Mom’s best peanut brittle is a classic and irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This sweet and crunchy candy is made with just a few simple ingredients but packs a big flavor punch. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gift, a party favor, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this peanut brittle is sure to be a hit. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to recreate that homemade goodness that you remember from your childhood.
Ingredients for Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups raw peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle:
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved.
- Stir in the raw peanuts and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer. This will take about 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
- Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Allow the peanut brittle to cool and harden at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once the peanut brittle is completely cool and hardened, break it into pieces using a mallet or the back of a spoon.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar is the main ingredient in peanut brittle, providing sweetness and helping to create the crunchy texture.
- Light Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is used to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and helps to give the peanut brittle a smooth texture.
- Raw Peanuts: Raw peanuts are added to the sugar mixture and become toasted and crunchy as the brittle cooks. They add a delicious nutty flavor to the candy.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the peanut brittle, making it even more delicious.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is added at the end of cooking to create air bubbles in the candy, which gives it a lighter, more delicate texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a hint of flavor to the peanut brittle, enhancing its overall taste.
Enjoy this homemade peanut brittle as a sweet treat or gift it to friends and family for a special treat. It’s sure to be a favorite for years to come!
