The Ultimate Peanut Brittle Recipe: Crunchy, Sweet, and Easy to Make!
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? Then get ready to make the most delicious peanut brittle you've ever tasted! This recipe is designed for both beginners and experienced bakers, promising a perfect balance of sweet and crunchy in every bite. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to achieving that signature shatter, ensuring your peanut brittle turns out flawlessly every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. Make sure you have these on hand before you start:
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The foundation of your brittle's sweetness. Using granulated sugar ensures a smooth, even texture.
- ½ cup light corn syrup: This adds a beautiful shine and helps prevent crystallization.
- ½ cup water: Essential for dissolving the sugar and creating a smooth caramel.
- 1 cup salted peanuts: The star of the show! Salted peanuts add a delightful savory counterpoint to the sweetness. You can use roasted peanuts, but salted ones are preferred for that perfect balance of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps prevent sticking. Unsalted butter is recommended here.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The secret ingredient! Baking soda creates the characteristic airy, brittle texture.
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Peanut Brittle:
Follow these steps carefully for a consistently successful batch of peanut brittle:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Crucial Tip: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Combine Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Water:
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (very important!), combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Cook to the Hard-Crack Stage:
This is where precision comes in. Cook the mixture over medium heat, without stirring, until it reaches the hard-crack stage (approximately 300°F or 150°C on a candy thermometer). This is crucial for the brittle's texture. Don't rush this process; patience is key!
4. Add Peanuts and Butter:
Carefully stir in the salted peanuts and butter. Remove from heat immediately once the butter is melted and the peanuts are well-coated.
5. Add Baking Soda:
Quickly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will bubble up – this is expected.
6. Pour and Spread:
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to about ¼ inch thickness. Work quickly, as the mixture hardens rapidly.
7. Cool and Break:
Allow the brittle to cool completely. Once cooled, break it into irregular pieces. This is the fun part!
8. Enjoy!
Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and crunchy for several weeks.
Tips for Brittle Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the hard-crack stage.
- Don't stir after adding the peanuts: Stirring after this stage can cause crystallization.
- Work quickly: The mixture hardens quickly, so be prepared to pour and spread efficiently.
- Experiment with flavors: Add other nuts, spices, or extracts to customize your brittle.
This recipe is your passport to creating a truly unforgettable treat. Remember to follow the instructions carefully, and most importantly, have fun! Happy brittle-making!
