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The Ultimate Crunchy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe (Old-Fashioned & Foolproof Snap Guarantee)

A stack of broken, golden pieces of homemade peanut brittle recipe, glistening in sunlight.

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Make classic homemade peanut brittle that achieves a perfect, glass-like snap every time. This old-fashioned candy recipe uses simple ingredients and precise temperature control to guarantee a crunchy result, ideal for holiday candy or gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with a silicone mat. Set aside.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture without touching the bottom of the pan.
  4. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 250 degrees Fahrenheit (soft-ball stage). Do not stir once boiling begins, only swirl the pan gently if necessary.
  5. Add the roasted peanuts to the syrup. Continue to cook, stirring constantly now to prevent scorching, until the mixture reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (hard-crack stage). This step requires attention to detail for the perfect snap.
  6. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and then the baking soda. The mixture will foam up rapidly.
  7. Pour the foaming mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not spread or touch the candy; let it flow naturally into a thin layer.
  8. Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, about 30 to 45 minutes, until hard.
  9. Once fully cooled and hard, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use roasted peanuts for the best flavor in this classic brittle recipe.
  • Hitting the 300°F hard-crack stage is crucial for brittle that snaps instead of sticking to your teeth.
  • Work quickly after adding the baking soda, as this ingredient creates the necessary air pockets for a light, crunchy texture.
  • This candy is excellent for homemade holiday gifts.

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