Homemade candy doesn’t have to be intimidating. This peanut brittle comes together in five simple steps, with professional tips to help you succeed. I also share my reliable method for cleaning the pot after making candy.
This is the BEST Peanut Brittle
This family-favorite candy has been enjoyed for generations. My recipe stays true to classic ingredients, but I’ve refined the process into five easy steps so even first-timers can make perfect brittle at home.
I’ll also guide you through a simple, effective trick for cleaning the pot afterward so the whole experience is less messy and more enjoyable.
Total active time is only about 25 minutes — the hardest part is waiting for the brittle to cool so you can break it and dig in!
What is Peanut Brittle?
Peanut brittle is a crunchy candy made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, baking soda, and roasted peanuts. The cooked sugar gives it a hard, glass-like texture and a sweet, buttery peanut flavor. It’s especially popular during the holidays and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Why you’ll love this Recipe for Peanut Brittle
- Only six simple ingredients
- Perfect for holiday gifts
- Buttery, sweet peanut flavor with a crisp crunch
- Includes practical tips, plus an easy method to clean your pot
Homemade Peanut Brittle Ingredients
These are the basics for classic peanut brittle. Quantities and full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Water
- Unsalted butter
- Salted roasted peanuts
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
Best Peanut Brittle Recipe Substitutions
Simple swaps let you customize the brittle:
- Different nuts: Use almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts instead of peanuts if desired.
- Honey for corn syrup: You can replace light corn syrup with honey 1:1 — this will change the flavor slightly.
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom adds warmth and complexity.
- Try other extracts: Vanilla is classic, but almond or maple extract can be interesting in small amounts.
- Finish with sea salt: A light sprinkle of sea salt before the brittle fully cools gives a lovely sweet-salty contrast.
How to Make Peanut Brittle Candy
This recipe is straightforward and follows five main steps. See the recipe card for exact measurements and full instructions.
- Prep the sheet pan. Line a rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper so the brittle can spread and cool evenly.
- Measure and prepare ingredients. Have everything measured and within reach. Once the sugar reaches temperature, you’ll need to work quickly while stirring and adding ingredients.
- Combine and cook the sugar mixture. In a medium saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches 280ºF, then add the butter and peanuts. The mixture may thicken and the temperature may drop; continue cooking until it reaches 280–300ºF and turns a light golden color, about 5 minutes more.
- Add baking soda and vanilla. Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will foam and become frothy — this aeration is what gives brittle its characteristic texture.
- Pour, cool, and break into pieces. Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and use a silicone spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer. Let it cool at room temperature for several hours until fully set, then break into pieces. Store the brittle in an airtight container.
Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe Tips
Follow these tips for consistent results:
- Use a candy thermometer: Accurate temperature is essential for the right brittle texture.
- Don’t skip the baking soda: It creates the tiny bubbles that make brittle crisp but still easy to bite.
- Be prepared: Have all ingredients and tools ready before the sugar reaches the final temperature — you’ll need to work quickly.
How to Clean the Pot
Cleaning up melted sugar can be daunting, but this simple method makes it easy and avoids hard scrubbing.
- Immediately after pouring the brittle, fill the pot with hot water so all sugar residue is submerged. You can include used utensils and the thermometer.
- Place the pot on the stove and simmer the water over medium heat. The hot water will gradually dissolve the sugar residue and prevent it from re-crystallizing.
- Discard the water and any dissolved residue once it has loosened.
- Wash the pot with dish soap and warm water, scrubbing gently to remove any remaining traces, then rinse thoroughly.
Storing and Gifting Peanut Brittle Candy
Peanut brittle stores well and makes a wonderful homemade gift. Allow the brittle to cool completely, then keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration — moisture from the fridge softens the brittle and ruins the texture.
For gifting, place pieces in clear bags tied with ribbon, a decorative tin, or a gift box. Brittle also pairs nicely with cookie assortments for holiday platters.
How long does Peanut Brittle last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, peanut brittle will stay good for up to two months.
Can you freeze Peanut Brittle?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving; freezing may slightly alter the texture.
More Peanut Recipes
- Three Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Balls
- Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
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Peanut Brittle Candy
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Equipment
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Candy Thermometer
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Silicone or rubber spatula
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Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
- 2 cups (396g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (236ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (118ml) water
- 6 Tbsp (86g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (284g) salted roasted peanuts
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Video
Instructions
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Line a rimmed half sheet pan with parchment paper.
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Prepare and measure all ingredients. Stir frequently and be ready to move quickly once the sugar reaches temperature.
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In a medium saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches 280ºF, then add the butter and peanuts. Continue boiling until the mixture reaches 280–300ºF and becomes light golden, about 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble and foam.
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Pour onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a thin, even layer. Allow to cool at room temperature for several hours, then break into pieces and store in an airtight container.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclosure
All nutritional values are approximate and provided as a courtesy. Changes to ingredients or quantities will affect the estimates.
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