Easy Homemade Alton Brown Peanut Brittle Recipe That Wows

Alton Brown’s peanut brittle transforms an ordinary candy into a sensational culinary adventure.

Sweet meets heat in this classic confection that promises unexpected flavor complexity.

Crunchy nuts suspended in golden caramelized sugar create a tantalizing contrast of textures.

Kitchen chemistry turns simple ingredients into a remarkable dessert experience that surprises and delights.

Professional techniques elevate this traditional treat beyond standard sugary expectations.

Precision and passion merge in a recipe that challenges conventional candy-making assumptions.

Innovative spice combinations promise a memorable snack that dances between sweet, spicy, and nutty dimensions: prepare to be amazed.

Simple Steps to Alton’s Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prepare Spiced Peanut Mixture

• Peanuts
• Ground cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper

Set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Set Up Cooking Surface

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Have a buttered spatula ready nearby.

Step 3: Create Sugar Syrup

• Granulated sugar
• Water

Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

Step 4: Cook Sugar Syrup

Cover the pan and cook for 3 minutes without stirring. Remove the lid and continue cooking over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar transforms into a pale amber color.

Step 5: Add Peanuts

Quickly toss the prepared peanut mixture into the hot sugar syrup. Stir rapidly to prevent the temperature from dropping too quickly.

Step 6: Spread Brittle

Immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Use the buttered spatula to spread the mixture into a thin, even layer. Work quickly to distribute the brittle before it hardens.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature. Once fully hardened, break or cut into desired pieces.

Tips for a Perfect Candy Crunch

• Rescue Sticky Situations: Soak hardened utensils in hot water to dissolve sugar residue quickly.
• Prevent Sugar Crystallization: Avoid stirring once sugar starts boiling to keep the brittle smooth and glossy.
• Cool Carefully: Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature to develop the perfect crisp texture.
• Clean as You Go: Wipe down pot sides with a wet pastry brush to prevent sugar from burning and crystallizing.
• Temperature Precision: Use a candy thermometer for accuracy, stopping at exactly 300 degrees for that classic brittle snap.

Keep Your Peanut Brittle Fresh and Crisp

• Vacuum Seal Method: Lock in maximum freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove all air, creating an airtight barrier that prevents moisture and preserves the brittle's crisp texture. Wrap each piece individually for easy portion control and extended shelf life.
• Silica Gel Packet Technique: Place food-grade silica gel packets inside your storage container to absorb excess moisture, which prevents the peanut brittle from becoming sticky or losing its signature crunch. Replace packets every few weeks to maintain optimal dryness.
• Airtight Glass Container Strategy: Store brittle in thick-walled glass containers with tight-fitting lids, protecting the candy from humidity and potential flavor contamination. Position containers in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources to preserve the brittle's delicate structure and prevent sugar crystallization.

Peanut Brittle Variations to Try

• Spicy Chili Peanut Brittle: Add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the peanut mixture for an extra kick of heat that will make your taste buds dance.
• Coconut Crunch Variation: Swap half the peanuts with toasted coconut flakes to create a tropical-inspired brittle with a nutty, sweet profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle Edition: After the brittle cools completely, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the top for a decadent touch that elevates the classic recipe.
• Sea Salt Caramel Boost: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the cooling brittle to enhance the caramel notes and create a sophisticated sweet-savory combination.

Sweet Finish for Peanut Brittle Fans

Sweet and spicy peanut brittle represents pure culinary magic from Alton Brown’s kitchen.

Cinnamon and cayenne elevate this classic confection beyond ordinary expectations.

Caramelized sugar creates a golden landscape where peanuts dance with complex flavors.

Home bakers can easily craft this impressive treat with precise techniques and minimal ingredients.

Crisp and crackling, this brittle delivers sensational taste experiences that spark conversation.

Grab your pan, unleash your inner chef, and share this delightful recipe with friends who crave adventurous sweets – you’ll inspire delicious connections that bring people together through one irresistible bite.

Why Alton Brown’s Peanut Brittle Is So Addictive

• Spice Up Your Snack: The cayenne and cinnamon kick transform this classic peanut brittle from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a warm, unexpected flavor profile that tingles your taste buds.
• Master a Professional Technique: This recipe teaches a classic candy-making method using precise sugar caramelization, allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality treat with simple kitchen skills and careful temperature control.
• Quick and Impressive Dessert: In just one hour, you can craft a stunning homemade candy that looks professionally made, perfect for gifting or impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Texture Sensation: The recipe delivers an incredible contrast between the smooth, glossy caramel and the crunchy, robust peanuts, creating a satisfying break-apart experience that makes every bite exciting and memorable.

What You Need for Peanut Brittle Magic

• Peanuts: Provide the main crunch and flavor, raw or roasted work well.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice to complement the nuts.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings a subtle heat to balance the sweetness.

• Sugar: The primary ingredient for creating the brittle's hard candy structure.
• Water: Helps dissolve and caramelize the sugar.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents sticking and helps with pan coating.

Alton Brown Peanut Brittle Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s peanut brittle brings classic Southern charm to sweet crunchy confections. Caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts create a perfectly balanced treat you’ll savor with nostalgic delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups sugar
• 1 ½ cups (0.36 kg) lightly salted, roasted peanuts
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (0.36 liters) water

Cooking Preparation:

• Vegetable oil, for coating the saucepan
• Softened butter for a spatula

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Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine roasted peanuts, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Set the spiced nut mixture aside for later use.
2. Lightly grease the interior of a medium-sized heavy saucepan with vegetable oil. Add granulated sugar and water, then place over high heat, gently stirring with a wooden spoon to ensure even heating.
3. Cover the saucepan and allow the mixture to boil for 3 minutes without disturbing its contents. Uncover and continue simmering on medium heat, occasionally stirring until the sugar transforms into a delicate amber hue.
4. Swiftly introduce the seasoned peanuts into the caramelized sugar, quickly stirring to prevent temperature drop and ensure complete coating.
5. Rapidly transfer the hot nut mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, working with precision to maintain the mixture’s temperature.
6. Using a buttered spatula, quickly spread the mixture into an even, thin layer across the prepared surface. Work efficiently to prevent premature hardening.
7. If necessary, place a second buttered baking sheet on top to help create a uniform distribution of nuts. Allow the candied peanuts to cool completely before cutting or breaking into desired pieces.

Notes

• Peanut placement requires lightning-fast movements to prevent sugar crystallization and maintain smooth candy consistency.
• Coat your spatula with butter beforehand to guarantee effortless mixture spreading without sticky residue.
• Parchment paper becomes your best friend, allowing precise distribution for perfectly crisp, uniform brittle texture.
• Temperature control matters significantly – too slow means grainy results, too fast risks burning delicate ingredients.
• Cooling happens rapidly, so work quickly and confidently when transferring hot mixture to prepared surface.
• Breaking the brittle becomes easier when you score lines immediately after cooling begins.
• Store your finished candy in airtight containers to preserve crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Wooden cutting boards work wonderfully for initial breaking of hardened candy into manageable pieces.
• Kitchen safety matters – wear protective gloves when handling extremely hot sugar mixtures to prevent painful burns.
• Precision matters more than perfection when creating this classic sweet treat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 811
• Sugar: 48 g
• Sodium: 170 mg
• Fat: 67 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 58 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg