Old-Fashioned Peanut Brittle (Easy Homestead Recipe)

Kati Turcotte
Dec 11, 2025
2 min read

Crunchy, buttery, sweet — and surprisingly simple.

There’s something so nostalgic about a good, old-fashioned peanut brittle. It’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with warmth, makes the whole house smell like caramel, and instantly transports you to childhood holidays.

This version is beginner-friendly, uses pantry staples, and comes together in under 20 minutes. It also makes the perfect homemade gift — wrap it in a mason jar with a little ribbon and you’re set.

Below you’ll find the full recipe, helpful tips, and my favorite kitchen tools (affiliate links included). These are items I use all the time in my own kitchen, and if you order through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my homestead!

Recommended Tools (Affiliate Links)

These make candy-making so much easier and ensure your brittle turns out perfect every time.

Heavy-Bottom Saucepan: Prevents hot spots and burning.👉 Shop similar on Amazon
Candy Thermometer: Completely worth having — brittle needs just the right temperature.👉 See candy thermometer options
Silicone Baking Mat: Helps the brittle spread evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.👉 My favorite silicone mat
Wooden Spoon: Handles the high heat without melting.👉 Check price

Easy Homemade Peanut Brittle

Ingredients

1 cup white sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup water
1 cup roasted salted peanuts
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep your pan: Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment. Set aside.
Cook the sugar mixture: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then clip on your candy thermometer.
Add peanuts: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 280°F (soft-crack stage). Stir in the peanuts and keep cooking until it hits 300°F (hard-crack stage).
Finish the brittle: Remove from heat. Quickly stir in the butter, vanilla, and baking soda. The mixture will foam — this is what makes it airy and crispy!
Pour & spread: Immediately pour onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a spoon to spread it thin.
Cool & break: Let cool completely, then snap into pieces.