Introduction: Can a Candy Be Crunchy, Sweet, and Timeless?
Ever craved a sweet treat that’s crispy, nutty, and bursting with nostalgic charm? Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a classic candy, combining golden, caramelized sugar with roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday gifting, parties, or a sweet snack, this brittle is simple yet irresistible. Ready to create a batch of this crunchy delight? Let’s dive into this timeless recipe!
Overview: Why Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a Sweet Classic
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a beloved candy known for its crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavor. It’s a straightforward recipe that delivers big on taste. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: About 10 minutes to prep, 15-20 minutes to cook, plus cooling time (about 30 minutes).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—requires attention to temperature and timing to achieve the perfect brittle texture.
- Why It’s Special: The combination of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts creates a satisfying crunch with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. This recipe yields 20 servings, ideal for sharing or gifting.
Perfect for holiday treat trays, party favors, or a nostalgic indulgence, Peanut Brittle is a candy that never goes out of style.
Essential Ingredients
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle uses just a few ingredients to create its iconic texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 20 servings:
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Forms the sweet, caramelized base.
- ½ cup white corn syrup: Adds smoothness and prevents sugar crystallization.
- ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup.
- 1 ½ cups raw peanuts: Provide the nutty flavor and crunch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Creates air bubbles for a light, crisp texture.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sugar and Corn Syrup: Combine to create a glossy, hard candy base.
- Raw Peanuts: Roast during cooking, adding a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the hot sugar mixture to create a brittle, airy texture.
- Salt: Amplifies the flavors, making the brittle irresistibly balanced.
Substitutions and Variations
- Peanuts: Swap with raw almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different nutty flavor (ensure they’re raw to roast properly during cooking).
- Corn Syrup: Use honey or golden syrup, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Sugar: Substitute with light brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure corn syrup and sugar are vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char in processing).
- Spiced Brittle: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or cinnamon with the salt for a spicy or warm twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle requires careful attention to achieve the perfect texture, but the process is straightforward. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather 1 ½ cups white sugar, ½ cup white corn syrup, ¼ cup water, 1 ½ cups raw peanuts, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda.
- Spray two cookie sheets with non-stick spray coating.
- Have a candy thermometer ready (optional but helpful) and a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.
Tip: Prepare all ingredients in advance, as the cooking process moves quickly once the sugar reaches temperature.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 ½ cups white sugar, ½ cup white corn syrup, and ¼ cup water.
- Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then add 1 ½ cups raw peanuts.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peanuts turn golden and the syrup mixture beads off the nuts when lifted with a spoon (about 300°F or hard-crack stage on a candy thermometer), approximately 10-15 minutes.
Tip: If using a candy thermometer, aim for 300°F (149°C). Without one, test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads.
Step 3: Add Final Ingredients
- Quickly remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda until well blended. The mixture will foam up as the baking soda reacts.
Tip: Work fast when adding baking soda, as the mixture will start to set quickly.
Step 4: Spread and Cool
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets, allowing it to spread naturally into a thin layer.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes, until hardened.
- Break into bite-sized pieces with your hands or a knife.
Tip: For a thinner brittle, tilt the cookie sheets gently to spread the mixture more evenly before it sets.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Serve the brittle as a snack or package for gifting.
- Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature.
Tip: Break into irregular pieces for a rustic look, or use a knife for more uniform shapes.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Peanut Brittle
Making Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is all about achieving a crisp, golden candy with a nutty crunch. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Sugar Mixture: Cook to the hard-crack stage for a brittle, not chewy, texture.
- Peanuts: Add raw peanuts early to roast them in the syrup for maximum flavor.
- Baking Soda: Stir in quickly to create the airy, crisp texture.
- Presentation: Break into appealing, bite-sized pieces for easy snacking or gifting.
Presentation Tips
- Package in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming gift.
- Serve in a decorative tin or bowl for holiday gatherings.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before cooling for a trendy sweet-salty twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is perfect for making ahead and stores well for sharing or savoring later.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 1 month.
- Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make the brittle sticky.
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months, though the texture may soften slightly after thawing.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prepare the brittle up to a week ahead for gifting or events.
- Break into pieces just before serving to maintain freshness.
Tip: Store in a cool, dry place to keep the brittle crisp and prevent sticking.
Recipe Variations
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder with the salt for a spicy kick.
