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    Home » Uncategorized

    June 4, 2011 Uncategorized

    Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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!

    overhead image of easy spicy peanut brittle

    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.

    overhead image of making sugar syrup for easy spicy peanut brittle

    overhead image of making spicy syrup

    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.

    overhead image of making spicy syrup for easy spicy peanut brittle

    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 .

    overhead image of peanuts in a syrup

    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.

    overhead image of easy spicy peanut brittle

    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:

    • Italian Rainbow Cookies
    • Pandolce Genovese
    • Hazelnut and Dried Cherry Biscotti
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
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    Easy Spicy Peanut Brittle

    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!
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: candy, peanuts
    Author: Lora

    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

    Instructions

    • 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.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @savoringitaly or tag #savoringitaly!

     

    « Pomegranate-Mixed Berry Pie
    Strawberry Buckle »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Maris (In Good Taste) says

      June 04, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      This brittle looks so fantastic! I imagine it must taste so good with that spicy kick!

      Reply
    2. Nisrine M. says

      June 04, 2011 at 5:31 pm

      I like the idea of a spicy brittle as it is often too sweet and the spices will counteract that a bit. Brilliant!

      Reply
    3. Baking Serendipity says

      June 04, 2011 at 7:18 pm

      My husband would love this! He is on such a spicy foods kick. I might leave the spice out for myself and make two recipes in one...depending on my mood 🙂

      Reply
    4. Renathe Schneider says

      June 04, 2011 at 7:49 pm

      Looks good!

      Reply
    5. Lizzy says

      June 04, 2011 at 9:18 pm

      I'm scared to try this as I know I'd love it!!! And the picky family might not. I may just have to do it...so tempting. And what a great idea for Christmas gifts...

      Reply
    6. Marnely Rodriguez says

      June 04, 2011 at 10:28 pm

      Love the sweet/spicy combination. Mom just walked in and said she wanted to make it also! 🙂

      Reply
    7. claudia lamascolo says

      June 04, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      I love the this! Its brillant to use cayenne I can just taste how that bit of spice will make this perfect!

      Reply
    8. kimmie says

      June 04, 2011 at 11:51 pm

      Oh yum. I love spicy anything too - will definitely have to spice up my grandmother's peanut brittle recipe next time I give it a go!

      Reply
    9. Cassie @ Bake Your Day says

      June 05, 2011 at 12:52 am

      Love the idea of spicy sweets and I can't believe how few ingredients, looks and sounds wonderful!

      Reply
    10. wenderly says

      June 05, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      Um YUM! I *love* spicy!....but THIS, this spicy & sweet treat looks divine!

      Reply
    11. The Vanilla Bean Baker says

      June 05, 2011 at 1:47 pm

      What a unique twist on an old favourite treat! It certainly would make great gifts.

      Reply
    12. purabi naha says

      June 05, 2011 at 1:54 pm

      Hi, we, in India, call it chikli. But it is never spicy! This recipe looks interesting and different. Shall give it a try.

      Also, I am new to your blog. Loved it. Hope you'll also like mine!

      Reply
    13. Happy When Not Hungry says

      June 05, 2011 at 2:32 pm

      Wow this brittle looks amazing!!! Would love some of this!

      Reply
    14. Claire Gallam says

      June 05, 2011 at 2:37 pm

      Oh spicy brittle sounds amazing!

      Reply
    15. MikeVFMK says

      June 05, 2011 at 2:52 pm

      I love brittle and I love spicy so this is the perfect marriage of goodness to me!

      Reply
    16. Aggie says

      June 05, 2011 at 4:39 pm

      I like things spicy too 🙂 Spicy sweet is even better! This sounds awesome!

      Reply
    17. Erin says

      June 05, 2011 at 7:46 pm

      Never tried spicy candy, but I love spicy everything else, so why not! Looks perfect!

      Reply
    18. Sandra says

      June 05, 2011 at 9:32 pm

      Oh this sounds awesome Lora..never thought to add cayenne paper..fantastic idea!!! Looks heavenly!

      Reply
    19. Angela@RecipesFromMyMom says

      June 05, 2011 at 10:38 pm

      I love red hots but that's the only candy with heat that I've tried. Your spicy brittle makes me very curious. Curiosity in the kitchen is always good.

      Reply
    20. Jennifurla says

      June 05, 2011 at 11:25 pm

      what a great idea, I know so many people who love everything with spice who would LOVE this.

      Reply
    21. Gloria says

      June 06, 2011 at 12:10 am

      Love this,.look amazing! gloria

      Reply
    22. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

      June 06, 2011 at 12:22 am

      My dad loves peanut brittle and I know he'd absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing:-)

      Reply
    23. Sandra says

      June 06, 2011 at 1:46 am

      Hey Lora, I was thinking of you and wondering how you are. So glad to see you here again and especially with this yummy recipe.

