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Jana Rae

Homemade Peanut Brittle Bars

Learn how to make the best homemade peanut brittle with roasted peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup. A classic old-fashioned candy recipe that’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect for gifting. Ready in under an hour!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup or honey as alternative
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Prep your pan – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter.
  2. Cook sugar mixture – In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. Boil – Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
  4. Add peanuts – Stir in the peanuts and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until well coated.
  5. Finish – Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture will foam up.
  6. Spread – Immediately pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread thin with a spatula.
  7. 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.