Are you craving that satisfying crunch of peanut brittle but watching your carb intake? Look no further! This keto peanut brittle recipe delivers all the nutty, sweet goodness you love without the guilt. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while staying true to your ketogenic lifestyle. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy treat that’s perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted peanuts (roasted and lightly salted, if desired)
- ½ cup erythritol or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
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Prep the Peanuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor and creates a more satisfying crunch. Allow the peanuts to cool completely.
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Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup erythritol, water, and butter. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the erythritol is completely dissolved.
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Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, without stirring. Continue to boil, undisturbed, until the syrup reaches the hard-crack stage (300°F or 149°C on a candy thermometer). This is crucial for the brittle's texture.
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Add Peanuts and Seasoning: Once the syrup reaches the hard-crack stage, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately stir in the roasted peanuts, ¼ cup granulated erythritol, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to cool and harden.
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Pour and Cool: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the peanut brittle mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly into a thin layer.
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Cool Completely: Let the brittle cool completely and harden at room temperature. This process takes about 30-45 minutes.
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Break and Serve: Once completely cooled, break the brittle into irregular pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Keto Peanut Brittle:
- Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage. This ensures the perfect texture.
- Don't Stir the Syrup: Resist the urge to stir the syrup while it's boiling. Stirring can cause it to crystallize.
- Work Quickly: Once you add the peanuts, work quickly to spread the mixture before it cools and hardens.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other keto-friendly ingredients like chopped pecans, macadamia nuts, or cocoa powder for variations.
Variations:
- Chocolate Keto Peanut Brittle: Drizzle melted sugar-free dark chocolate over the cooled brittle for an extra decadent treat.
- Spicy Keto Peanut Brittle: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding about 12 servings. Nutritional content will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Net Carbs: Approximately 2-4g
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
Enjoy your delicious and guilt-free keto peanut brittle! This easy recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, proving that homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying. This recipe is among the best recipes for those following a ketogenic diet. It's a fantastic example of how delicious and easy healthy recipes can be.