Description
Spicy Peanut Brittle is a crunchy, sweet, and fiery twist on the classic candy, blending roasted peanuts with caramelized sugar, butter, and a touch of chili heat. It’s perfect for gifting, snacking, or adding a bold, flavorful kick to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup roasted salted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Once boiling, stop stirring and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes.
- Immediately remove from heat and quickly stir in butter, vanilla extract, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Stir in peanuts and baking soda. The mixture will bubble and lighten in color.
- Quickly pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Let cool completely, about 30 minutes, then break into pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase cayenne or add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a candy thermometer for best results; temperature accuracy is key.
- Do not stir the sugar syrup once it begins to boil to avoid crystallization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 1 oz)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg