Mary Berry’s Peanut Brittle is a sweet dessert made with sugar, light corn syrup, water, salted roasted peanuts, butter, soda, and vanilla. This crunchy and caramelized treat takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields 10 servings.
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- Mary Berry Blackcurrant Jam Recipe
- Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Cake
- Mary Berry Apple And Rhubarb Crumble
What Is Mary Berry Peanut Brittle?
Mary Berry Peanut Brittle is a classic confectionery treat made with a combination of sugar, corn syrup, roasted peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. It is cooked to perfection, creating a crisp and crunchy texture with a delightful blend of sweet caramel and nutty flavors.
Mary Berry Peanut Brittle Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups salted roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
How To Make Mary Berry Peanut Brittle
- Put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Putting aside.
- Prepare the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract by measuring out the appropriate amounts.
- Put the sugar and water in a medium pot and mix them together thoroughly. Blend in some corn syrup. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat (resist the urge to raise the heat!).
- Make sure the bottom of the saucepan is not touching the candy thermometer and that it is submerged in the liquid. Stirring occasionally, heat to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius).
- When the temperature on a candy thermometer hits 300 degrees Fahrenheit, add the peanuts and continue stirring constantly.
- Take it off the heat and quickly incorporate the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. In addition to changing in texture, the mixture will foam.
- Quickly (but gently!) spread the heated mixture into an even layer using a knife or spoon after carefully pouring it onto the prepared pan.
- Put it in the fridge for at least half an hour to chill down.
- Put the peanut brittle in an airtight container once it has cooled fully.
Recipe Tips
- Use a candy thermometer: To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup accurately. Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to ensure your brittle turns out just right.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar: Sugar syrup reaches extremely high temperatures, so always exercise caution while stirring or pouring it. Use heat-resistant utensils and be mindful of potential splatters.
- Choose quality peanuts: Opt for salted roasted peanuts to enhance the flavor profile of the brittle. The saltiness complements the sweet caramel and provides a satisfying contrast.
- Work quickly when incorporating ingredients: Once you remove the sugar syrup from the heat, act swiftly to add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will begin to set rapidly, so be prepared to stir and spread it into an even layer promptly.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper: Prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove and break into smaller pieces once it has cooled.
- Store properly: After the brittle has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crispness. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, making it a delightful treat to enjoy or gift to others.
What Pairs Nicely With Peanut Brittle?
Peanut brittle is great on its own, but it also goes well with other flavors. It would be delicious with vanilla ice cream, atop a bowl of yogurt or pudding, or crumbled over a piece of chocolate cake for an extra crunch and nuttiness.
How Do You Keep Leftover Peanut Brittle?
- At Room temperature: You may keep leftover peanut brittle for up to 2 weeks at room temperature if you put it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag.
- In The Fridge: Leftover peanut brittle can be kept in the fridge for about 6 to 8 weeks. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in a container.
- In The Freezer: Leftover peanut brittle will last for 6 months if frozen correctly. Put it in a freezer-safe bag or container and wrap it tightly in plastic. You can thaw peanut brittle overnight in the fridge or leave it out on the counter for a few hours.
What is the difference between peanut brittle and peanut toffee?
The main difference between peanut brittle and peanut toffee lies in their texture. Peanut brittle has a hard and crunchy texture, while peanut toffee has a chewy and caramel-like texture.
Why didn’t my peanut brittle get hard?
Your peanut brittle did not get hard because of improper temperature reached during cooking, insufficient cooking time, inaccurate measurements, or not adding enough baking soda.
What is the purpose of baking soda in peanut brittle?
The purpose of adding baking soda to peanut brittle is to create a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, resulting in a lighter and more airy texture in the brittle.
How long does peanut brittle take to harden?
Peanut brittle typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour to harden and cool completely, depending on factors such as room temperature and the thickness of the brittle layer.
What happens if you cook peanut brittle for too long?
If you cook peanut brittle for too long, it can become excessively hard and difficult to eat. Overcooking may result in a darker color, burnt flavor, and a less desirable texture.
Can I use baking powder instead of baking soda for peanut brittle?
