Peanut brittle is one of the most iconic homemade candies—sweet, crunchy, buttery, and filled with toasted peanuts.
It’s the kind of classic treat that reminds people of holidays, family gatherings, and the warm smell of caramel simmering on the stove.
The best part? Peanut brittle requires only a handful of basic ingredients and a few careful steps to transform simple sugar into a perfectly crisp candy.
Peanut Brittle Recipe
This homemade peanut brittle is thin, crisp, and full of roasted peanuts.
The sugar mixture cooks into a rich caramel, while baking soda creates tiny bubbles that give the brittle its signature airy, snappable texture.
It stores well, ships well, and tastes like something straight from an old-fashioned candy shop.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups roasted peanuts (unsalted preferred)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Equipment
Before you begin, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
Candy-making moves fast, so having your workspace ready is essential. Keep a heatproof rubber spatula nearby, along with your measured ingredients.
Once the sugar reaches the right temperature, you’ll need to move quickly to mix and spread the brittle.
2. Heat the Sugar Mixture
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir them together just until the sugar is moistened, then place the pot over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer without stirring; instead, swirl the pan occasionally to help the sugar dissolve evenly.
Allow the mixture to cook until it reaches a light golden color or about 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This step forms the crunchy base of the brittle.
3. Add the Butter, Salt, and Peanuts
Once the sugar reaches the hard crack stage, quickly stir in the butter and salt. The mixture will bubble vigorously—this is normal.
Add the roasted peanuts and stir until they are fully coated in the caramel mixture.
The nuts will begin to toast slightly inside the hot syrup, adding even more flavor and depth to your brittle.
4. Stir in the Baking Soda and Vanilla
Remove the pot from heat and immediately add the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam up and lighten in color.
This reaction is what gives peanut brittle its signature airy texture, helping it snap instead of becoming too hard or sticky.
Stir quickly but carefully so the foam is evenly distributed.
5. Spread the Brittle
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Using a heatproof spatula or the back of a spoon, gently spread it into a thin, even layer.
Work swiftly, as the brittle will begin to harden within seconds. Aim for an even thickness across the whole sheet so it breaks uniformly once cooled.
6. Let It Cool and Break Into Pieces
Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature, usually about 30 minutes. Once hardened, lift it from the parchment paper and break it into bite-sized shards. Store the pieces in an airtight container to keep them crisp for weeks.
Conclusion
Homemade peanut brittle is a timeless treat that’s surprisingly easy to make with the right technique.
From its deep caramel flavor to the satisfying crunch, this recipe delivers everything you want in a classic candy.
It’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of coffee or tea.
Make a batch once, and you may find yourself returning to this recipe every holiday season—or anytime the craving hits.