Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this irresistible butterscotch peanut brittle recipe! This homemade candy is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a delightful snack. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy-ish meals (depending on how much you indulge!). Get ready to experience the perfect balance of crunchy peanuts, creamy butterscotch, and a touch of salty sweetness – all made from scratch in your own kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, unsalted
- 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup salted peanuts, roasted and unsalted (or 1 cup if you prefer a peanuttier brittle)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Get started: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Combine and cook: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is fully dissolved. This is crucial for preventing crystallization.
Reach the hard-crack stage: Continue cooking, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F on a candy thermometer). This takes patience and careful monitoring! Don't rush this step; an accurate temperature ensures the perfect brittle texture.
Add the butterscotch and peanuts: Carefully remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butterscotch chips and peanuts until completely melted and evenly distributed. Be cautious as the mixture will be extremely hot.
Flavor it up: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. The salt enhances the sweetness of the butterscotch and adds a sophisticated touch.
Spread and cool: Quickly pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it thinly and evenly using a buttered spatula or spoon. Work quickly as the mixture sets rapidly.
Let it set: Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature, undisturbed. This is essential for achieving a crisp and shatter-prone texture.
Tips for Success:
- Use a candy thermometer: This is a must for achieving the perfect hard-crack stage. Don't guess!
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan: This prevents burning and ensures even heating.
- Work quickly: Once the butterscotch chips are melted, the mixture sets quickly. Be prepared to spread it immediately.
- Don't overcook: Overcooking will result in a hard and potentially burnt brittle.
Variations:
- Chocolate Peanut Brittle: Add 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips along with the butterscotch chips.
- Spicy Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Pretzel Peanut Brittle: Incorporate crushed pretzels for added crunch and a salty-sweet combination.
- Nut variations: Experiment with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or pecans.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary greatly depending on serving size. It's best to use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients and serving size for accurate information. However, it is a high-sugar, high-fat treat so enjoy in moderation!
This butterscotch peanut brittle is a perfect example of a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful homemade candy! It's a great quick dinner idea for a sweet ending or a fun weekend baking project. You'll be amazed at how simple it is to create this amazing treat from scratch. Happy cooking!