No, you cannot use baking powder instead of baking soda for peanut brittle. Baking powder contains additional ingredients that can affect the texture and taste of the brittle.
Why is my peanut brittle not airy?
If your peanut brittle is not airy, it could be due to not adding enough baking soda. The baking soda creates a chemical reaction that produces air bubbles and gives the brittle its light texture.
What is the best way to break up peanut brittle?
The best way to break up peanut brittle is to place it inside a zip-top bag and gently tap it with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to break it into desired-sized pieces.
Why is my peanut brittle-grainy?
If your peanut brittle is grainy, it could be due to undissolved sugar crystals. Ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved during the cooking process to achieve a smooth texture in the brittle.
Why do you add water to peanut brittle?
Water is added to peanut brittle as part of the sugar syrup mixture. It helps dissolve the sugar and contributes to creating the desired consistency and texture of the brittle.
How can you tell when peanut brittle is done without a thermometer?
You can use the cold water test to determine if peanut brittle is done. Drop a small amount of the hot syrup into cold water, and if it forms a hard and brittle thread, it is ready.
What makes peanut brittle stick to your teeth?
The high sugar content in peanut brittle is what makes it stick to your teeth. As the brittle hardens, the sugar crystallizes, creating a sticky texture when consumed.
Try More Mary Berry Recipes:
- Mary Berry Orange Drizzle Cake
- Mary Berry Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Mary Berry Coconut And Lime Cake
Mary Berry Peanut Brittle Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 138
- Total Fat 5.4g
- Saturated Fat 1.2g
- Cholesterol 3.4mg
- Sodium 126mg
- Potassium 47.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates 20g
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g
- Sugars 15g
- Protein 2.1g
- Calcium 1%
- Iron 2%
Are You Looking For Best Mary Berry Cookbooks ? Here Are Top 5 Best Seller Mary Berry Cookbooks You Should Have:
- Mary Makes it Easy Cookbook
- Mary Berry’s Baking Bible
- Baking with Mary Berry
- Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts (recommended)
- Mary Berry Quick Cooking
Mary Berry Peanut Brittle
Description
Mary Berry’s Peanut Brittle is a dessert made with sugar, light corn syrup, water, salted roasted peanuts, butter, soda, and vanilla. This crunchy and caramelized treat takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields 10 servings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Putting aside.
- Prepare the peanuts, butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract by measuring out the appropriate amounts.
- Put the sugar and water in a medium pot and mix them together thoroughly. Blend in some corn syrup. Stirring occasionally, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat (resist the urge to raise the heat!).
- Make sure the bottom of the saucepan is not touching the candy thermometer and that it is submerged in the liquid. Stirring occasionally, heat to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 degrees Celsius).
- When the temperature on a candy thermometer hits 300 degrees Fahrenheit, add the peanuts and continue stirring constantly.
- Take it off the heat and quickly incorporate the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. In addition to changing in texture, the mixture will foam.
- Quickly (but gently!) spread the heated mixture into an even layer using a knife or spoon after carefully pouring it onto the prepared pan.
- Put it in the fridge for at least half an hour to chill down.
- Put the peanut brittle in an airtight container once it has cooled fully.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer: To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial to monitor the temperature of the sugar syrup accurately. Invest in a reliable candy thermometer to ensure your brittle turns out just right.
- Be cautious when handling hot sugar: Sugar syrup reaches extremely high temperatures, so always exercise caution while stirring or pouring it. Use heat-resistant utensils and be mindful of potential splatters.
- Choose quality peanuts: Opt for salted roasted peanuts to enhance the flavor profile of the brittle. The saltiness complements the sweet caramel and provides a satisfying contrast.
- Work quickly when incorporating ingredients: Once you remove the sugar syrup from the heat, act swiftly to add the butter, baking soda, and vanilla extract. The mixture will begin to set rapidly, so be prepared to stir and spread it into an even layer promptly.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper: Prevent the brittle from sticking to the pan by lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove and break into smaller pieces once it has cooled.
- Store properly: After the brittle has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and crispness. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks, making it a delightful treat to enjoy or gift to others.