There’s a certain warmth that fills your kitchen when you’re making Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle—a recipe that has been passed down through generations. The charm of this treat isn’t just in its sweet crunch but in the loving memories of standing side by side with family, watching the sugar transform into golden perfection. I still remember the way my mom’s eyes lit up when she pulled that buttery, nut-filled concoction from the pan, creating a familiar sound as it cracked apart.

This isn’t just another candy; it’s the easy-to-make indulgence that brings everyone together, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. With simple ingredients like sugar, peanuts, and a touch of corn syrup, it’s a no-fuss recipe that promises both nostalgia and satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone trying to spark excitement in the kitchen, this peanut brittle will revive your love for homemade treats and sweeten up any day. So, let’s get started on creating a batch that’s guaranteed to be the star of the show!

Why will you love Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?

Nostalgic flavors: This recipe evokes childhood memories, bringing back the warmth of family kitchen moments.
Simplicity at its finest: Using just six ingredients, you can whip up a delicious treat without any fuss.
Irresistibly crunchy: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, making it a delightful snack for any occasion.
Versatile treat: Enjoy it during festivities or gift it to loved ones; it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Quick and easy: In just a few steps, you’ll have a perfect batch ready to indulge or share.

Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle Ingredients

For the Candy Mixture

1 cup white sugar – Essential for that sweet base, ensuring your peanut brittle is perfectly sugary.
½ cup light corn syrup – Adds a lovely texture and prevents crystallization during cooking.
¼ cup water – Helps dissolve the sugar, making for a smooth candy mixture.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the candy.

For the Nutty Goodness

1 cup peanuts – Offers that crunchy texture and nutty flavor that makes this peanut brittle irresistible.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and depth to the flavor profile of Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle.
1 teaspoon baking soda – Creates that airy, crunchy texture; don’t skip this crucial ingredient!

How to Make Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the mixture is well blended, creating that sweet foundation you crave.
Boil the mixture while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Watch closely and wait for it to come to a rolling boil—this helps achieve that perfect texture.
Stop stirring once boiling! Allow the mixture to reach 250°F (121°C) on a candy thermometer. This step is crucial for that delightful, crunchy finish.
Remove from heat and quickly add peanuts, butter, and baking soda. Stir swiftly to combine everything, ensuring the peanuts are fully coated with that luscious candy mixture.
Pour the mixture onto a greased surface. Make sure to spread it out evenly so each piece bakes beautifully, creating a perfect candy slab.
Cool completely before breaking into pieces. Patience is key here—let it set until it’s firm to the touch for ideal crunchiness.

Optional: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra indulgent treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?

There’s something special about creating the perfect dining experience that complements the delightful crunch of this sweet treat.

A Hot Cup of Coffee: The rich bitterness of coffee beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the brittle, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Cold Milk: A classic pairing! The chilly creaminess of milk balances the crunchy texture, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Their juicy freshness and decadent chocolate add a lovely touch of elegance and flavor, delighting your palate.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside your peanut brittle for a sumptuous dessert that melts in your mouth, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of color and lightness, offsetting the rich sweetness of the brittle for a balanced treat.
Honey Lemonade: The bright citrus notes in this refreshing drink provide a zesty counterpoint to the candy’s sweetness, making it perfect for summer gatherings.

Let these pairings ignite your imagination and elevate your enjoyment of every crunchy, intense bite of Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle!

How to Store and Freeze Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle

Room Temperature: Store your peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its crispiness for up to 2 weeks.

Fridge: If you’d like to preserve it longer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks.

Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze individual pieces wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag, lasting up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply allow the frozen peanut brittle to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes; there’s no need to reheat!

Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your peanut brittle for a unique twist that excites the senses!

Nut Variety: Swap peanuts for pecans, almonds, or cashews to add a new flavor and texture dimension. Each nut brings its own unique crunch and taste, enhancing the overall profile.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder while cooking for a surprising heat that dances on the palate. This spicy twist is sure to awaken your taste buds and offers a fun contrast to the sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle over cooled brittle for an indulgent finish. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the salty-sweet flavor, creating a perfect harmony.
Vegan Swap: Replace butter with coconut oil and use agave or maple syrup in place of corn syrup for a scrumptious vegan version. Every bite will still be rich in flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
Coconut Flakes: Stir in some toasted coconut flakes along with the peanuts for a tropical twist. The nutty coconut elevates the traditional recipe, adding extra chewiness and flavor.
Dried Fruit Add-In: Add chopped dried cranberries or apricots to the mix for chewiness and sweetness. The fruity bursts will delight your senses and bring a new layer of enjoyment to each piece.
Maple Flavor: Substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup for an enticing twist that adds depth. The maple flavor mingles beautifully with the sugar and nuts for a uniquely delicious candy.
Savory Touch: A pinch of sea salt or flaked salt sprinkled on top right before it cools will enhance the sweetness delectably. This savory addition creates a perfect balance between sweet and salty for your taste buds.

Expert Tips for Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle

Watch the Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 250°F (121°C). This is vital for achieving that perfect crunchy texture in your peanut brittle.
Stay Observant: Once boiling, stop stirring. Continuing to stir can cause inconsistencies in the sugar’s texture, leading to a less-than-ideal brittleness.
Grease Regularly: Make sure your work surface is well-greased before pouring the candy mixture. This prevents sticking and allows you to break apart your brittle easily.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding peanuts, butter, and baking soda, stir gently but quickly. Overmixing can lead to a chewy brittle instead of the desired crunch.
Cool It Right: Let the brittle cool completely before cracking it into pieces. Rushing this step may result in a soft texture, dampening the delightful crunch of Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle.

Make Ahead Options

Making Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle ahead of time is a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time and still enjoy delicious treats! You can prep the candy mixture (sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt) up to 24 hours in advance by refrigerating it after cooking, ensuring it remains fresh. When you’re ready to make your peanut brittle, simply reheat this mixture gently until it’s warm and easy to stir before adding in the peanuts, butter, and baking soda. For best results, maintain its quality by ensuring it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture. Once the mixture has cooled and set, it will be just as delightful as if made fresh, allowing you to indulge in sweet nostalgia whenever you want.

Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right peanuts for Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?
Absolutely! When selecting peanuts, look for raw, unsalted peanuts, ideally labeled as “fresh” or “new crop.” They should be firm to the touch and have a nice, nutty aroma. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off smell, as these can indicate spoilage.

How should I store Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?
To keep your peanut brittle fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you want to make it last longer, placing it in the fridge can extend its freshness to about 3 weeks. Just make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent moisture from softening that lovely crunch!

Can I freeze Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, wrap individual pieces of peanut brittle in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let the pieces thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and they’ll be just as delicious as when you made them.

What should I do if my peanut brittle turned out chewy?
Very! If your peanut brittle is chewy instead of crunchy, it likely didn’t reach the correct temperature during cooking. Make sure to use a candy thermometer to check for that magic 250°F (121°C). If you don’t have one, you can drop a small amount of the candy mixture into cold water; it should form a hard ball when it’s ready!

Can I use other nuts in Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle?
Yes! The more the merrier! You can experiment with other nuts like cashews or almonds in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the peanuts, and adjust the quantity according to your preference. Mixing nuts can create a delightful twist that everyone will love!

Is there a way to make Mom’s Best Peanut Brittle vegan-friendly?
Great question! To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Also, ensure that your sugar is unrefined or vegan-approved, as some sugars can be processed using animal products. Enjoy your delicious vegan treat!