Making candy is one of those things that can be daunting. Working with boiling sugar is a little tricky, because the potential for 3rd degree burns and a hospital visit is a very real possibility. Making your own Peanut Brittle is a good way to get your feet wet with candy-making because you don't have to manipulate the hot sugar much, just spread it into a pan. Plus, the results are so worthwhile! Homemade peanut brittle is extremely inexpensive to make, and is a great gift or treat to share around the holidays.
In order to make Peanut Brittle, you absolutely need a candy thermometer. They're fairly inexpensive, and are available at most well-stocked grocery stores, and of course, at Target or on Amazon. One of the great things about candy thermometers is that they clip to the side of your saucepan, so you don't have to try holding onto it or worrying that it will fall into your creation.
PrintPeanut Brittle
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 3 cups salted peanuts (not roasted)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons for greasing pan
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine the baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Butter the bottom and sides of a large rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and cook mixture over medium heat until 240 degrees F (thread stage).
- Stir in the peanuts and continue cooking, stirring constantly with a silicone spatula until the mixture is golden and reaches 300 degrees F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in the 1 stick of butter. Add the vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Stir until ingredients are combined and the butter has melted.
- Quickly pour and spread the mixture into the prepared baking sheet.(Be careful not to touch the mixture to your skin.)
- Let cool completely (about 1 hour), then break the brittle into several pieces. Store in an airtight container.
Patricia
What are salted peanuts that are raw?
Mandy
It just means peanuts that are not roasted. Hope this helps, Patricia.