If you’ve ever craved a nostalgic, old-fashioned candy that’s sweet, crunchy, and packed with roasted peanuts, this Homemade Peanut Brittle is the recipe you need. This classic treat has been a staple in American kitchens for generations, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few pantry ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for holiday gifts, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this easy peanut brittle recipe delivers perfect golden crunch every time.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Peanut Brittle
There’s something timeless about peanut brittle. It’s the kind of candy your grandma probably made, wrapped in wax paper, and set out in a pretty dish around the holidays. This recipe keeps that same nostalgic crunch but makes it foolproof for today’s kitchens.
- Easy to make: Just a handful of pantry staples and a saucepan.
- Perfectly crunchy: Every bite has that signature snap.
- Budget-friendly: Costs far less than store-bought candy.
- Gift-worthy: Beautifully wrapped pieces make sweet homemade presents.
Whether you’re preparing it for a festive Christmas cookie tray, a bake sale, or just to satisfy a sugar craving, this peanut brittle recipe will quickly become a tradition in your home.
Tips for Making Perfect Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle may look fancy, but the secret to success is in the details. Here are a few tried-and-true tips to guarantee golden, crunchy results every time:
- Use a candy thermometer: The sugar must reach the “hard crack” stage (300°F). Without a thermometer, you risk chewy brittle instead of crisp candy.
- Prep everything first: Once the sugar mixture is ready, you have to move fast. Have your peanuts, butter, vanilla, and baking soda measured and ready to stir in.
- Work quickly: As soon as you add baking soda, the mixture foams up and sets rapidly. Pour and spread it immediately.
- Thin and even layer: Use a buttered spatula to spread it out before it hardens. The thinner the layer, the crunchier the bite.
- Avoid humidity: Candy absorbs moisture, so brittle can get sticky on damp days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it crisp.
Variations & Add-Ins
One of the best parts about peanut brittle is how versatile it can be. While classic peanut brittle is always a crowd-pleaser, here are some delicious twists you can try:
- Mixed Nut Brittle: Swap half the peanuts for cashews, pecans, or almonds.
- Spiced Brittle: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cayenne pepper for a subtle flavor kick.
- Chocolate-Dipped Brittle: Once cooled, dip the pieces halfway into melted dark or milk chocolate.
- Sea Salt Brittle: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before the brittle hardens for a sweet-salty treat.
- Honey Brittle: Replace the corn syrup with honey for a deeper flavor.
These little changes make the recipe your own — and they also give you more reasons to make it again and again!
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Peanut brittle is delicious all on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other desserts and snacks. Here are a few ways to enjoy and serve it:
- With coffee or tea: A crunchy piece of brittle alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai is pure comfort.
- Ice cream topper: Break brittle into small chunks and sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae upgrade.
- Holiday dessert trays: Combine peanut brittle with cookies, fudge, and truffles for a festive homemade candy platter.
- Gift bags & jars: Pack brittle into mason jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a budget-friendly holiday gift.
- Chocolate pairing: Serve peanut brittle alongside dark chocolate squares for a sweet-and-bitter contrast.
Peanut brittle isn’t just a candy — it’s a versatile treat that can elevate everyday snacks and make any occasion feel special.
Homemade Peanut Brittle Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Prep your pan – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
- Cook sugar mixture – In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Boil – Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Add peanuts – Stir in the peanuts and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until well coated.
- Finish – Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
- Spread – Immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread thin with a spatula.
- Cool & break – Allow to cool completely, then break into bars or bite-size pieces.
Notes
- Storage: Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
- No thermometer? Drop a small amount into cold water. If it cracks, it’s ready.
- Nut variations: Try almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts for different flavors.
- Gift idea: Wrap individual pieces in wax paper for homemade holiday candy gifts.
