I love making and sharing this Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle candy. It’s a nostalgic classic that I always enjoyed as a child and that I like to see others enjoy, too. There’s nothing like the chewy crunch of peanut brittle! I promise that if you make this for guests at your next party, you won’t have any left to take home!
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The salty peanuts add great crunch while the corn syrup and sugar balance with the perfect amount of sweetness and chew that is almost addictive! The smell and taste of homemade peanut brittle are unmatched.
If you like homemade candy recipes, you will love my Christmas Crack Pretzel Toffee, Butter Toffee Pretzels and Layered Chocolate Nut Toffee too!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Inexpensive ingredients: This is a wonderful treat with a gourmet presentation that is super affordable even on a tight budget.
- Thoughtful holiday gift: There are few things better than a homemade holiday gift and your friends and family will be delighted to receive this one.
- Easy homemade candy: Making candy at home doesn’t have to be complicated. This recipe is easy to follow and understand, even if you have never made it before!
Ingredients
There are very few ingredients needed to make this easy peanut brittle recipe. The items below are easy to find and gentle on the wallet. That’s why I like to make more than one batch to share!
- Sugar: I use white granulated sugar for this recipe. It cooks down and caramelizes perfectly for this recipe.
- Corn syrup: This is a key ingredient in brittle because it prevents the sugar from crystalizing and keeps it from becoming too hard to bite into.
- Water: To prevent too much browning and to help the sugar properly dissolve, I add some water to the pot.
- Butter: This adds fat and a buttery flavor to the peanut brittle. It also helps to set it. I use unsalted butter so the candy isn’t too salty but you may use salted if you like the flavor.
- Peanuts: Dry roasted and salted peanuts are best for this recipe. They offer the best crunch.
- Baking soda: This is another essential ingredient to achieve the best texture of the brittle. It makes it light and keeps it from becoming too hard and it also balances the flavors so you get more caramel notes.
- Vanilla extract: I add a splash of vanilla extract to bring it all together. The subtle vanilla flavor plays well with the other ingredients.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Chocolate: Turn this old-fashioned peanut butter candy into a chocolate lover’s dream! Coat them in melted milk or dark chocolate for the ultimate indulgent treat!
- Mixed nuts: Use a mixture of peanuts, cashews, and pecans for a variety of textures in one bite.
- Spiced: Stir in warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a whole new flavor profile that’s perfect for the holidays.
How to Make Peanut Brittle
Here are the instructions on how to make this nostalgic old-fashioned peanut butter candy recipe. Before you get started, I suggest that you grease your mini muffin tin with butter so the candies are easy to remove.
Step 1: Add the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of the pot, touching the mixture.
Step 2: Dissolve the sugar. Heat the pot at medium-high heat until the sugar has completely dissolved. Place the pieces of butter into the pot once it is gently boiling. Allow the mixture to cook and the butter to melt. In about 20 minutes, it should be golden, thick, and at 280 degrees F.
Step 3: Add the peanuts. Pour in the peanuts and stir until it reaches 305 degrees F.
Step 4: Add the baking soda and vanilla. Remove from the heat and quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Spoon into the tin. Carefully divide the mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Allow the brittle to cool at room temperature.
Step 6: Remove and serve. Pop them out of the pan and enjoy!
⭐ Hint: Make sure you are stirring frequently throughout the procxxess so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot and burns.
If you love old-fashioned dessert recipes like this one, you may also enjoy my Butterscotch Caramel Cashew Bars.
Serving Suggestions
- Make this peanut brittle as a treat after a lovely holiday dinner. Some recipe suggestions are this Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham, Pressure Cooker Cranberry Sauce, and Cornbread and Sage Stuffing.
- Another holiday dessert you may make to serve alongside this one is Sugar Cookie Fudge Recipe.
- You can’t celebrate the holidays without a festive cocktail like this Christmas Holiday Punch.
Recipe Tips
- Storage directions: Store the peanut brittle bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- Purchase a candy thermometer: This is essential in candy making. Allowing the ingredients to reach the correct temperature will result in the most successful result.
- Cool completely. You must let the peanut brittle cool before handling it. This ensures it is fully set and won’t burn you.
Recipe FAQs
You may spread the peanut brittle onto a parchment line baking sheet if you don’t have a mini muffin pan. Let it completely cool and harden before you crack it into pieces.
I don’t recommend it because the moisture in the fridge will alter the texture of the brittle.
Yes. Add them at the beginning to give them time to cook and gain color.
More Delicious Holiday Treat Recipes
Do you like festive holiday desserts? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup unsalted butter or 1 stick
- 1 ½ cups salted dry-roasted peanuts
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease your mini-muffin pan with butter and set aside.
- In a small, heavy bottomed saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup and water. Attach your candy thermometer to the side of your saucepan so it touches the syrup mixture.
- Turn the heat on to medium-high and stir the mixture until the sugar is totally dissolved!
- Once mixture is gently boiling add butter. Stir frequently. The syrup mixture will become a golden color and very thick, about 20 minutes. The thermometer should read 280 degrees.
- Add peanuts and stir constantly until the thermometer reads 305 degrees.
- Remove your saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla.
- Carefully spoon the hot mixture into your prepared pan. Allow to cool on your counter. Remove bites from the pan and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage directions: Store the peanut brittle bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
- Purchase a candy thermometer: This is essential in candy making. Allowing the ingredients to reach the correct temperature will result in the most successful result.
- Cool completely. You must let the peanut brittle cool before handling it. This ensures it is fully set and won’t burn you.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in December 2016. It's been updated with new images and content.
Colleen says
works every time.
Karin and Ken says
We make it a few times a year and always love it! All the best. Karin