Classic Spiced Peanut Brittle
If you’re looking for a delightful and unique treat that perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and crunch, look no further than spicy peanut brittle! Made with perfectly roasted and salted peanuts, this homemade candy is elevated to a new level with the addition of spicy chili flakes or powder. It’s so delicious, you won’t be able to stop at just one bite! Plus, with its easy-to-follow recipe, spicy peanut brittle makes for a great DIY gift or party favor. So, let’s get cooking and discover how to make this incredible snack right at home!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
Here are four reasons why you’ll love spicy peanut brittle:
- The perfect combination of sweet and spicy: The sweetness from the brittle is perfectly balanced with the heat from the spices, giving your taste buds a delightful combination of flavors.
- The satisfying crunchy texture: The perfectly roasted and salted peanuts in the brittle provides a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it an enjoyable snack or dessert.
- Easy to make: Making spicy peanut brittle is a simple process, requiring only a few ingredients and a short amount of time.
- Great for sharing: Spicy peanut brittle is a delicious and unique treat that makes a great gift or party favor. You can easily make a large batch to share with friends and family during holidays, events, or anytime you feel like indulging in a tasty and spicy snack.
Ingredients
- Sugar: Use white granulated sugar for the best results
- Peanuts: You’ll want some salted, roasted peanuts for the recipe
- Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon for the best texture
- Corn syrup: Go for a light version
- Baking soda: This brings everything together
Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!
Substitutions and Additions
- For sugar: you can try using honey or maple syrup, or even an artificial sweetener such as stevia or Splenda if you prefer a sugar-free option. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the texture and taste of the brittle.
- For cinnamon: you can substitute with other warm spices such as ginger or cardamom depending on your personal taste preference.
- For corn syrup: you can use agave nectar, honey, or golden syrup. Keep in mind that these substitutes may affect the texture of the brittle.
- For baking soda: you can use baking powder instead, but keep in mind that baking powder contains cornstarch, which may affect the texture of the brittle. You can also try using yeast or cream of tartar instead of baking soda.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Secure a candy thermometer to the side of a large heavy-duty pot. Generously grease a large, rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a baking mat, as shown. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the sugar
Add sugar and water to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the corn syrup, and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Reach temperature and add peanuts
Bring the mixture to 250°F on the candy thermometer, then stir in the roasted peanuts until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Add remaining ingredients
Continue heating the peanut mixture until it reaches 300°F, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and butter until combined.
Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer with a butter or pastry knife.
Step 5: Leave to harden
Set aside and cool completely until the mixture is completely hardened and breaks easily into chunks, approximately 30 minutes to one hour.
Recipe tips
If you want to make spicy peanut brittle, here are some recipe tips:
- Use quality peanuts: The peanuts are what makes the brittle crunchy and delicious. Use high quality, fresh and roasted peanuts to ensure the best taste.
- Add the spices at the right time: It’s important to add the spices during the candy-making process at the right time. Adding the spices too early can cause them to burn and will result in a bitter taste. Add the spices towards the end of the cooking process and keep stirring well to ensure even distribution.
- Spread the mixture out thinly: It’s important to spread the peanut mixture out thinly on the parchment paper to allow it to cool down and harden evenly.
- Let the brittle cool completely: Don’t be in a hurry to eat the peanut brittle once it’s done. Give it enough time to cool and harden completely before breaking them apart.
By following these tips, you can make delicious, spicy peanut brittle that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
Recipe FAQ
What is a candy thermometer?
A candy thermometer is a kitchen gadget used to measure the temperature of sugar syrups, candies, and other sweets. It is a specialized thermometer, featuring a pointed metal probe that is inserted into the sugar syrup or candy mixture while it is being cooked, and a large-scale temperature readout. Traditionally, candy thermometers were analog, but now digital models are more common.
Candy thermometers are particularly useful in making certain types of candies, such as caramel, toffee, and fudge, as well as brittle, and can help to ensure a consistent, precise outcome by allowing you to accurately monitor the temperature of the mixture as you cook it. The thermometer informs you when you have reached the correct temperature range to attain the desired texture and consistency for your candy.
To ensure that your brittle comes out perfectly, you’ll need to use a candy thermometer. Heat your mixture to the exact temperature specified in the recipe to achieve the perfect candy stage.
Storage & reheating
- Fridge: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely before storing it. This will ensure that the candy retains its shape and doesn’t stick together. Break the peanut brittle into small, even-sized pieces.
- Place the pieces in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is completely clean and dry to prevent moisture from entering and causing the candy to become sticky.
- Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the candy in a humid environment, as this can cause it to become sticky and lose its crispy texture. If you live in a hot and humid climate, or during the summer months, it is best to store the peanut brittle in the refrigerator to prevent it from melting.
- Freezer: Technically, you can freeze peanut brittle, but it is not recommended as it may affect the texture and taste of the candy. When you freeze the brittle, the temperature change causes the sugar in the candy to crystallize and you might end up with a gritty texture after thawing. Additionally, the moisture from the thawing process can cause the brittle to become sticky and lose its crunchy texture. It is best to avoid freezing peanut brittle and instead store it in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
More recipes
Want more ideas? Check out these other related recipes!
- Milk Chocolate Peanut Clusters
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Parfaits
- No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Homemade Peanut Granola With Blueberries
Classic Spicy Peanut Brittle
Make this spicy version of classic peanut brittle for a delicious snack at any time
Ingredients
- 2 c. granulated sugar
- ¼ c. water
- 1 c. light corn syrup
- 2 c. roasted peanuts, salted
- 2 t. real vanilla extract
- ½ t. ground cinnamon
- ¼ t. ground nutmeg
- 1½ t. baking soda
- ¼ t. table salt
- 2 T. unsalted butter
Instructions
- Secure a candy thermometer to the side of a large heavy-duty pot. Generously grease a large, rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or a baking mat, as shown. Set aside.
- Add sugar and water to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the corn syrup, and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the sugar is thoroughly dissolved, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Bring the mixture to 250°F on the candy thermometer, then stir in the roasted peanuts until thoroughly combined.
- Continue heating the peanut mixture until it reaches 300°F, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and butter until combined. Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer with a butter or pastry knife.
- Set aside and cool completely until the mixture is completely hardened and breaks easily into chunks, approximately 30 minutes to one hour.
Notes
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for several weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 560Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 486mgCarbohydrates: 92gFiber: 3gSugar: 85gProtein: 9g