      Reply
    24. Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says

      June 06, 2011 at 3:23 am

      I am new to the spicy/sweet combo. This looks great. My SIL gave me some honey chipotle candy and I am addicted.

      Reply
    25. Roxana GreenGirl says

      June 06, 2011 at 3:50 am

      Oh, what a fun little treat. Love brittle but never thought of adding a pinch of cayenne to it. Thanks for sharing Lora

      Reply
    26. Lo-mo says

      June 06, 2011 at 4:38 am

      mmmmm....this looks fabulous! I adore the thought of some spice in my candy!

      Reply
    27. Liren says

      June 06, 2011 at 5:18 am

      Sweet, salty AND spicy? I need to make this, pronto!

      Reply
    28. Jessica @ How Sweet says

      June 06, 2011 at 12:11 pm

      Oh my gosh - fabulous flavors!!

      Reply
    29. Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says

      June 06, 2011 at 1:08 pm

      Yum! And congrats on the top 9!!

      Reply
    30. Michelle Benoit (Chocolate Central) says

      June 06, 2011 at 3:21 pm

      I love spicy too! And I get plenty living in a small mountain village in Mexico. Just made "huevos a la Mexicana" with jalapeno pepper this morning. Love brittle, but never tried a spicy brittle. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
    31. sensiblecooking says

      June 06, 2011 at 5:48 pm

      You really are spicy. Who would have thought of spicy Brittle. I am a spicy lover like you so that means I will be whipping lot of these brittles.

      Reply
    32. Emily Malloy says

      June 06, 2011 at 6:34 pm

      LOVE LOVE LOVE that it has a kick to it!

      You rock my world!

      Reply
    33. Mari says

      June 06, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      I would have never thought about adding cayenne pepper. Looks great!

      Reply
    34. A Thought For Food says

      June 06, 2011 at 11:01 pm

      I'm a fan of sweet-spicy dishes... the combination is always so memorable.

      Reply
    35. Amy says

      June 07, 2011 at 12:09 am

      Lora this sounds delicious! I love peanut brittle already, but adding a spicy element is an awesome idea! Sweet, salty and spicy = delicious! Hope you have a wonderful week :)!

      Reply
    36. Reeni says

      June 07, 2011 at 1:29 am

      I love the idea of a spicy brittle! A little unexpected pop of flavor!

      Reply
    37. Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says

      June 07, 2011 at 3:17 am

      Love that spicy sweet combination!

      Reply
    38. Angie's Recipes says

      June 07, 2011 at 4:31 am

      Me too, me too! I love things spicy and nutty! Those brittles are simply irresistible.

      Reply
    39. Lin Ann says

      June 07, 2011 at 5:16 pm

      Congrats on Top 9! Love peanut brittle! It's something we made and ate a lot when I was growing up. And I think I would love, love, love it with this spicy twist!

      Reply
    40. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says

      June 07, 2011 at 8:00 pm

      I love the spicy and sweet combo... One of my favorites! This looks incredible. Can't wait to try it soon.

      Reply
    41. briarrose says

      June 08, 2011 at 12:16 am

      Fabulous candy. I do love a little spice and it is always such a pleasant surprise when I run across it in a yummy candy. 😉

      Reply
    42. blackbookkitchendiaries says

      June 08, 2011 at 2:39 pm

      this looks so tempting and very addictive:) i just love the sounds of this! yum!

      Reply
    43. Anonymous says

      June 08, 2011 at 4:14 pm

      How much baking soda? The recipe doesn't indicate this ingredient, but the photos do... looks awesome btw!

      Reply
    44. Elle says

      June 08, 2011 at 8:17 pm

      I adore brittle! Add some spiciness to it, and I'm all over it!

      Reply
    45. Carolyn says

      June 09, 2011 at 1:17 am

      Oh yeah, I am with ya. Love the spicy sweet combo!

      Reply
    46. Matthew "mmwine" Horbund says

      June 10, 2011 at 3:34 pm

      I like the idea. Especially because I love the spicy sweet combo! Trying it asap!

      Reply
    47. Magic of Spice says

      June 10, 2011 at 10:59 pm

      I like spicy too and these look like a perfect treat 🙂

      Reply
    48. cookies and cups says

      June 11, 2011 at 4:37 pm

      Omygoodness this sounds AMAZING!! Addictive and amazing 🙂

      Reply
    49. Preena @ A Teaspoon Of Turmeric says

      June 21, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      Lovely this has a spicy bite - I love it!

      Reply

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    lora and gabby

    Welcome to our Italian kitchen! We are Lora and Gabriella, the mother-daughter team behind Savoring Italy. With more than 30+ years of experience in the kitchen, Lora has had a great advantage – receiving guidance from both her husband who is an executive chef/restaurant owner and her mother who is a renowned private chef. 

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