Peanut Brittle

Kristi Cox

5 from 1 vote

This is an old-fashioned peanut brittle recipe. It is a flavorful, crunchy, sweet and salty, buttery peanut candy (similar to toffee) that will have you coming back for more. It's great for the holidays and for gift-giving! This recipe is a family favorite.

This recipe will make 2-2½ pounds of peanut brittle.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Course: candy, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

½ cup water
1 cup white karo syrup
2 cups white sugar
1½-2 cups shelled Spanish Raw Peanuts
2 tsp baking soda
1-2 tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla

Equipment

1 Heavy duty 5 or 6-quart saucepan with handle
1 Long-handled slotted spoon
Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
Large Heat Proof Surface A marble or granite slab would be a great option.
Baking Sheet You can also use a large baking sheet if you prefer.

Method

Assemble everything, have the foil buttered, and all ingredients measured and ready before you start.
Pour water into the pan, and bring to a good rolling boil.
Stir in Karo and sugar and let boil on high until it spins a good thread stirring constantly for about 5-6 minutes.
Add peanuts and cook on high, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. You start to smell roasted peanuts, and the color of the peanuts will become golden brown.
This part must be done quickly! Remove from heat. Quickly add soda, butter, and vanilla. Stir hard to dissolve butter.
Pour mixture onto buttered foil and lightly spread.
Let cool for 1 hour or until it will break. Break into pieces and store in a zip lock bag.

Notes

READ over the recipe before you get started.

Have everything assembled and ready before you begin.

Every step in this recipe is cooked on high. The time estimates I have given are just estimates. The times will vary depending on your stove.

This mixture will be HOT! Be careful not to splatter it on your skin, and don't have any distractions when preparing it.

As soon as you get your peanut brittle spread. Put the pan in the sink and fill it with water to the top with the spoon in the pan. Let set until all candy dissolves, then wash in soapy water. If you don’t, the candy will harden to pan quickly, and it will be harder to clean.

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