Crunchy Homemade Nut Brittle Recipe

Ingredients

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

Steps and instructions

  1. Grease a large baking sheet and set it aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
  3. Continue to cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches the hard-crack stage, which is 300 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer.
  4. Quickly stir in the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will become light and foamy.
  5. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
  6. Allow the brittle to cool and harden before breaking it into pieces.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - A medium-sized saucepan for cooking the brittle mixture.
  • Candy thermometer - Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the brittle mixture.
  • Baking sheet - A large baking sheet to pour and spread the hot brittle mixture.
  • Spatula - A spatula to spread the brittle mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
  • Grease or cooking spray - Use grease or cooking spray to grease the baking sheet before pouring the brittle mixture.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the peanuts with your favorite nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pecans.
  • Add a twist of flavor by mixing in spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
  • For a savory variation, replace the peanuts with roasted chickpeas or roasted pumpkin seeds.
  • Create a festive version by adding dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots to the brittle mixture.
  • For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the brittle while it is still warm.
  • Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup.
  • Add a touch of heat by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Recipe overview

This Nut Brittle recipe is a delightful homemade treat that's perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. Taking simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and roasted peanuts, this recipe transforms them into a crispy, crunchy, and delightfully sweet indulgence that is unmistakable. Making nut brittle may seem intimidating, but with careful attention to detail and patience, you'll create a confection that's far superior to store-bought varieties. Expect the process to involve some precise cooking and quick mixing, but the result is a deliciously rewarding nut brittle with a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. Enjoy this classic candy that never goes out of style!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted peanuts instead of unsalted? Yes, you can use salted peanuts if you prefer a slightly salty taste in your nut brittle.
  2. Can I substitute corn syrup with any other ingredient? Corn syrup provides a specific texture and sweetness to the brittle. While you can try substituting with alternatives like honey or golden syrup, the results may vary.
  3. How do I know when the sugar mixture has reached the hard-crack stage? Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. The hard-crack stage is reached at 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Can I use a different type of nuts? Absolutely! You can substitute peanuts with almonds, cashews, or any other nuts you prefer.
  5. How long does the brittle take to cool and harden? It usually takes around 1-2 hours for the brittle to cool and harden completely. You can speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Sheet - Used to spread and cool the nut brittle.
  • Spatula - Helps to spread the brittle mixture evenly on the baking sheet.
  • Candy Thermometer - Used to monitor the temperature of the brittle mixture to ensure it reaches the hard-crack stage.
  • Grease or Cooking Spray - Used to grease the baking sheet and prevent the brittle from sticking.

Origin stories

Brittle, a type of confection, is believed to be one of the first types of candy ever made. The oldest forms of brittle were found in Turkey, dating back thousands of years. The traditional form of modern brittle, with its typical caramelized sugar or syrup base, came to prominence in the Southern United States during the 19th century. The addition of baking soda, which gives the candy its distinctive texture, was a technique likely introduced by German immigrants. This humble candy, with its rich lineage and simple ingredients, tells the story of human's love for sweets across ages and continents.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.