Cayenne Toffee-Style Peanut Brittle
on Dec 16, 2013, Updated Apr 17, 2025
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Cayenne Toffee-Style Peanut Brittle is a bold twist on the classic peanut candy, blending sweet and spicy flavors into one crunchy treat. Perfect for the holidays, it has a hint of cayenne pepper and rich toffee notes; this is an easy homemade peanut brittle recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
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Follow along to create a perfect batch and share it as a great homemade gift at less than $1.00 per serving, or keep it for yourself! If you’ve ever asked, “How do you make peanut brittle?” then this a recipe that you’re going to want to read and then make.
Table of Contents
About This Peanut Brittle Recipe
This cayenne toffee-style peanut brittle was inspired by a friend’s family favorite recipe and brings a touch of heat to this traditional sweet treat.
The addition of cayenne pepper adds just enough spice to balance the sweetness, while the toffee-like quality makes it stand out from other peanut candy.
It makes a great dessert or edible gift. It’s perfect for the holiday season, family gatherings, or anytime you want a special treat. If you like those types of things, you need to take a look at our hot chocolate fudge, our cranberry nut bread, and our popular cherry Christmas cookies.
Ingredients for this Peanut Brittle and Cost
Here are all the ingredients you need to make this peanut brittle recipe:
- Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup) – Creates a rich, buttery base for the brittle texture. Approx. $1.00
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup) – The main ingredient for the sugar mixture that caramelizes into a golden brown candy. Approx. $0.25
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup) – Adds depth to the flavor and enhances the toffee-style quality. Approx. $0.15
- Light Corn Syrup (1 tablespoon) – Helps prevent crystallization, keeping the sugar syrup smooth. Approx. $0.10
- Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon) – Brings a subtle heat to the candy for a bold twist. Approx. $0.05
- Mixed Nuts (2 cups) – A crunchy, nutty base for the brittle; use good-quality raw nuts for the best results. Approx. $6.00
Total Cost: $7.55
Cost Per Serving (10 servings): $0.76
How to Make This
(See the recipe card below for the full set of ingredients and instructions.)
Making cayenne toffee-style peanut brittle is easy with these steps:
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied.
- Combine Ingredients: Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the sugars dissolve completely.
- Add Nuts: Stir in the mixed nuts and ensure they’re evenly coated in the sugar mixture.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Bring the mixture to a boil, cooking until it reaches the proper temperature (300°F) or a golden brown color. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
- Pour and Cool: Carefully pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into a thin layer with a silicone spatula. Let it cool at room temperature.
- Break Into Pieces: Once the brittle cools and hardens, break it into smaller pieces.
Expert Recipe Tip
Use a candy thermometer to ensure the sugar mixture reaches the proper temperature (300°F, or hard crack stage) for the perfect brittle texture—this step is key to avoiding a chewy or sticky result.
Variations and Substitutions
Like most recipes, there are some things you can do to make this homemade peanut brittle recipe your own!
- Nut Substitutions: Replace mixed nuts with raw peanuts, macadamia nuts, or Spanish peanuts for a different flavor.
- Spice Adjustments: Adjust the cayenne to your preference; reduce for a milder version or add a pinch more for extra heat.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the sugar mixture for a richer flavor.
Common Questions
The sugar mixture likely didn’t reach the hard crack stage. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to hit 300°F.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature in a dry place, and it will stay fresh for up to 6-8 weeks.
Yes! Use the cold water test: drop a little sugar syrup into cold water. If it hardens and cracks immediately, it’s ready.
Ways to Serve This or Use It
- Edible Gifts: Pack brittle pieces in festive tins or bags for a thoughtful holiday gift.
- Snack Time: Enjoy it as a standalone treat or combine it with pretzels and dried fruits for a snack mix.
- Dessert Add-On: Crush the brittle and sprinkle it over ice cream or yogurt for an extra crunch.
This cayenne toffee-style peanut brittle is a fun twist on an old-fashioned peanut candy. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a family favorite that’s perfect for any time of year. Save this great recipe for next time, and don’t forget to bookmark it for the holidays!
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Cayenne Toffee-Style Peanut Brittle
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks butter, 3/4 cup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Karo syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups mixed nuts
Instructions
- In heavy sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add sugars, syrup, and cayenne pepper and mix together until sugars are dissolved.
- Gently fold in nuts.
- Increase heat and bring mixture to boil until it turns a golden brown in color. If you're using a candy thermometer, you'll want it to get to 300° F.
- Place mixture on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and allow to cool and harden.
- Break into pieces, using your hands.
Notes
- For firmer toffee, use less butter
- For softer toffee, use a little more butter
- For more zip, add an additional 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
More Holiday Treats
Desserts
Red Velvet Christmas Cake Roll
Best Christmas Cookies
Snowball Cookies Recipe
Cakes and Cupcakes
Bûche de Noel (Yule Log)
Snacks
Wow these are amazing for snacking. Recipe sounds really delicious. I’m a huge PB fan and I really love how you added a bit of cayenne into recipe. Soooo good.
Your brittle looks delicious! They are such a holiday classic. I don’t always get to make it but they are perfect take-home gift for guests!
I love peanut brittle but have never attempted to make it! I love the little kick of spice in this recipe – totally my kinda flavors!
The addition of cayenne sounds fantastic in this. Sweet and spicy is such a great mix!
Well, I think I recall a few times I had peanut brittle at my friends’ houses but I don’t think I have ever tried making at home. This looks like a great and easy recipe to try!
I looooooove peanut brittle, but have never had success with making it…I am going to try your version and see if I can finally conquer the brittle!!
Mmmm what a great snack. I like the simple list of ingredients. This is perfect for me. I am sure that my family will be delighted with your recipe. Looks very tasty. Thanks.
OH, Peanut butter brittle. I have not seen these in forever!! my grandmom use to make peanut butter brittle. Love the cayenne twist in these. Sounds yum.