Southern Living Peanut Brittle

Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Southern Living Peanut Brittle, a timeless homemade candy packed with rich flavor and a satisfying snap. This classic treat combines caramelized sugar, golden light corn syrup, and buttery richness, perfectly balanced by the nutty goodness of raw peanuts. A hint of vanilla and a touch of salt enhance the sweetness, while a reaction with baking soda creates its signature airy texture. Perfect for gifting or snacking, this peanut brittle comes together in just 35 minutes with easy-to-follow techniques like reaching the hard-crack stage on a candy thermometer. Serve it as a festive holiday treat, or keep a stash handy for when cravings strike—this brittle stays fresh for up to two weeks in an airtight container. With its delightful blend of crispness and flavor, this recipe is your go-to for homemade peanut brittle perfection.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Light corn syrup
• 0.5 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 cups Raw peanuts
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon Kosher salt

Directions

Step 1

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.

Step 2

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir to combine over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.

Step 3

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, ensuring it does not touch the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.

Step 4

Once the mixture reaches 240°F (soft-ball stage), add the unsalted butter and raw peanuts. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).

Step 5

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the baking soda, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. The mixture will bubble and foam up—this is normal and creates the brittle's airy texture.

Step 6

Pour the hot mixture immediately onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a heatproof spatula, quickly spread the candy into an even layer before it cools.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Once hardened, break the brittle into bite-sized pieces and store it in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1108.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4190.2

Total Fat 177.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 1651.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 628.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.4g	0%
Total Sugars 592.8g
Protein 80.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 300.0mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 2208.3mg	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: 36.0%

Protein: 7.3%

Carbs: 56.7%