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Quick Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Nesting Lane Indulge
Quick Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle: classic candy with a crisp snap, roasted peanuts, and warm vanilla. Great for holidays, gifting, and make-ahead treats.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Heavy Saucepan
Candy Thermometer
Wooden Spoon
Spatula
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cup

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Lightly butter a baking sheet and set aside.
  • In a heavy saucepan, add sugar, corn syrup, and water.
  • Place the pan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture boils.
  • Attach a candy thermometer to the pan.
  • Cook without stirring until the thermometer reads 300°F.
  • Stir in the peanuts.
  • Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until the peanuts are coated and light golden.
  • Remove the pan from heat.
  • Stir in butter, baking soda, vanilla, and salt until blended and foamy.
  • Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Use a spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.
  • Let the brittle cool completely.
  • Break into pieces and serve or store.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

Thermometer Check – Test your candy thermometer’s accuracy by placing it in boiling water. It should read 212°F. Adjust target temperature slightly if needed.
No Thermometer Backup – Drop a little syrup into ice water. Hard crack should form brittle, glassy strands that break cleanly.
Work Fast – Have the butter, baking soda, vanilla, and salt measured and ready. Once the syrup hits temperature, the window is short.
Thin Brittle – Lightly grease a second spatula. After pouring, use both spatulas to stretch the candy gently for a thinner, crisper sheet.
Humidity Watch – Make brittle on a dry day if possible. Moist air can make the candy sticky and soften the snap.
Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature with parchment between layers. Keep away from heat and moisture.
Cleanup – Fill the pan and tools with hot water and let them soak. The sugar dissolves and wipes away without scrubbing.

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 44IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 0.2mg
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