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The Ultimate Crunchy Peanut Brittle Recipe: Mastering the Hard Crack Stage for Perfect Old-Fashioned Snap

Close-up of broken, glossy pieces of homemade peanut brittle recipe stacked on a white plate.
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Learn how to make classic homemade peanut brittle with a perfect snap and buttery crunch. This easy recipe focuses on candy thermometer tips to help you consistently reach the hard crack stage without burning the sugar.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups roasted, unsalted peanuts
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease a large baking sheet or marble slab with butter. Set aside.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed, large saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, avoiding the bottom of the pan.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 260 degrees Fahrenheit (Soft Ball Stage). This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Once at 260°F, stir in the roasted peanuts. Continue cooking, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, until the mixture reaches 300 to 305 degrees Fahrenheit (Hard Crack Stage). Watch the temperature closely as it rises quickly past 290°F.
  6. Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
  7. Rapidly stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up immediately. Work fast.
  8. Pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Do not spread or touch the candy; allow it to spread naturally.
  9. Let the brittle cool completely, about 30 minutes, until hard.
  10. Once fully cooled, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Use a candy thermometer for accuracy; this is the key to achieving the perfect candy snap.
  • Ensure your baking soda is fresh; old baking soda will not foam properly, affecting the brittle’s texture.
  • For the best results, work quickly once the mixture hits the hard crack stage, as the sugar will set fast.
  • If you want a sweeter, saltier treat, use dry-roasted, salted peanuts instead of unsalted.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/peanut-brittle-recipe-snap-guaranteed/