Classic Peanut Brittle Crunch (Printable)

Crunchy peanut candy coated in buttery toffee, ideal for sweet snacking and gifting moments.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sugar Mixture

01 - 1 cup granulated sugar
02 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Fats & Flavorings

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Nuts

07 - 1 1/2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts

→ Finishing

08 - 1 teaspoon baking soda

# Directions:

01 - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly grease the surface.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, gently stir together sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt until the sugar dissolves.
03 - Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, attaching a candy thermometer to monitor temperature until it reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage (about 10 to 15 minutes).
04 - Remove from heat immediately. Stir in butter and vanilla, then quickly add the peanuts, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly.
05 - Stir in baking soda briskly; the mixture will foam and lighten in color.
06 - Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread thinly and evenly with a greased spatula to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
07 - Allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes, then break into approximately 20 pieces.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes expensive and impressive but takes barely half an hour from start to finish.
  • The shattering crunch paired with that buttery sweetness is basically impossible to stop eating once you start.
02 -
  • Temperature matters more than time—if you don't hit 300°F, your brittle will be chewy; if you go over 310°F, it becomes bitter and hard to bite.
  • Humidity is brittle's enemy, so make this on a dry day and store it in an airtight container, because even a little moisture will turn it sticky and sad.
03 -
  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan because it distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots that burn the sugar.
  • A candy thermometer is non-negotiable here—without it, you're basically guessing, and guessing usually means either chewy or burnt.
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