FAQs
The main reason why peanut brittle doesn't get hard and have the crunch we expect is because the sugar was not cooked long enough. The sugar needs to be cooked to what is called the hard crack stage, 300ºF.
What does baking soda do in peanut brittle? ›
Baking soda is also very important at this stage since it reacts to the heat, creating carbon dioxide that aerates the caramel, enabling it to snap when someone bites into it rather than requiring them to gnaw at it until it breaks or pulls apart.
Why do you put water in peanut brittle? ›
Water: Water helps the sugar completely dissolve. Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors. If you opt for salted butter, you can skip this ingredient. Peanuts: Of course, you'll need peanuts for this classic treat!
What makes peanut brittle too chewy? ›
It's best kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from any moisture. Brittle loves to soak up moisture, making it chewy.
How to harden peanut brittle? ›
The perfect temperature for peanut brittle is 300°F. This is when it will hit the “hard crack stage” to make crispy, crunchy peanut brittle, that's not overcooked.
How do you keep peanut brittle crispy? ›
5 Tips on How to Store Peanut Brittle
- #1 - Store in an airtight container. ...
- #2 - Separate your brittle. ...
- #3 - Avoid using the refrigerator. ...
- #4 - But, if needed, use the freezer. ...
- #5 - Overall, eliminate opportunities for moisture.
What is the interfering agent in peanut brittle? ›
Examples of interfering agents include corn syrup and cream of tartar. A key step in making brittle is heating the syrup to the proper temperature.
Why is my peanut brittle so thick? ›
Not spreading the mixture thinly enough: If the peanut brittle is too thick (usually because you used too small of a pan), it may not cool and harden properly. Be sure to spread the mixture as thinly as possible in the pan. 4. Humidity: Humidity can affect the hardening process of the peanut brittle.
Why do people soak peanuts in co*ke? ›
History. The combination is believed to have developed in the South during the 1920s, as a snack for blue-collar workers that did not require them to wash their hands. It quickly became popular as a summer snack, especially in rural areas. The snack became an internet trend in 2018.
How long is homemade peanut brittle good for? ›
To store: Store peanut brittle (once it's completely cooled) in an airtight container at room temperature. Do not refrigerate as the moisture from the fridge will cause the brittle to soften. Store for 6-8 weeks. To freeze: Peanut brittle can be frozen and stored up to 3 months.
Those other liquid sugars have impurities that will burn at the higher temperature of making caramel, leading to a bitter-tasting brittle.
Does weather affect making peanut brittle? ›
I've learned that brittle is better when made on a cool, dry day. When I've made the candy on a warmer, humid day, it tends to be a stickier brittle. This is because the brittle takes longer to cool, and it reaches a point where it is no longer evaporating moisture into the air.
Why didn't my peanut brittle get hard? ›
Why is my peanut brittle soft? If your peanut brittle is too soft, you didn't cook it long enough. It's important to use a candy thermometer and cook the sugar mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage.
Why is peanut brittle bad for you? ›
Peanut brittle has one redeeming quality: peanuts. Outside of that single ingredient, peanut brittle is painfully unhealthy. It contains: sugar, corn syrup, and butter, all of which are unhealthy for your body in different ways.
Can you use parchment paper when making peanut brittle? ›
You will want the cookie sheet to be non-stick. Use parchment paper, a silicone baking sheet or a greased cookie sheet. Spread the peanut brittle as thin as you can. Immediately add your sea salt.
How do you salvage soft peanut brittle? ›
I started on medium heat, but turned it down to a bit below medium. KEEP STIRRING. While it's still semi solid you MUST keep stirring or it WILL burn. I thought it was never going to turn into a liquid, but of course it did.
What makes brittle hard? ›
Just as in homemade syrup or caramel corn, baking soda causes a unique chemical reaction (basically a lot of rising foam) that is crucial in creating the right texture in peanut brittle. If you make it without baking soda but you will notice the brittle is a bit harder to bite through.
Why are my peanuts not getting soft? ›
Dried peanuts may require boiling up to 24 hours until they soften. If your water is hard, full of minerals, or you are boiling at high altitude, then your boiling times for dried peanuts may be greater than 24 hours.
Why did my peanut butter fudge not get hard? ›
Fudge Didn't Set
If your fudge turned out super sticky, or it didn't set as it cooled, it probably never got hot enough. This mistake is super easy to avoid if you use a candy thermometer and cook the fudge to the temperature specified in the recipe (usually between 234 and 239°F).