Grandma’s Peanut Brittle: Warm, Crunchy Candy from Grandma’s Kitchen

Introduction
This peanut brittle is the kind of candy that fills the kitchen with sweet caramel scent and invites everyone to take a crunchy memory. It’s simple enough for a cozy afternoon project and impressive enough to gift in a jar. The recipe uses pantry staples and a few careful moments at the stove to deliver glossy, glassy brittle studded with toasty peanuts. If you love nostalgic treats or want to pair crunchy candy with other sweet bites, try this for a weekend batch and explore creative pairings like savory wings or bake-friendly desserts for snack boards with baked peanut butter jelly chicken wings.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This version of Grandma’s peanut brittle keeps things straightforward so you can focus on timing and texture rather than obscure ingredients. It’s forgiving: roasted or raw peanuts work, and the small amount of baking soda creates lightness in the glassy candy. The method is quick so you’ll have candy ready the same day without complicated equipment beyond a heavy saucepan and a baking sheet. The clean ingredient list makes it easy to share and package for gifts during holidays and celebrations. If you like exploring related peanut-forward treats, you can also find inspiration in recipes like [peanut butter cookie pie bars](https://cookaza.com/peanut-butter-cookie-pie-bars-crackled-tops/) that work well alongside brittle on a dessert table.

Flavor and Texture

The flavor is unmistakable caramelized sugar with warm, nutty peanut notes that pop in each bite. Salt and vanilla round out the sweetness so the brittle never feels cloying, and the tiny pockets from baking soda create a delicate lift that melts against the teeth. Texture is all about contrast: a clear, glass-like snap that shatters cleanly and reveals roasted peanut crumbles in every shard. Serve pieces in a jar or scattered on a platter so the light catches the glossy surface and invites the first crunchy bite. This candy is also great for scattering across holiday desserts or breaking into small bits to sprinkle over ice cream.

Ingredients

– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 cups peanuts (raw or roasted)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until the mixture boils.
2. Stir in the peanuts and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 150°C).
3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla, baking soda, and salt.
4. Pour the mixture onto a greased baking sheet and spread evenly.
5. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.

Tips for Best Results

Work with a clean, dry baking sheet and have your ingredients measured and ready because the final steps move fast once the candy hits the hard crack stage. Use a candy thermometer to hit the correct temperature and avoid guessing by color alone. If peanuts are raw, toast them briefly in a skillet for extra flavor before adding; if using roasted, blot any excess oil so the candy sets evenly. Stir gently but constantly once the nuts go in to prevent scorching. When you add the baking soda and butter, mix quickly and pour immediately to trap the tiny air bubbles that give the brittle a pleasing lift.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp; humidity is the enemy so avoid refrigeration which can introduce moisture. Properly stored, brittle stays crunchy and fresh for up to two weeks, making it ideal for making ahead for parties or gifting. Layer pieces between sheets of wax paper to prevent sticking when packing into tins or jars. If a piece softens from humidity, a short stint in a low oven to dry it out can help revive some crunch.

Final Thought

This Grandma’s peanut brittle recipe delivers classic, shiny candy with perfect snap and toasty peanut flavor, all from a handful of pantry staples. It’s a delight to make, fun to break into irregular shards, and makes thoughtful homemade gifts. With careful timing and a candy thermometer, you’ll have crunchy, irresistible brittle ready to share.

Conclusion

For a friendly, tested reference and more tips on making this timeless candy, check out Grandma’s Peanut Brittle Recipe – Wyse Guide for additional notes and variations.

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