Best Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Homemade peanut brittle is amazing! It’s sweet, crunchy, nutty, and salty. The perfect combination and believe it or not, it’s not that hard to make! Let me restate that…this is a super easy peanut brittle recipe that kids can help make. The best part is, this homemade peanut brittle is not only great for eating, but for giving as a gift as well.

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle Recipe

Whether it is the holiday season or just because this peanut brittle is sure to please. You will want to make this easy peanut brittle recipe to eat and some extra to give as gifts. Show your loved ones how much they mean to you with a tin of homemade peanut brittle!

Making peanut brittle is perfect at this time of year and makes a great homemade gift. And be sure to make enough for you too because no one can resist the delicious treat with it’s butter flavor, fun brittle texture, and salty peanut!

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I held off on trying to make my own Christmas candy for years, because I was intimidated by it, and confused by all of the tools I might need (or might not need). I didn’t want to invest a lot into this potential hobby gone wrong, if I was no good at it! The good news is that you don’t need too many special supplies to make this homemade peanut brittle, which makes it the perfect introductory candy-making recipe.

Other Cookware You May Need

Ingredients Needed to Make Peanut Brittle

I always thought that you would need hard-to-find, complex ingredients to make homemade peanut brittle, but you really just need pantry staples, that you most likely already have! 

How to Make Homemade Peanut Brittle 

Step 1

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment papers or silicone mat.

Step 2

In a large heavy saucepan, stir together sugar, corn syrup and water.

Step 3

Measure peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda and have it ready to add.

Step 4

Add candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan.

Step 5

Cook over medium heat until temperature reaches 240 degrees F on the thermometer.

Step 6

Add peanuts and stir constantly until temperature reaches 280 degrees F.

Step 7

Add butter and continue to stir until temperature reaches 300 degrees F.

Step 8

Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda, stirring constantly.

Step 9

Pour immediately onto prepared baking sheet and spread as evenly as possible.

Step 10

Cool completely.

Step 11

Break into pieces.

Step 12

Store in airtight container.

How Long Is Homemade Peanut Brittle Good For? 

The most important thing you can do to extend the shelf life of your peanut brittle is to store it in an airtight container! It can be stored at room temperature and will remain fresh for up to a week (but it most likely won’t last that long!). 

Can Homemade Peanut Brittle Be Frozen?

Yes, but only if you understand that moisture is peanut brittle’s Kryptonite. Once your peanut brittle has cooled, and settled at room temperature, store it in an airtight container, making sure moisture cannot get in.

Homemade peanut brittle can then be frozen for up to a couple months. 

Is Homemade Peanut Brittle Gluten Free?

That depends on your ingredients! It is easy to make gluten free peanut brittle! Just make sure that your corn syrup, baking soda, vanilla extract, and the rest of your processed ingredients are gluten free. 

How Do You Make Vegan Peanut Brittle or Dairy Free Peanut Brittle?

All you have to do is swap out the butter for vegan butter! 

Holiday Baking Recipes From Kids Activities Blog

What is your favorite Christmas treat? Comment below!