Peanut Brittle

(274)
peanut brittle
Photo: Ellie Miller
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

A picture of salty-sweet perfection, brittle is surprisingly easy to make. Serve it alongside coffee or tea for dessert, and save any leftovers for snacking. Peanuts make a classic brittle, but you can substitute cashews or almonds instead.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter, softened, for baking sheet

  • 2 cups sugar

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 ½ cups salted peanuts, 7 ounces

  • Vegetable oil, for spatula

Directions

  1. Butter a rimmed baking sheet; set aside. Stir together sugar, 1/2 cup water, and the salt in a medium saucepan. Cook over high heat, without stirring, until sugar begins to melt and turn golden, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until sugar has melted and mixture turns golden amber, about 10 minutes.

  2. Remove pan from heat. Stir in peanuts. Immediately pour peanut mixture onto buttered baking sheet. Quickly spread mixture to 1/2 inch thick using an oiled metal spatula. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Break brittle into pieces. Brittle can be stored in an airtight container, up to 2 weeks.

Cook's Notes

Use a medium-size saucepan (wider rather than taller) that does not have a nonstick coating.

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