather eating large amounts of it and complaining about how brittle wasn’t good for your teeth. Nevertheless, I thought it was utter magic to see her take a cup of sugar and peanuts and turn it into candy!
My mother also started making Peanut Brittle for us growing up taking a lesson from her mother. It is pretty much the only traditional thing we’ve done as a family that is most looked forward to. Now, I am picking up the tradition and incorporating it into my family traditions with my kids. Although they are too young to eat this candy, it is the tradition I am hoping that sticks around most importantly.
What is Peanut Brittle?
Peanut Brittle is a hard caramelized candy made with sugar, corn syrup, water, and roasted peanuts that is boiled to reach a high temperature that will brown and harden into candy. Like my grandfather would say, “It is not good for your teeth, Nick.” He wasn’t lying. As a kid, I remember thinking how hard it was and would just nibble on the small pieces. I still do that to this day. Out of habit, I suppose.
To make this brittle you will need a heavy-duty saucepan and a candy thermometer. Please do not think you can make this recipe without one. There are certain steps you have to take when the To make this classic treat you will need a heavy saucepan and a candy thermometer. Please do not think you can make this recipe without one. There are certain steps you have to take when the mixture reaches certain temperatures and you won’t know what they are by simply eyeballing it. Unless you are a genius. Nevertheless, it is always to be on the safe side and by a candy thermometer anyway.
I would say this Classic Peanut Brittle recipe is what my grandma made every year. It’s classic and memorable. This isn’t a holiday candy I would make with the kids as it will get hot and if they get too excited and it touches their precious skin, it will burn them. I would just have them watch from a safe distance. Now that I’ve made this a few times, I see why I was never part of the brittle-making process. It’s not a baking recipe for the kids.
Add this candy to your holiday gift-giving this year. Simply make it and put it in holiday decor snack bags as they will make the perfect edible gifts!
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Classic Peanut Brittle
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 1x
Description
Peanut Brittle is a classic holiday candy made with slow-roasted peanuts harden in caramelized sugar. This candy is perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 1 c. sugar
- 1/2 c. light corn syrup
- 1/4 c. water
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 c. dry roasted lightly salted peanuts
- 2 tbsp. Unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by spraying with baking spray or grease with butter. In a medium saucepan, add the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water and turn to medium heat.
- Begin to stir as the sugar dissolves and bubbles. Wet a pastry brush to brush the sugar crystals on the side of the pan throughout the process. Once the temperature on the candy thermometer reaches 250 Degrees, add the salted peanuts and stir once more and allow to boil. Once your mixture begins to turn a golden brown color, and the candy thermometer reaches 350 Degrees, immediately remove from the heat and immediately add the butter, vanilla extract, and baking soda and stir. The mixture will bubble slightly.
- Once the ingredients are well mixed, pour onto the greased baking sheet. Use a fork to thin out the brittle and allow it to sit for an hour, and the brittle will harden.
- After the hour, break the brittle and place it in an airtight container, and store it for up to two months.
Notes
Have your ingredients already prepared to make this process easy to make.
- Prep Time: 65 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Candy
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Dessert
was jus perfect for everyone, i gave everyone in my family a small bag of it! 🤤
That is awesome!