Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle

Name: Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup corn syrup; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tsp. salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 tsp. cayenne pepper; 3 cups salted (dry-roasted peanuts)

June 4, 2011 by Savoring Italy

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Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle is a classic recipe that is the perfect combo of sweet and salty…and this one has a spicy kick! Easy steps and simple ingredients, make this candy recipe the perfect holiday candy gift idea!

I like things spicy. I like spicy pasta sauces. I like spicy Chinese food. I really like spicy Mexican food. Spicy candy is my new favorite addiction.

Spicy Peanut Brittle

It is so easy to make. Almost too easy. Now when I have my craving for some spicy crunchy candy, I will whip up a batch. It takes minutes! I was afraid it would be too spicy for my kids and that I would end up eating the whole thing. Apparently, they like spicy candy too! I completely forgot I had a brittle recipe on my blog. I was updating this Nutella Peanut Butter Fudge recipe and came across someone commenting about my brittle. So here it is!

This is a candy I will remember to make at Christmas time for gifts. School is almost out for most of you. If you aren’t into spicy, you could leave out the spice, and it will still be an amazing peanut brittle!

What Kind of Peanuts Do You Use in Peanut Brittle?

I found that roasted, salted peanuts are the best peanut to use in a peanut brittle. We just love the sweet and salty combo! If you are trying to cut out salt, feel free to use unsalted roasted peanuts…the recipe will still be fantastic!

What temperature should you cook peanut brittle to?

It needs to hit the hard crack stage, which is between 295F and 309F.

How to make easy spicy peanut brittle-step by step

Spicy Brittle
recipe from Sugar Baby
makes about 1 1/2 lbs.

2 cups sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tsp. salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
3 cups salted, dry-roasted peanuts

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick baking spray. In a large, heavy sauce pan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, salt and cayenne pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Clip a candy thermometer on the side of the pot and boil the mixture without stirring until the temperature reaches 300 F.

Immediately remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle baking soda over the syrup and stir. The contents will bubble vigorously. Place the pan on the stove top over medium heat and watch as the sugar goes through several stages over the next 15-20 minutes. First the sugar will dissolve, then it will turn into a clear sugar syrup and bubble like crazy, then the sugar syrup will eventually take on a clearish golden amber color, and cook to 300 degrees F, the hard crack stage.

After the mixture has reached 300 degrees F, add the peanut mixture (the mixture will foam), and stir it all together to distribute the ingredients .

Quickly poor mixture evenly onto parchment lined sheet pan. Spray a spatula with nonstick baking spray and spread the brittle in the pan while it is still warm. It will be very sticky and you may not spread it that much. That is just fine. Be sure to not leave the peanut brittle uncovered, or it will absorb moisture from the air. You don’t want a gummy peanut brittle. Let the brittle cool completely, about 15 minutes, then break it into pieces.

How long does easy spicy peanut brittle keep?

When it is stored in a dry place at room-temperature in an airtight container, it will keep for a couple weeks.

Is peanut brittle gluten free?

This particular recipe is, for sure!

Some other holiday recipe ideas:

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