Irresistibly Soft Peanut Brittle

Why You’ll Love This Soft Peanut Brittle 🥜🍬

Hey there, fellow peanut butter lovers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of sweet, salty, and utterly addictive goodness? Then get ready, because this Soft Peanut Brittle recipe is about to become your new obsession. Forget those hard, brittle shards that threaten to break your teeth – this recipe delivers a gloriously soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. Seriously, it’s like a dream come true for peanut butter aficionados.

What makes this brittle so special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and a subtly sweet caramel base. The addition of corn syrup creates that magical soft texture, preventing the brittle from becoming rock-hard. It’s surprisingly quick to make, perfect for a weekend baking project or an impromptu sweet treat. Plus, the rich aroma filling your kitchen while it cooks is pure bliss – it’s practically an aromatherapy session! Imagine the satisfied sighs as you savor each bite, the delightful combination of textures and flavors dancing on your tongue. It’s the kind of treat that evokes cozy evenings, family gatherings, or simply a moment of pure self-indulgence. Trust me, this soft peanut brittle will be a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy groans of delight. You’ll want to make a double batch – you’ve been warned!

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What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the most novice bakers. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

• Creamy Peanut Butter (2 cups): The star of the show! Look for your favorite brand; the creamier, the better. We’re going for that rich, decadent peanut butter flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Provides the sweetness and helps create that lovely caramel color. Use regular granulated white sugar for the best results.
• Light Corn Syrup (1 1/2 cups): The secret weapon for achieving that irresistibly soft texture. Don’t substitute this; it’s crucial to the recipe’s success.
• Water (1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons): Helps dissolve the sugar and create the perfect caramel consistency. Measure accurately for best results.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps prevent crystallization. Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the saltiness.
• Peanuts (2 cups): Raw or roasted, your choice! They provide that delightful crunch that complements the soft caramel base. Salted or unsalted peanuts will work depending on your preferred saltiness.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): A little baking soda helps create a slightly lighter caramel and prevents it from getting too dark.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm and comforting note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, but precision is key to achieving that perfect soft texture.

1. Prepare Your Station: Line a baking sheet (approximately 13×9 inches) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to help lift the brittle later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray for easy removal. This is a crucial step for preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (at least 3-quart capacity), combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water (1/4 cup). Stir gently to dissolve the sugar. A heavy saucepan helps prevent burning and ensures even heating.
3. Simmer the Syrup: Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Once dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Don’t touch it until it reaches a boil!
4. The Caramel Stage: Continue to cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer. This is the soft-crack stage. This temperature is crucial for the perfect texture; don’t rush this process.
5. Incorporate the Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter, peanut butter, and water (2 teaspoons). Stir until the butter and peanut butter are completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.
6. Add the Peanuts and Baking Soda: Gently stir in the peanuts and baking soda. Be careful, as the mixture will be hot! The baking soda will cause the mixture to foam up a bit – that’s perfectly normal.
7. Vanilla Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Spread and Cool: Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. Work quickly; the mixture will start to cool and set.
9. Let it Set: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s firm enough to handle. Patience is a virtue here!
10. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the brittle into squares or your desired shapes. Lift it from the baking sheet using the parchment paper overhang. Now, enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use a Candy Thermometer: This is not optional; a candy thermometer ensures you reach the correct temperature for the perfect soft texture.
• Don’t Stir After the Boil: Resist the urge to stir the mixture after it comes to a boil, as this can cause crystallization.
• Work Quickly: Once you add the peanut butter and baking soda, the mixture cools quickly, so work efficiently.
• Proper Cooling: Allow the brittle to cool completely before cutting to prevent breakage and maintain its integrity.
• Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife for clean cuts.

Variations to Try

• Dark Chocolate Peanut Brittle: Stir in ½ cup of chopped dark chocolate along with the peanuts.
• Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Pretzel Peanut Brittle: Add 1 cup of crushed pretzels along with the peanuts for a salty-sweet crunch.
• Salted Caramel Peanut Brittle: Sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top of the brittle before it cools completely.
• Nut-Free Version: Replace peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative. Be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly.

Storing and Reheating

Store your soft peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Avoid microwaving, as this can make it gummy.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I use a different type of peanut butter? A: While creamy peanut butter is recommended for its smooth texture, you can experiment with crunchy peanut butter. Just be aware that the final texture may be slightly more coarse.
• Q: How long does the brittle keep? A: Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the brittle will last for about a week. Freezing extends its shelf life to approximately 3 months.
• Q: Can I make this brittle without a candy thermometer? A: While a candy thermometer guarantees the perfect texture, you can try judging the doneness by the color and consistency of the mixture. The caramel should be a deep amber color and have a slightly thick consistency. However, using a candy thermometer is highly recommended for best results.
• Q: What if my brittle is too hard? A: This is likely due to overcooking the caramel. Next time, pay close attention to the candy thermometer and ensure you reach only the soft-crack stage (245°F/118°C).
• Q: What if my brittle is too soft? A: The brittle may be too soft if it wasn’t cooked long enough to reach the soft-crack stage or if the temperature wasn’t high enough.

The Final Word

This Irresistibly Soft Peanut Brittle recipe is a true game-changer. The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chewy textures makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet the results are incredibly impressive. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and rate the recipe – I’d love to hear your thoughts!