Grandma's Peanut Brittle

Transport your taste buds back to simpler times with Grandma's Peanut Brittle, a timeless treat that combines perfectly toasted peanuts with a buttery, golden caramel crunch. This old-fashioned candy recipe captures the magic of homemade confections, using pantry staples like granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and a touch of vanilla extract for a sweetly nostalgic flavor. The addition of baking soda creates an airy, crisp texture that snaps deliciously with every bite. Ready in just under an hour, this easy peanut brittle is ideal for holiday gifting, dessert trays, or an irresistible snack to share. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this classic confection at home and bring the warmth of Grandma’s kitchen to your table! Keywords: peanut brittle recipe, homemade candy, old-fashioned dessert, easy holiday treat.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup water
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 cups raw peanuts
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray and set aside. Also, measure all ingredients and have them ready as the process moves quickly once started.

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3

Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan (making sure it doesn't touch the bottom). Continue cooking the sugar mixture without stirring until it reaches 280°F (soft-crack stage). This should take about 10–15 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the unsalted butter and raw peanuts. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage). The mixture should turn a golden caramel color, and the peanuts will toast during this process.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and salt. The mixture will bubble up slightly—this is normal and helps create the brittle’s airy texture.

Step 6

Quickly pour the hot brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a heat-resistant spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Work quickly as the mixture will start to harden immediately.

Step 7

Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 8

Once cooled, break the brittle into small pieces using your hands. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1167.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3851.2

Total Fat 150.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 93mg	0%
Sodium 2528.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 615.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.8g	0%
Total Sugars 589.1g
Protein 60.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 238.7mg	0%
Iron 10.7mg	0%
Potassium 1663mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.4%

Protein: 6.0%

Carbs: 60.6%