Vegan Peanut Brittle is salty, sweet, perfectly crunchy, with a buttery flavor that feels nostalgic and festive. No refrigeration required makes it an ideal treat for gifting!
A Holiday Candy Tradition
This peanut brittle recipe has been part of my Christmas season for years. Every December I make a batch, and it disappears quickly. It’s a simple recipe that has become a family favorite and one I also like to share with friends and neighbors.
To make this holiday classic, all it takes is a handful of pantry ingredients and a little patience at the stove. The candy comes together quickly, and once it cools, it snaps into crisp, buttery pieces that are perfect for snacking or packing into tins for gifting.
Ingredients for Vegan Peanut Brittle
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe. Exact amounts are listed on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Granulated Sugar: The base for the candy mixture.
Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing so the brittle stays smooth.
Kosher Salt: A little salt sharpens all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Water: Helps the sugar and syrup cook evenly.
Lightly Salted Peanuts: Halves or whole pieces; chopped peanuts are too small for this candy.
- Vegan Butter: Softened, so it blends quickly into the syrup and sugar mixture.
Baking Soda: Creates small bubbles that make the candy easier to break apart once it cools.
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Peanuts?
Yes. Cashews, almonds, or pecans all work well. Keep the same measurements and follow the recipe as written.
How to Make Vegan Peanut Brittle
STEP ONE: Prep. Preheat the oven to 170°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and place it in the oven to keep warm. A warm pan makes spreading the brittle easier.
STEP TWO: Cook the Sugar Mixture. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir continuously for 3 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved.
STEP THREE: Add the Peanuts. Add the peanuts and stir continuously until the temperature reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. This is the “hard crack” stage, where the brittle sets properly once cooled.
STEP FOUR: Finish and Pour. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter and baking soda, then immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet. Use a buttered spatula to spread it into an even layer.
STEP FIVE: Cool and Break. Let the brittle cool completely. Once set, lift it gently from the pan and snap the candy into pieces by hand. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I Make Peanut Brittle Without a Thermometer?
It’s possible, but a thermometer is more reliable. Without one, drop a small spoonful of the mixture into cold water. If it hardens right away and snaps cleanly, it’s ready.
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love!
- Caramel Popcorn
- Vegan Christmas Fruitcake
- Vegan Candy Cane Cookies
- Vegan Christmas Fudge
- Vegan Caramel Sauce
Save this recipe to Pinterest! ⤵️ 📌
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Vegan Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup lightly salted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter softened
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper and place it in the oven to keep warm. A warm pan makes spreading the brittle easier.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water. Stir continuously for 3 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the peanuts and stir continuously until the temperature reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer. This is the “hard crack” stage, where the brittle sets properly once cooled.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the butter and baking soda, then immediately pour the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet. Use a buttered spatula to spread it into an even layer.
- Let the brittle cool completely. Once set, lift it gently from the pan and snap the candy into pieces by hand. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
This post was updated on September 17, 2025.
Natalia
This Vegan Peanut Brittle looks so delicious! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
Chantry
YES! I have been looking for a good peanut brittle recipe for my husband. It’s his favorite Christmas treat. Thank you!
Emily
This holiday classic was so delicious and easy to make, we’re going to make more to give as gifts! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Kayla DiMaggio
This vegan peanut brittle is so delicious! I love how crispy and crunchy it is! I served to my dad who is the farthest thing from a vegan and he couldn’t tell a difference!
Joshua
Your recipe made my first time making peanut brittle a success! It was so simple to make and came out so tasty. I have to remind myself to save some for later and not eat it all at once!
Anaiah
This was such an easy vegan peanut brittle recipe. It’s delicious! I’ll be making an extra batch to give to friends and coworkers!
Natalie
This is so simple and looks delicious. I bet my son would love to snack this. I just saved the recipe. Thanks!
Tina
It tastes a bit bland. The texture is right, but it almost feels like it’s missing something, I’m thinking it probably needs vanilla. Not bad, but I’ll have to try it again with vanilla to see if it makes a difference.
thiswifecooks
Hi Tina ~ I’m glad the brittle turned out well! Sounds like a little touch of vanilla is just the right tweak to suit your taste.😊