If you’re looking for a delightful treat that delivers the perfect balance of crunch and chew, you cannot miss making this Soft Peanut Brittle. It’s a nostalgic snack that feels like a warm hug in candy form, combining the rich nuttiness of roasted peanuts with a buttery, caramelized sweetness that melts gently on the teeth. Unlike traditional brittle, this version is specially crafted to stay tender just beneath the surface, giving you a unique, luscious texture you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

Soft Peanut Brittle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to creating a Soft Peanut Brittle that shines with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the crunchy raw peanuts providing a toasty backbone, to the smooth butter adding richness and softness in every bite.

Granulated sugar: The main sweetener that caramelizes to create that classic brittle base.
Light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring your brittle stays soft and chewy.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel and helps achieve that tender texture.
Raw peanuts: Toasted directly in the syrup for that fresh, nutty punch.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth with its fragrant notes.
Baking soda: Creates light bubbles in the brittle for a slight lift and softer bite.

How to Make Soft Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your Soft Peanut Brittle won’t stick and will release easily once it’s cooled, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Melt Your Sugar Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth and glossy syrup. This is the foundation of the brittle’s texture and flavor, so patience here pays off.

Step 3: Add Peanuts and Salt

Next, add your raw peanuts and salt directly into the syrup. Stir constantly to coat the nuts evenly as the mixture heats up. This step is key for toasting the peanuts just right within the candy, locking in their freshness and crunch.

Step 4: Boil to the Soft Crack Stage

Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan, letting the mixture boil until it reaches around 270°F (132°C), the soft crack stage. This precise temperature is what gives Soft Peanut Brittle its signature tender crunch—cook any hotter, and it turns hard and brittle.

Step 5: Add Vanilla and Baking Soda

Remove from heat, then quickly stir in vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up rapidly, creating tiny air pockets that soften the candy and add a delightful lightness in every bite.

Step 6: Spread and Cool

Pour the bubbling peanut mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Press and spread it out evenly using the back of a greased wooden spoon, choosing your preferred thickness. Allow it to cool completely, about 30 to 45 minutes, so it sets just right with that irresistible soft texture.

Step 7: Cut into Pieces

Once cooled, use a knife or kitchen shears to cut your Soft Peanut Brittle into nuggets or strips. This final step means you’ll have perfectly portioned treats ready to enjoy or gift to loved ones.

How to Serve Soft Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

While Soft Peanut Brittle is fantastic as is, you can sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top just before it cools to heighten the flavors with a subtle, crunchy contrast. For a fun twist, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate adds a beautiful richness and an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

This Soft Peanut Brittle pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or alongside a cup of strong coffee or black tea. It’s a lovely contrast of textures and temperatures that turns simple moments into special indulgences.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at parties? Break your Soft Peanut Brittle into small shards and layer them in clear glass jars or cellophane bags tied with rustic twine. They also make charming edible favors or delightful additions to dessert platters, instantly elevating your hosting game.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Soft Peanut Brittle keeps wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humidity and heat to maintain its ideal softness and prevent it from becoming sticky or overly hard — it’s best enjoyed within two weeks for maximum freshness.

Freezing

If you want to preserve your Soft Peanut Brittle longer, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brittle can last up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature without losing its signature texture.

Reheating

To bring back any slight firmness from storage, gently warm pieces in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) for a few minutes or hold briefly over steam. This softens your Soft Peanut Brittle again without melting it completely, reviving its tender, chewy charm.

FAQs

What makes Soft Peanut Brittle different from regular brittle?

The key difference is in the cooking temperature and the addition of baking soda. Soft Peanut Brittle is cooked to the soft crack stage, which is slightly lower than traditional brittle, and the baking soda creates tiny bubbles that give it a more tender, less hard texture.

Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?

Raw peanuts are recommended because they toast perfectly within the hot syrup, preserving a fresh and vibrant nutty flavor. Using pre-roasted peanuts can result in an overly toasted or bitter taste.

Is it necessary to use light corn syrup?

Yes, light corn syrup helps prevent sugar from crystallizing, which keeps the brittle smooth and soft. Without it, your brittle may turn grainy or too hard.

How thin or thick should I spread the brittle?

This is a matter of personal preference, but for Soft Peanut Brittle, spreading it about 1/8 inch thick achieves the ideal balance between chewiness and crunch.

Can I substitute the peanuts with other nuts?

Definitely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans can all be delicious alternatives, though peanuts give the classic flavor and texture unique to this Soft Peanut Brittle recipe.

Final Thoughts

Soft Peanut Brittle is truly a beloved treat that’s easy to make yet feels so special every time you bite into it. Whether you’re sharing it as a heartfelt gift or indulging in a cozy snack moment, this recipe brings joy with its perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty goodness. Give it a try—I promise it will become one of your all-time favorite homemade candies!

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Soft Peanut Brittle Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: About 30 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Soft Peanut Brittle recipe yields a deliciously chewy and slightly crunchy treat, packed with crunchy raw peanuts and a rich caramel flavor. Perfect for peanut lovers seeking a nostalgic sweet snack with a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts

1 1/2 cups raw peanuts

Instructions

Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter: In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has fully dissolved and the butter has melted.
Add peanuts and salt: Stir in the raw peanuts and salt. Continue stirring constantly as you bring the mixture to a boil to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Cook to soft crack stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and keep boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 270°F (132°C), known as the soft crack stage.
Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the pan from heat and carefully stir in the vanilla extract and baking soda. The mixture will bubble up quickly, so stir promptly to incorporate.
Pour and spread the brittle: Pour the peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of a greased wooden spoon, spread it evenly to your desired thickness for soft brittle.
Cool completely: Let the brittle cool for 30-45 minutes until it hardens but remains soft and chewy in texture.
Cut into pieces: Once cooled, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut the brittle into bite-sized pieces for serving.

Notes

Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise cooking to the soft crack stage.
Greasing the wooden spoon helps spread the sticky mixture more easily.
Store brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.
To make a crunchy brittle, cook to a higher temperature (around 300°F) instead of the soft crack stage.
Ensure peanuts are raw and unsalted before adding to control saltiness and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Boiling, Candy making
Cuisine: American