Healthy Peanut Brittle

Peanut brittle is one of those confections that could almost be healthy, if only it didn’t feel like biting into shards of hardened refined sugar and corn syrup–the dominant ingredients in most versions. But all those peanuts–they’re great! Chock full of protein, vitamins (especially E), essential minerals, and phytochemicals, if you’re going to eat candy, having one loaded with healthy nuts is a great approach. By trading natural sweeteners for refined ones you can make a much more wholesome peanut brittle than commercial versions–and while it won’t be void of calories, they are wholesome and healthy calories. There is also fun to be had in customizing the recipe with different spices: I like cinnamon or cardamom with a little sprinkle of cayenne for a sweet, spicy, salty mix–add spices at the very end.

1 cup Sucanat (read about Sucanat and other natural sweeteners)
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup water
1 cup peanuts, or any favorite nut
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Grease a large cookie sheet. Set aside.

2. In a heavy 2 quart saucepan, over medium heat, bring Sucanat, agave syrup, salt, and water to a boil. Stir until Sucanat is dissolved. Bring to a boil and add coconut oil and vanilla, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 280F on the candy thermometer.

3. Add peanuts and continue stirring until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (150 degrees C), or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.

4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in baking soda. Work quickly and pour at onto cookie sheet. With 2 forks, lift and spread peanut mixture into rectangle. Cool and then break candy into pieces.

Read more: All recipes, Desserts, Food, , brittle, healthy, nutrition, peanut, snacks

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kim G.

6:41AM PDT on Apr 7, 2012

I agree with Sheri J. We need more nutritional information and HOW MANY CALORIES!

send a green star

Manuela C.

2:19PM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

Yum!

Ailsa P.

11:28AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

Interestig uses> One thing I hate about American recipes is the strange ingredients! Sucanat and agave oil! Don't think we get them in RSA!

Diane P.

6:19AM PDT on Mar 19, 2012

Thanks for the recipe. It really looks good.

Robert O.

12:41PM PDT on Jun 25, 2011

Thanks Melissa. Sounds good. Sometimes I enjoy a bit of peanut brittle.

Jennifer C.

9:57PM PDT on Apr 14, 2011

This recipe sounds good!

Claudia L.

11:00AM PST on Jan 18, 2010

thanks

Lia D.

3:22PM PST on Jan 30, 2009

Indeed, Sucanat is a bit healthier (at least a bit less unhealthy) and tastier than ordinary sugar, and it is healthy in sofar that it still contains traces of minerals and less sucrose, but it still basically sugar. Still I would prefer it over all those sugar substitutes.
I will certainly try this recipe as soon as I can lay my hands on agave syrup...

Leela S.

10:38PM PST on Jan 27, 2009

Palm jaggery is good substitte for sucsnat

Valerie W.

5:30PM PST on Jan 27, 2009

UMMMM...where do you get that sucanat is not healthy?? And Nutritional analysys??? One can look at the ingredients and see that it is MUCH HEALTHIER than those of the regular recipes.

Thank you for this!! My Mom and I were supposed to make some this last Christmas with agave and didn't get around to it. So happy to have the recipe now. Thank YOu!!