This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Please read our disclosure policy.
Why I Love Peanut Brittle
There are many brittle recipes, and many people make them thin and almost tooth-breakingly hard. Grandma always ensured I knew how to make it light and airy, just like hers. She always said, “Never spread or flatten the mixture, and you will have extremely light, brittle, with delicate air pockets.” I have come to love this peanut brittle recipe and can’t have it any other way. Candy-making may seem hard, but it is honestly quite easy! Be cautious, though, and have a bowl of ice water close by in case you burn yourself. These are really high temperatures! Once you make this, you’ll see why it is so fun, let alone extremely addictive! Let the Christmas candy-making commence!
More Holiday Recipes
- Peco candy
- English toffee
- Saltine toffee
- The best peppermint bark
- Make sure to check out all of my holiday baking recipes
Have I Convinced You to Make This Recipe?
I hope you make this recipe and put some food on your table. Leave a comment and share a star rating so you can let others know how much you love this recipe. This helps show others that this is a recipe they, too, can make, enjoy, and love!
Grandma’s Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup hot water
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Butter a 10×15-inch pan on all sides and the bottom and set it aside.
- Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and hot water in a 4-quart heavy bottom kettle. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Continue to cook and bring it to a temperature of 250°F. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. I like using a high-quality instant-read thermometer, but a good candy thermometer fitted on your kettle will work as well.2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup hot water
- Once at 250°F, add in raw peanuts and unsalted butter. Raw peanuts are a must with this recipe as they have a longer cooking time at high heat. Once the peanuts are added, stir the mixture continuously so no peanuts scorch on the bottom. Bring mixture up to 310°F.2 cups raw peanuts, 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Once at 310°F, remove from heat and add vanilla and soda. The mixture will foam and grow so make sure to stir constantly to completely incorporate.1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 tsp baking soda
- Working quickly, pour into prepared 10×15 pan. To keep the brittle light and airy, do not spread or flatten the mixture. Instead, let it flow freely.
- Place in a cool area and leave until completely cooled, about 2-3 hours.
- Once cooled, break into pieces as preferred.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
I use salted peanuts, not raw. I love the xtra large Virginia peanuts best. Never have had a problem with it. Also when done I put water in my pot and boil it, cleans the pot and utensils of all the sticky stuff. The recipe is great, I found it years ago in a Betty Crocker cookbook.
Thank you for your comment, I’m ready to make and I see he used raw peanuts, mine are not raw! I’m going to give it a try!
I’m making you’re candy for gifts this year
In finally got the nerves to make your peanut brittle recipe it turned out great, my husband said it’s the best he’s ever had. Thanks for sharing I love your videos
Good afternoon!
I watched this video this morning and want to make this brittle. I would like to know which brand of raw peanuts do you use.
Thank you!
I love peanut brittle, going to give this a try.
QUESTION:
Do the raw peanuts still have the skin on them?
This peanut brittle is the BEST! It was almost a total failure when the battery in my thermometer died. My husband searched the house and found one just as the temperature was reaching 359*
Watching from Queensland Australia…I manage a team of nurses in Coronary Care and plan to take a basket of homemade goodies in on Xmas Day for those Nurses stuck working! Let’s face it it’s been a challenging year in healthcare, this peanut brittle is on the top of my cooking list thank you cannot wait to make it and share with the best people I know🎄
Made the peanut brittle and it came out good!! This is the first time I watch you and I will be watching young ur blog . Keep posting recipe and I will be watching, I will tell my family and friends. Thanks!! Mrs Mariani from Gary, Indiana!!
Could I exchange cashews?