Soft Peanut Brittle Recipe

Soft Peanut Brittle is a candy lover’s dream come true—crunchy peanuts enrobed in a buttery, caramelized matrix with just the right amount of chewy tenderness. What sets this treat apart is its gentle snap and melt-in-your-mouth finish, making it miles away from jaw-breaker hard brittles you might’ve tried before. This is childhood nostalgia, bake sale heroics, and holiday gifting all wrapped into one stunningly easy recipe that’s just waiting for you to dive in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a handful of familiar pantry staples transform into Soft Peanut Brittle. Each ingredient plays a superstar role—from the creamy richness of peanut butter to a hint of vanilla for aroma, every component brings out a different note and texture in every bite.

• Peanut Butter (2 cups, creamy): Use creamy peanut butter for a lush, melt-in-the-mouth texture—the foundation of that signature softness.
• Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups): The sweet backbone, giving your brittle a delicate crystal crunch and that beautiful glossy finish.
• Light Corn Syrup (1 ½ cups): Helps make the brittle tender and prevents unwanted crystallization in the candy.
• Water (¼ cup plus 2 teaspoons, divided): Vital for dissolving sugar and activating the baking soda for perfect bubbles at the end.
• Butter (2 tablespoons): Brings richness, flavor, and helps soften the brittle’s final bite.
• Peanuts (2 cups, raw or roasted): Choose your favorite; raw peanuts give a mellow flavor, while roasted pack a toasty punch—either adds irresistible crunch!
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): The magic behind the characteristic lightness by introducing airy pockets throughout the brittle.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a soft fragrant warmth, tying all the nuttiness and sweetness together beautifully.

How to Make Soft Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients

Start by buttering a large baking sheet and setting it close to your workspace—it’s going to be candy central in just a few minutes! Go ahead and gather your thermometer, double boiler, and all your measured ingredients ahead of time. This is fast-moving candy making, so a little organization goes a long way.

Step 2: Warm the Peanut Butter

Set your creamy peanut butter in a double boiler over simmering water. Gently warm and melt, stirring occasionally until it’s smooth and spreadable. Keeping it warm ensures it will fold seamlessly into the hot sugar syrup and bring that signature softness to your Soft Peanut Brittle.

Step 3: Cook the Sugar Syrup

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and ¼ cup water. Set it over high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer and cook, without stirring, until the mixture reaches precisely 275°F. This is where the magic starts!

Step 4: Add Butter and Peanuts

Lower the heat to medium and add the butter, stirring until it melts and marries into the sugar syrup. Stir in the peanuts and keep cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the mixture deepens to a rich golden brown and reaches a toasty 300°F on your thermometer.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Take the saucepan off the heat right away. Dissolve the baking soda in the remaining 2 teaspoons of water and stir it in—you’ll see the mixture foam and lighten in color, which means airy brittle is on its way! Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the warm, melted peanut butter. Work quickly, as the candy will begin to set fast.

Step 6: Pour and Cool

Immediately pour the mixture onto your greased baking sheet. With a silicone spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the brittle as thin as possible for an even, delicate finish. Now comes the hardest part: let it cool completely before breaking it into delicious, jagged pieces.

How to Serve Soft Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

A light drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevates Soft Peanut Brittle into candy shop territory. For a festive touch, add a scattering of crushed freeze-dried strawberries or chopped toasted nuts while it’s still slightly warm.

Side Dishes

Pair your Soft Peanut Brittle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cool, creamy contrast. It’s also brilliant served as part of a dessert board, nestled among fresh fruit, caramels, or dark chocolate squares.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift Soft Peanut Brittle in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons, or pack it in decorative tins for heartfelt homemade presents. For parties, break it into shards and stand the pieces in pretty glasses, cocktail-style, for a fun edible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Soft Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It happily stays fresh for up to two weeks, though chances are it’ll vanish much sooner—so stash it out of easy reach for secret snacking!

Freezing

You can freeze Soft Peanut Brittle to extend its shelf life. Place pieces in layers separated by parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying; the texture should stay true to its original delightful softness.

Reheating

Soft Peanut Brittle is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if it becomes a little too firm from cold weather or storage, let it sit out for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the candy unevenly and alter its texture.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter works beautifully and adds extra texture, though your Soft Peanut Brittle may be just a touch more robust in bite. Both versions are delicious, so use your favorite.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

While it’s possible to make Soft Peanut Brittle without one by relying on color and timing, a thermometer guarantees consistent results—especially for achieving that perfect, just-soft-enough texture.

Why do I need to melt the peanut butter separately?

Melting the peanut butter ensures it blends easily into the hot candy base, preventing clumps and creating the signature tender, not-tooth-cracking finish of Soft Peanut Brittle.

Can I add other nuts or flavorings?

Definitely—pecans, cashews, or almonds are all welcome additions or substitutions. Swirl in a pinch of cinnamon or even a little espresso powder for a gourmet twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

What if my brittle turns out too hard?

A too-hard result often means the candy cooked past 300°F or didn’t have enough corn syrup. Stick close to the recommended temperature and ingredient ratios for that perfect softness every time!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a batch of Soft Peanut Brittle, whether you’re gifting it or just treating yourself after a long day. If you’ve never tried making candy at home, this recipe is the sweetest way to start—one bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

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