Chinese Peanut Brittle Recipe (Just Two Ingredients)

If you’re looking for a deliciously crunchy treat that’s easy to make, this Chinese peanut brittle is a must-try! With its sweet, caramelized flavor and satisfying crunch, it’s perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.

I fondly remember my childhood anticipation for Chinese New Year, when my parents would stock up on an array of colorful candies and snacks.

Among them, peanut brittle, or peanut candy, was always one of my favorites.

Its crispy texture and sweet flavor made it an irresistible treat that I could never get enough of!

These days, it’s surprisingly hard to find this delightful candy in stores, which is why I decided to take matters into my own hands. Luckily, making peanut brittle at home is not only easy but also allows me to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s just as delicious as I remember.

 I often whip up a batch for my kids, especially when we head out for adventures or family outings. It makes for a perfect snack—sweet, crunchy, and packed with flavor.

Plus, sharing this homemade treat with them brings back all those warm memories, creating new traditions that we can cherish together!

This recipe is straightforward, but the key step is to check if the syrup is ready. Be sure to read my tips below!

Ingredients

• 200g Peanuts
• 200g Granulated Sugar

Instructions

(1) Prepare the Peanuts

1. Toast the Peanuts: Place the peanuts in a dry pan over low heat. Stir them continuously to ensure even roasting and to prevent burning.
2. Check for Doneness: Toast until the peanuts turn a deeper brown, their skins start to crack, and they release a fragrant aroma (this should take about 5-8 minutes, depending on the heat level and size of the peanuts).
3. Remove the Skins: Once toasted, transfer the peanuts to a clean container. Use your hands to rub them gently to remove the skins. Alternatively, you can place them in a clean cloth bag, tighten the opening, and rub vigorously to make skin removal easier.

(2) Make the Syrup

1. Heat the Sugar: In a clean pot, add 200g of granulated sugar.
2. Melt the Sugar: Heat over low heat, stirring gently with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure even melting.
3. Watch for Color Change: As the sugar melts, it will turn into syrup. Keep heating until it thickens and turns a deep amber color. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
4. Test the Syrup: To check if it’s ready, dip a chopstick into the syrup and then into cold water. If the syrup hardens quickly and forms a brittle texture, it’s done.

(3) Combine and Shape

1. Mix with Peanuts: Once the syrup is ready, turn off the heat and quickly add the toasted peanuts to the pot.
2. Stir Together: Using a wooden spoon or chopsticks, stir the mixture rapidly to ensure each peanut is coated evenly with syrup.
3. Prepare the Mold: Line the bottom of a baking dish or mold with parchment paper. Pour the peanut-syrup mixture into the mold, spreading it out evenly.

Flatten the Mixture: Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly with your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the mixture into an even layer. Shape it as desired while pressing down.

(4) Cut and Cool

1. Slice the Brittle: While the mixture is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into your desired shapes—rectangles, squares, or triangles work well.
2. Let It Cool: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens.

(5) Notes

• Monitor the Heat: When toasting the peanuts, keep a close eye to avoid burning. Adjust the heat as needed.
• Sugar Melting: When making the syrup, use low heat and stir constantly to prevent it from burning. If it burns, the flavor of the brittle will be negatively affected.
• Quick Action Required: Be quick in mixing and shaping the brittle as the syrup cools and hardens rapidly.
• Storage: Store the peanut brittle in a dry, cool place in an airtight container to maintain its crunchiness. Avoid moisture, as it can make the brittle soft.
  

  Chinese Peanut Brittle Recipe (Just Two Ingredients)

  If you're looking for a deliciously crunchy treat that's easy to make, this Chinese peanut brittle is a must-try! With its sweet, caramelized flavor and satisfying crunch, it's perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family.

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  Course: Chinese Candy, Snacks

  Cuisine: Chinese

  Prep Time: 30 minutes

  Cook Time: 20 minutes

  Servings: 4

  Calories: 478kcal

  Ingredients

  • 200 g Peanuts
  • 200 g Granulated Sugar

  Instructions

  (1) Prepare the Peanuts

  • Toast the Peanuts: Place the peanuts in a dry pan over low heat. Stir them continuously to ensure even roasting and to prevent burning.
  • Check for Doneness: Toast until the peanuts turn a deeper brown, their skins start to crack, and they release a fragrant aroma (this should take about 5-8 minutes, depending on the heat level and size of the peanuts).
  • Remove the Skins: Once toasted, transfer the peanuts to a clean container. Use your hands to rub them gently to remove the skins. Alternatively, you can place them in a clean cloth bag, tighten the opening, and rub vigorously to make skin removal easier.

  (2) Make the Syrup

  • Heat the Sugar: In a clean pot, add 200g of granulated sugar.
  • Melt the Sugar: Heat over low heat, stirring gently with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure even melting.
  • Watch for Color Change: As the sugar melts, it will turn into syrup. Keep heating until it thickens and turns a deep amber color. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
  • Test the Syrup: To check if it's ready, dip a chopstick into the syrup and then into cold water. If the syrup hardens quickly and forms a brittle texture, it's done.

  (3) Combine and Shape

  • Mix with Peanuts: Once the syrup is ready, turn off the heat and quickly add the toasted peanuts to the pot.
  • Stir Together: Using a wooden spoon or chopsticks, stir the mixture rapidly to ensure each peanut is coated evenly with syrup.
  • Prepare the Mold: Line the bottom of a baking dish or mold with parchment paper. Pour the peanut-syrup mixture into the mold, spreading it out evenly.
  • Flatten the Mixture: Place another piece of parchment paper on top and press down firmly with your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the mixture into an even layer. Shape it as desired while pressing down.

  (4) Cut and Cool

  • Slice the Brittle: While the mixture is still warm, use a sharp knife to cut it into your desired shapes—rectangles, squares, or triangles work well.
  • Let It Cool: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens.

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  Nutrition

  Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 50g | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg