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The sound of crackling sugar and sizzling butter brings back a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of afternoons spent in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. The scent of homemade Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle wafting through the air instantly transports me to the holiday season, where every piece of this crunchy delight felt like a warm hug. If you’re looking to create something sweet that encapsulates the essence of tradition and home, this recipe for peanut brittle is everything you need. With just a handful of budget-friendly ingredients, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time, perfect for gift-giving or simply indulging your sweet tooth. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this foolproof recipe will bring joy to your tastebuds and leave you craving just one more piece. Get ready to share the love with your friends and family, because once they get a taste, they’ll be hooked!

Why Make Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle?

Nostalgic Delight: This Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle captures the essence of holiday traditions, invoking fond memories of family gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: With just six affordable ingredients, it’s an economical choice for gifting or snacking.
Foolproof Process: The straightforward instructions make it ideal for both beginners and seasoned chefs.
Irresistible Crunchiness: Every bite offers a satisfying crispness that outshines store-bought versions—your friends and family won’t believe it’s homemade!
Versatile Gifts: Perfect for packaging in decorative tins or bags, this brittle is a delightful surprise to share during the festive season.

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Ingredients

For the Brittle

Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure; consider using a sugar alternative for a lower-calorie version.
Light Corn Syrup – Provides the right consistency and prevents sugar crystallization; honey can be an alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Water – Essential for dissolving the sugar and corn syrup; no substitutions needed here.
Unsalted Butter – Infuses a rich, creamy flavor; if using salted butter, reduce additional salt in the recipe.
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; always choose pure vanilla for the best taste.
Baking Soda – Creates an airy texture in the brittle; omitting it yields a denser product.
Roasted Salted Peanuts – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor; swap with roasted almonds or cashews if you’re feeling adventurous.

Optional Toppings

Chocolate Drizzle – Enhance your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle with melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent twist.
Sea Salt Sprinkling – A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cooled brittle can amplify the sweetness and create a gourmet touch.

How to Make Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This step is crucial as it helps in the easy removal of your delicious peanut brittle!
Heat and Combine:
In a large, heavy saucepan, mix granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture reaches 240°F (soft ball stage), which will take about 10-15 minutes.
Add the Peanuts:
Once at 240°F, add the roasted salted peanuts to the mixture. Continue to stir consistently while heating, until the temperature climbs to 280°F (firm ball stage). This should take another 5-10 minutes.
Incorporate Butter:
After reaching 280°F, carefully stir in the unsalted butter. Keep stirring until the temperature hits 300°F (hard crack stage), which will take about 3-5 minutes and result in a rich golden hue.
Mix in Flavorings:
Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. Be cautious as this will create a foamy reaction—a sign of deliciousness about to happen!
Spread and Cool:
Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let it cool for about 30 minutes until it hardens completely before breaking into pieces.

Optional: For a gourmet touch, sprinkle lightly with sea salt right before it cools.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle?

Indulge in a delightful spread that perfectly complements the sweet and salty crunch of peanut brittle.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich mug of hot chocolate enhances the nutty taste while offering a cozy drink to sip alongside the brittle.
Cheddar Cheese Platter: The sharpness of aged cheddar pairs beautifully with the sweetness, providing a surprising contrast that sings on your palate.
Crisp Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices add a juicy crunch that refreshes the taste buds while balancing the sweetness of the brittle.
Charming Charcuterie Board: Include meats, cheeses, and fruits that heighten the experience—sweet, salty, and savory all dance together in harmony.
Classic Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee complements the richness of the brittle, making each bite feel like a comforting treat on a chilly day.
Decadent Dark Chocolate: Drizzling melted dark chocolate on top of the brittle gives you an indulgent dessert that feels luxurious yet still nostalgic.
Fizzy Lemonade: The tangy fizz of lemonade cuts through the sweetness, refreshing your palate for another delightful piece of brittle.
Spiced Ginger Cookies: Pair the crunchy candy with soft, spiced ginger cookies for a delightful texture contrast and a harmonious blend of flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with crushed brittle for a delightful dessert experience that feels truly indulgent.
Warm Apple Crisp: The comforting warmth of apple crisp harmonizes with the brittle’s crunch, creating a perfect dessert duet that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this beloved classic and discover new taste sensations.

Nutty Medley: Mix in a variety of roasted nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans for an exciting crunch. This combination introduces a delightful harmony of flavors that grabs your attention.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decadent layer by drizzling melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled brittle. Once broken apart, you’ll experience a rich, indulgent treat that takes this recipe to new heights.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mixture before pouring it onto the baking sheet. The warmth beautifully contrasts the sweetness, leaving your taste buds tingling.
Maple Infusion: Substitute light corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a unique flavor twist. This change enhances the sweetness and adds a charming, woodsy note.
Coconut Crunch: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut to the mixture just before pouring it onto the baking sheet. The coconut adds a lovely chewiness that complements the crunch of the peanuts beautifully.
Festive Spice: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist. It’s a fantastic way to evoke cozy, festive feelings with every bite.
Sea Salt Finishing: Elevate your brittle with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top just before it sets. This simple addition creates an irresistible sweet-and-salty flavor explosion.
Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based alternative. The result will still be incredibly delicious, proving that everyone can enjoy this treat!

How to Store and Freeze Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Room Temperature: Keep your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6-8 weeks to maintain its delightful crunchiness.

Avoid Refrigeration: Do not store in the fridge, as the moisture can make the brittle chewy rather than crispy.

For Humid Environments: If you live in a humid area, add a food-grade silica gel packet to the container to help preserve the crisp texture of your peanut brittle.

Freezing: You can freeze the brittle for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Tips for Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle

Use a Candy Thermometer: Ensure your thermometer doesn’t touch the pan’s bottom; the right temperature is key for achieving that perfect brittle texture.
Avoid Humidity: Making candy on a humid day can lead to chewy, undesirable texture. Choose a dry day for the best results with your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle.
Prep Ingredients First: Gather and measure all ingredients before you start cooking. The process moves quickly, and having everything ready will help you stay organized.
Protect Yourself: Handle the hot mixture with care. Use oven mitts and keep children and pets safely away from the kitchen as you pour the molten candy.
Experiment with Nuts: While the recipe calls for peanuts, feel free to mix it up! Try using roasted almonds or cashews for a delightful twist in your brittle.

Make Ahead Options

These Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the entire batch up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its delicious crunchiness. To prepare ahead, simply follow the recipe through to the cooling stage, then break the brittle into pieces once it’s fully set. For best results, avoid refrigerating the brittle, as it can turn chewy due to humidity. When you’re ready to enjoy or gift the brittle, just place it in decorative bags or tins, and you’ll have a sweet surprise ready to share with friends and family!

Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle Recipe FAQs

**What kind of peanuts should I use for **Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle?
Absolutely! Roasted salted peanuts are the star of the show, adding that classic crunch and flavor. However, you can also experiment with roasted almonds, cashews, or even pecans for a delightful twist. Just make sure they’re roasted to avoid any raw taste!

How do I store Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle?
To keep your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle crispy and fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6-8 weeks. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can turn your lovely brittle chewy instead of crunchy. If you’re in a humid area, add a food-grade silica gel packet to maintain that perfect texture.

Can I freeze my peanut brittle, and if so, how?
Definitely! You can freeze your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap the brittle tightly in plastic wrap; this helps prevent freezer burn. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature until it’s ready to eat!

What can I do if my peanut brittle didn’t harden properly?
Very! If your Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle didn’t harden, it likely didn’t reach the proper temperature during cooking. Ensure your candy thermometer is accurate and doesn’t touch the bottom of the pan. To remedy slightly chewy brittle, you can place it back in a pot over low heat. Stir continuously and let it warm up to the hard crack stage (300°F), then pour it back onto the baking sheet to cool again.

Is Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle safe for pets?
Not at all! While peanuts themselves can be a healthy snack for dogs, the sugar and other ingredients in peanut brittle can be harmful. It’s best to keep this delectable treat away from our furry friends to avoid any digestive issues or sugar-related problems.

Can I make Old Fashioned Peanut Brittle with sugar substitutes?
Certainly! You can use a sugar alternative like erythritol for a lower-calorie option. Just ensure it’s suitable for cooking, as not all sugar substitutes behave the same way during cooking. Be aware that the flavor and texture might differ slightly, but you’ll still end up with a delicious treat!