This homemade peanut brittle is one of my favorite candy recipes. Sweet and salty, with an irresistible crunch, I love how easy it is to make from scratch! It also doubles as the perfect edible holiday gift to give friends and neighbors.
This traditional version of the recipe is made on the stovetop with sugar, corn syrup, butter, and peanuts. You can also try our microwave peanut brittle recipe if you want to skip the stovetop. For a no bake treat, try our butterscotch haystacks.
Peanut Brittle Ingredients you will need:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup of water
- 4 cups peanuts (I used 2 cups salted Spanish and 2 cups salted regular peanuts)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- coarse sea salt
Kitchen Tools for This Recipe:
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How to Make Peanut Brittle
In a large pot, bring sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil. (You will definitely want to use a large pot for this recipe as it expands when cooking!)
Add peanuts and stir. Continue to boil until temperature reaches hard crack, about 300 degrees. Once it comes close to temperature, it’ll start to brown — so stir occasionally to keep it from burning. As soon as it reaches temperature, remove from the heat.
PRO TIP: A candy thermometer is a kitchen necessity. We love this candy thermometer with a clip for the side of your pot.
Stir in butter, vanilla and baking soda. Pour onto a large buttered baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Let cool. To remove from the pan and break up the brittle, I twisted the pan slightly to get it to break.
Break it up into pieces and serve!
How Long Will It Last?
You should store the candy in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. It can be stored at room temperature. You can also package it in festive food quality boxes for easy, edible gifting during the holidays.
For as long as I can remember, my mom and grandma have spent the days leading up to family events and holidays in the kitchen, making irresistible treats for our gang to nosh on.
This classic peanut brittle recipe is a must-have in our family, especially during the Christmas season. I’m confident you’ll love this salty and sweet homemade candy as well. It’s a fast, easy favorite that is so simple to make from scratch.
More Christmas Candy Recipes:
- FUDGE RECIPES: Oreo Fudge | Chocolate Fudge | PB Fudge | Reese’s Fudge | Gingerbread Fudge | Tiger Fudge | Rocky Road
- BARKS & BRITTLES: Peppermint Bark | Oreo Peppermint Bark
- CHRISTMAS TREATS: Christmas Crunch | Candy Cane Pie
- CHRISTMAS COOKIES: | Christmas Pinwheel Cookies | PB Balls | Cinnamon Roll Cookies | PB Cookie Cups
CLASSIC OLD FASHIONED PEANUT BRITTLE
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 4 cups peanuts I used 2 cups salted Spanish and 2 cups salted regular peanuts
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- coarse sea salt
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring sugar, corn syrup and water to a boil.
- Add peanuts and stir. Continue to boil until temperature reaches hard crack, about 300 degrees. Once it comes close to temperature, it’ll start to brown so stir occasionally to keep it from burning. As soon as it reaches temperature, remove from the heat.
- Stir in butter, vanilla and baking soda.
- Pour onto a large buttered baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Let cool. To remove from the pan and break up the brittle, I twisted the pan slightly to get it to break.
- Break it up into pieces and serve.
So good!! Such a classic treat.