There’s something magical about the sweet smell of caramelized sugar bubbling on the stove — that nostalgic aroma that instantly transports you back to childhood holidays and cozy winter afternoons. Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle isn’t just a candy recipe; it’s a piece of tradition, a crunchy treat that combines sweet, salty, buttery goodness with the satisfying snap of roasted peanuts.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make perfect Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle — golden, crisp, and deliciously addictive. Whether you’re gifting it during the holidays or sneaking a few pieces for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a few sticky fingers).
Table of Contents
🥜 What Is Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle?
Peanut brittle is a classic American confection made from sugar, corn syrup, butter, baking soda, and roasted peanuts. It’s cooked until golden, poured onto a sheet, and cooled into a hard, breakable candy. The baking soda gives it that signature light, airy crunch, while the peanuts add the perfect salty contrast.
This candy has been around for over a century and was often made in home kitchens during the holidays. It’s still one of the easiest homemade candies you can make — no fancy tools, just patience and a good candy thermometer.
🍬 Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle
Here’s everything you’ll need for the most irresistible, crunchy peanut brittle:
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 2 cups | Sweet base that caramelizes beautifully |
| Light corn syrup | 1 cup | Prevents crystallization & keeps candy smooth |
| Water | ½ cup | Helps dissolve sugar evenly |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness & flavor |
| Raw or roasted peanuts | 2 cups | The star of the show! |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Creates bubbles for that airy texture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth & aroma |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances sweetness perfectly |
🍯 Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy steps to make your peanut brittle like a pro:
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Keep all your ingredients measured and ready — timing is key!
- Have a candy thermometer handy (you’ll need it for perfect texture).
Step 2: Combine the Sugar Base
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Once dissolved, stop stirring and attach your candy thermometer to the pan.
Step 3: Add the Peanuts
- When the mixture reaches 280°F (soft crack stage), stir in the peanuts and butter.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) — the mixture should turn a beautiful golden amber color.
Step 4: Add Flavor & Texture
- Remove from heat immediately.
- Stir in baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract — the mixture will foam and expand (that’s good!).
- Quickly pour it onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out thinly with a spatula.
Step 5: Cool & Break
- Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature (about 30–45 minutes).
- Once hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and store in an airtight container.
🌟 Expert Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle
- Use a Candy Thermometer: Temperature is everything. If undercooked, the brittle will be chewy; if overcooked, it’ll taste burnt.
- Work Fast: Once the baking soda is added, pour and spread immediately — it sets quickly!
- Avoid Humidity: Peanut brittle doesn’t like moisture. Make it on a dry day for best results.
- Don’t Stir Too Much: Once sugar dissolves, stop stirring or it may crystallize.
- Grease Your Tools: Lightly butter your spatula and pan edges for easy cleanup.
🍫 Variations to Try
Want to customize your brittle? Try these creative twists!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the brittle.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a sweet-and-spicy treat.
- Nut Mix: Replace half the peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans.
- Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before it sets for gourmet flair.
🎁 How to Gift Peanut Brittle
Homemade peanut brittle makes an amazing holiday or hostess gift!
Here’s how to package it beautifully:
- Wrap pieces in clear cellophane bags with festive ribbons.
- Place in mason jars or metal tins lined with parchment paper.
- Add a handwritten tag — “Made with love (and lots of peanuts)!”
🧊 Storage & Shelf Life
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight container at room temp | Up to 6 weeks | Keep in a cool, dry place |
| Refrigerator | Not recommended | Moisture makes it sticky |
| Freezer | 3 months | Wrap tightly & thaw at room temp before eating |
🧠 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes! Just make sure they’re unsalted. Roasted peanuts add deeper flavor.
Q: My brittle turned out sticky. Why?
It wasn’t cooked to the hard crack stage (300°F) or was stored in a humid environment.
Q: Can I make it without corn syrup?
You can substitute with honey or golden syrup, but texture may be slightly softer.
Q: Why add baking soda?
It creates tiny air bubbles, making the candy light and crunchy instead of dense.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
You can, but work in batches — it sets fast and becomes hard to spread.
🍁 Perfect Pairings for Peanut Brittle
| Drink | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Hot chocolate | Creamy contrast to the crunchy candy |
| Coffee | Bitter notes balance the sweetness |
| Chai latte | Spiced warmth enhances the caramel flavor |
| Vanilla ice cream | Add brittle pieces for a delicious topping |
❤️ Why You’ll Love Making It
- Simple ingredients you already have at home
- Perfectly crunchy texture every time
- Crowd-pleasing flavor — sweet, buttery, nutty
- Lasts for weeks, making it perfect for gifting
This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle is one of those recipes that truly stands the test of time. Whether it’s part of your holiday candy tray or just a nostalgic weekend project, it brings that warm, homemade sweetness no store-bought candy can match.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Making peanut brittle is more than just a recipe — it’s a little act of joy. The bubbling sugar, the golden color, the satisfying crack as you break it apart — it all feels like a piece of holiday magic in your hands.
So grab your saucepan, your peanuts, and a little patience — because once you taste that crisp, buttery, peanut-packed perfection, you’ll know why this Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle recipe never goes out of style.