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I love brittle candy! Anything crunchy and sweet with a hint of burnt sugar goodness is a definite wow factor in my book! So many of you loved my peanut brittle from last Christmas, and I don’t blame you – it’s amazing! Peco candy (I can’t figure out why it’s even named this, maybe peanuts and coconut smashed together in one word?) is very similar to peanut brittle, just with the addition of coconut flakes.
The coconut sounds like a small addition, but texturally and flavor-wise, it makes a huge difference. What really makes this recipe stand out is the air pockets that are created as the caramel mixture hardens. These spaces create the lightness that’s crucial to the addictiveness of the candy.
I can never decide whether I want to only make my grandma’s peanut brittle or this peco candy recipe, so I always tend to make both. To be honest, if I’m going to spend my time anywhere during the Christmas season, it’s probably going to be in the kitchen! And when there are some dirty dishes, what’s the harm in making more, right?!
My mom vividly remembers making this while she was growing up. Her mom (my grandma) would always start on the Christmas baking early, and Mom recalls this being one of the first things they’d make. Just like my Mom, I love this peco candy, especially at Christmas. My hope is you will as well!
I’m sure that some of you had a grandma who would whip up a batch of this delicious peco candy. If not, start a new tradition that will last for a few generations!
More Christmas Recipes
- Chocolate and peanut butter fudge
- Caramel nut Crispix
- Peppermint marshmallows
- Brownie thins
- Peppermint white hot chocolate
- Cranberry orange bread
- White chocolate peppermint popcorn
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!
Peco Candy
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ tsp baking soda
- 2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large saucepan (4-5 quart) with a heavy bottom.2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup water
- Stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Then increase to high heat and bring to boil until thermometer reaches 250°F.
- Add butter and peanuts. Continually stir to ensure the peanuts do not scorch.2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups raw peanuts
- Bring the temperature up to 300°F.
- Once at 300°F, immediately remove from stove and add vanilla extract and baking soda. Mix together slightly then add coconut.1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 ¼ tsp baking soda, 2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
- Stir until combined and pour into greased jelly roll size baking sheet. Do not spread or smooth out the brittle; let is spread on its own.
- Let cool completely, then crack and break into pieces.
Video
Notes
- When working with candy and high temperatures, it’s best to have all ingredients pre-measured and prepared because timing is key!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Great I have to try this recipe. Thank you it looks really easy.
Great Brittle… I love coconut…my daddy and I would travel and we would stop and and buy brittle. I remember coconut and peanuts and it was sooo good. It is a childhood favorite. Thank you, now I can make my own.😊😊😊😊😊
This is the best anytime of year. So glad I now have your recipe. Thank you. Thank you.
I’ve been make my grandma homemade Brittle for a few months now. After getting the recipe from my Aunt. My nephew said oh coconut would be good in the brittle. Smile, I ask magic Google for a recipe and your come up. I just made it! I looks just like your on the photo! I just tried a little piece very tasty. Luckily I love coconut. I will probably use just one cup of coconut next time.
Thank for sharing.
My Pecos candy comes out real hard. I am afraid of breaking a tooth. Any suggestions?
Make the candy thinner, less than a quarter inch, 1/8th if you can. It’s only hard when thick.
BTW: the name Peco is from PEanut COconut brittle PE +CO. =)
Hey I ready like this candy it’s one of my favorite candy and I was wondering do you sell it online .
I found mine at Big Lots. Maybe you can Google it. It’s called Bob’s Red Mill Unsweetened flaked Coconut. It smells SOOOO good!!
Where do you get the dry flake coconut? This candy years ago dad use to buy from our little country grocery at Christmas time but the paper grocery bag full and it was called chop suey then, now I’m talking at least 55 years ago. Thanks in advance
I by flaked coconut my local grocery store. It’s a regional chain and should widely available, I like bobs red mill flaked coconut!
I’ trying to find a store in Michigan to buy some of this brittle. My husband loves it. We’re having a hard time finding it. Please help. Thank you
I make and sell brittle…my coconut brittle uses almonds and macadamia…email me if you would like more information…
ywilliams.realresults@gmail.com
I found mine at Big Lots. Maybe you can Google it. It’s called Bob’s Red Mill Unsweetened flaked Coconut. It smells SOOOO good!!
I can’t wait to try this recipe. I am going to make it for our Rose Bowl party! Go Hawks! Thank you Kaleb!