If you love classic peanut brittle and creamy peanut butter desserts, this peanut butter brittle recipe brings both worlds together in one crunchy, sweet, nutty treat. It has the deep caramel flavor of traditional brittle with a rich peanut butter twist that melts into every bite. Perfect for holidays, homemade gifts, snack jars, or dessert platters, this candy is surprisingly simple to make at home with pantry staples.
Traditional brittle recipes are made by cooking sugar syrup to the hard crack stage before adding peanuts and baking soda for that signature airy crunch. Peanut butter versions add extra richness and a slightly softer bite while still keeping the classic crisp texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich peanut butter flavor in every bite
- Crunchy, buttery candy texture
- Great for holiday gifting
- Easy homemade candy recipe
- Stores well for days
- Perfect balance of salty and sweet
Peanut Butter Brittle Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Corn syrup helps create a smooth brittle texture and prevents crystallization while the baking soda creates tiny air bubbles that make the brittle lighter and easier to bite.
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Kitchen Tools Needed
- Heavy-bottom saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Baking sheet or parchment paper
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
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Step by Step How to Make Peanut Butter Brittle
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Set it aside because the brittle hardens quickly once cooked.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar Mixture
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the syrup boil.
Step 3: Cook to Hard Crack Stage
Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This temperature gives brittle its signature crisp snap.
Step 4: Add Peanuts and Peanut Butter
Quickly stir in the roasted peanuts, butter, and peanut butter. Mix until fully melted and combined.
The peanut butter gives the brittle a creamy roasted flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelized sugar.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Baking Soda
Remove the pan from heat immediately. Stir in vanilla extract and baking soda.
The mixture will foam rapidly, this is normal and creates the light brittle texture.
Step 6: Spread the Brittle
Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it thinly using a greased spatula.
Work quickly because the candy begins hardening within minutes.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the brittle to cool completely for about 30–40 minutes.
Once hardened, break it into irregular pieces.
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Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Brittle
- Use fresh peanut butter for the best flavor
- Avoid stirring once the syrup begins boiling
- Always use a candy thermometer for accuracy
- Spread the brittle thin for maximum crunch
- Store in an airtight container to keep it crisp
Variations
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brittle
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled brittle for a candy shop style finish.
Spicy Peanut Brittle
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for sweet heat.
Sea Salt Brittle
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before cooling.
Mixed Nut Brittle
Replace peanuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans for extra flavor variety.
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How to Store Peanut Butter Brittle
Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid refrigeration because moisture can make the brittle sticky.
You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in sealed freezer bags.
Serving Ideas
- Holiday dessert platters
- Homemade edible gifts
- Ice cream topping
- Party snack bowls
- Crushed over brownies or cheesecakes
Peanut brittle has long been enjoyed worldwide in many forms, including nut candies similar to Indian chikki and other brittle-style sweets.
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Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Sodium | 95mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
