Peanut Sesame Brittle Recipe

I absolutely adore this peanut sesame brittle recipe because it’s a crunchy, sweet delight that perfectly satisfies my cravings with its nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Plus, it’s super fun to make from scratch, and I love impressing my friends with this homemade treat that feels like pure nostalgia in every bite!

The pairing of crunchy peanuts and nutty sesame seeds in my recipe for Peanut Sesame Brittle is one I adore. A richness of butter and a hint of vanilla make this simple candy recipe so satisfying.

This may be a brittle, but there’s nothing fragile about the balance of sweet and salty. Between the natural proteins and healthy fats, this treat is practically a health food, offering a boost of quick energy.

Ingredients

Granulated Sugar:
The main sweetening agent that produces the texture of caramel.

Light Corn Syrup:
Stops crystallization, guaranteeing a sleek, uniform brittle.

Raw Peanuts:
High in protein and good fats; provides texture and taste.

Sesame Seeds:
These notes provide a nutty flavor and serve as a source of calcium.

Unsalted Butter:
Enhances the flavor, lending a richness and a smooth, buttery taste.

Vanilla Extract:
Boosts the sweetness with olfactory richness.

Baking Soda:
Ensures a light, crispy texture by creating air bubbles.

Salt:
Achieves harmony of sweetness, while ramping up flavor intricacy and intensity.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup raw peanuts
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. A baking sheet should be prepared by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set the lined baking sheet aside.

2. In a saucepan with a thick bottom, put together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Mix them gently.

3. Put the saucepan on medium heat, and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring now and then until the sugar dissolves.

4. The boiling mixture should now have the raw peanuts in it, and the peanuts should be stirred into it frequently. The whole mixture should be cooked until it has reached a golden amber color and a temperature of 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.

5. Add the sesame seeds, stirring them in slightly. Allow them to toast for about 30 seconds.

6. Take the saucepan off the heat, and swiftly mix in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. The combination will froth and fizz.

7. As soon as the mixture is prepared, pour it carefully onto the baking sheet that you have prepped. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly; try to get it to be as thin as possible.

8. Let the brittle cool entirely to room temperature. This will require around 1 hour.

9. After it has cooled, break the brittle into pieces with your hands or use a sharp knife to cut it into the size and shape you want.

10. To keep the peanut sesame brittle crisp, store it in an airtight container, and then feel free to enjoy it whenever you desire!

Equipment Needed

1. Baking sheet
2. Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
3. Thick-bottomed saucepan
4. Candy thermometer
5. Stirring spoon or spatula
6. Heatproof spatula
7. Airtight container

FAQ

• Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw peanuts?You can use roasted peanuts, but try to avoid salted types. This will help you better control the saltiness of the brittle.
• What can I use if I don’t have light corn syrup?Light corn syrup helps stave off crystallization. If you’d like to lend your mixture a different flavor, you can substitute it with the same amount of honey or golden syrup.
• Can I make this brittle without a candy thermometer?Although a candy thermometer is the best way to get precise results, you can tell if the syrup is ready by dropping a small amount into cold water. It should form a hard, brittle thread.
• How do I store the peanut sesame brittle?To maintain freshness and crunchiness, keep the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature; it will last for up to 2 weeks.
• Why add baking soda to the brittle?The mixture is aerated by baking soda, which gives the brittle its light, crunchy texture. Tiny air bubbles are created when baking soda decomposes and releases carbon dioxide gas.
• Is it necessary to add sesame seeds?Sesame seeds do not add a nutty flavor. They do not taste nutty. They are flavorful in their own right, but not in any way that approaches the flavor of nuts. What does this mean for you? It means that it is now time to slap together some kind of sauce or walk-in sauce that brings all the above ingredients together, which is precisely what your blender is for.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar to achieve a more profound flavor.
Replace light corn syrup with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
Roasted peanuts can be used as substitutes for raw peanuts to achieve a different flavor profile.
Substitute black sesame seeds for regular sesame seeds to achieve a nutty twist.
For a dairy-free substitute, swap coconut oil in place of unsalted butter.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat Your Tools Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat before you start cooking. You can lightly oil the spatula to prevent sticking when spreading the hot brittle, making it easier to work quickly.

2. Monitor Temperature Closely Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches exactly 300°F (150°C). This is the hard crack stage, crucial for the brittle to set properly. Going over may lead to a burnt taste, while under may cause the brittle to be too soft.

3. Work Quickly After Adding Baking Soda Once the baking soda is added, the mixture will start to foam and set quickly. Be prepared to pour and spread the brittle as soon as this step is complete for an even thickness and proper texture.

4. Even, Thin Layer For the best texture, spread the mixture as thinly and evenly as possible on the baking sheet. This can be done by tilting the sheet or using the back of a lightly oiled spoon or spatula.

5. Incorporate Extra Flavor or Texture For added depth, consider lightly toasting the raw peanuts and sesame seeds separately before adding them to the mixture. This can enhance their flavor and contribute to a nuttier, more complex brittle.