- Mixed Nut Brittle: Use a mix of raw peanuts, almonds, and cashews for a varied nutty flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Brittle: Dip cooled brittle pieces in melted dark chocolate and let set for a decadent treat.
- Sesame Brittle: Replace half the peanuts with sesame seeds for a nutty, seedy crunch.
- Maple Brittle: Swap corn syrup for maple syrup and use pecans for a fall-inspired flavor.
Conclusion: Savor the Crunchy Sweetness!
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is the candy that brings nostalgic crunch to every bite. With its golden, caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts, it’s a perfect treat for holidays, gifting, or a sweet snack. Simple to make with a rewarding payoff, this brittle is sure to delight. So, grab your saucepan, cook up this classic candy, and enjoy a taste of timeless sweetness. We’d love to hear how your brittle turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle
Description
Ever craved a sweet treat that’s crispy, nutty, and bursting with nostalgic charm? Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is a classic candy, combining golden, caramelized sugar with roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle uses just a few ingredients to create its iconic texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 20 servings:
- 1 ½ cups white sugar: Forms the sweet, caramelized base.
- ½ cup white corn syrup: Adds smoothness and prevents sugar crystallization.
- ¼ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup.
- 1 ½ cups raw peanuts: Provide the nutty flavor and crunch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Creates air bubbles for a light, crisp texture.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Sugar and Corn Syrup: Combine to create a glossy, hard candy base.
- Raw Peanuts: Roast during cooking, adding a rich, nutty flavor and crunch.
- Baking Soda: Reacts with the hot sugar mixture to create a brittle, airy texture.
- Salt: Amplifies the flavors, making the brittle irresistibly balanced.
Substitutions and Variations
- Peanuts: Swap with raw almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different nutty flavor (ensure they’re raw to roast properly during cooking).
- Corn Syrup: Use honey or golden syrup, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- Sugar: Substitute with light brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure corn syrup and sugar are vegan-friendly (some brands use bone char in processing).
- Spiced Brittle: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or cinnamon with the salt for a spicy or warm twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather 1 ½ cups white sugar, ½ cup white corn syrup, ¼ cup water, 1 ½ cups raw peanuts, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda.
- Spray two cookie sheets with non-stick spray coating.
- Have a candy thermometer ready (optional but helpful) and a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.
Tip: Prepare all ingredients in advance, as the cooking process moves quickly once the sugar reaches temperature.
Step 2: Cook the Sugar Mixture
- In a 4-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 ½ cups white sugar, ½ cup white corn syrup, and ¼ cup water.
- Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, then add 1 ½ cups raw peanuts.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peanuts turn golden and the syrup mixture beads off the nuts when lifted with a spoon (about 300°F or hard-crack stage on a candy thermometer), approximately 10-15 minutes.
Tip: If using a candy thermometer, aim for 300°F (149°C). Without one, test by dropping a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads.
Step 3: Add Final Ingredients
- Quickly remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda until well blended. The mixture will foam up as the baking soda reacts.
Tip: Work fast when adding baking soda, as the mixture will start to set quickly.
Step 4: Spread and Cool
- Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets, allowing it to spread naturally into a thin layer.
- Let cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes, until hardened.
- Break into bite-sized pieces with your hands or a knife.
Tip: For a thinner brittle, tilt the cookie sheets gently to spread the mixture more evenly before it sets.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Serve the brittle as a snack or package for gifting.
- Store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature.
Tip: Break into irregular pieces for a rustic look, or use a knife for more uniform shapes.
FAQs
1. Why is my brittle chewy?
Chewy brittle may result from undercooking. Ensure the mixture reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) or forms brittle threads in cold water.
2. Can I use roasted peanuts?
Raw peanuts are best, as they roast during cooking for optimal flavor. Roasted peanuts may burn or become too dark.
3. Is this brittle gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure all ingredients (especially corn syrup) are certified gluten-free.
4. Why did my brittle seize up?
Seizing can occur from sugar crystallization. Stir gently and avoid getting sugar on the pan’s sides to prevent this.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make up to a week ahead and store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
6. Can I use a microwave instead of a stovetop?
Microwave brittle is possible but tricky to control. Use a stovetop with a candy thermometer for best results.
7. What are the health benefits of this brittle?
Peanuts provide protein and healthy fats, but this is an indulgent treat due to high sugar content—enjoy in moderation.