For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle or simply seeking to reduce their sugar intake, traditional candies can be a forbidden pleasure. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps, it's possible to recreate classic treats without the sugar rush. This article explores how to make a delectable keto peanut brittle that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your carb count in check.
What is Peanut Brittle?
Peanut brittle is a hard candy featuring peanuts embedded in a crisp, sugary matrix. It's a beloved confection with a long history, particularly popular during the holiday season. While its origins are somewhat murky, peanut brittle gained prominence in the United States and remains a cherished old-fashioned candy.
The Challenge of Keto Peanut Brittle
The primary challenge in creating a keto-friendly peanut brittle lies in replacing the sugar, which provides both sweetness and the characteristic brittle texture. Traditional recipes rely on sugar's ability to reach a specific "crack stage" when heated, resulting in a hard, glassy candy. Sugar-free sweeteners behave differently, requiring careful selection and adjustments to achieve the desired result.
Key Ingredients for Keto Peanut Brittle
- Peanuts: Dry roasted salted peanuts are a convenient option, offering a balance of flavor. Unsalted peanuts can also be used, allowing for greater control over the overall saltiness. Other nuts like pecans can also be used if you are not a fan of peanuts.
- Powdered Sweetener: The choice of sweetener is crucial for both taste and texture.
- Butter: Butter contributes to the brittle's creamy flavor and rich, brown caramel color. Dairy-free butter can be used as a substitute for those with dairy sensitivities.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is essential for delicious peanut brittle. It creates the old fashioned crunchy texture by helping the mixture bubble up, which aerates the candy.
Sweetener Selection: The Key to Success
- Erythritol: Erythritol sets hard and provides the desired crunch. However, it is prone to recrystallization, resulting in a grainy texture. Erythritol can also produce a cooling aftertaste, which can be intensified in large quantities.
- Allulose: Allulose offers a smooth, glassy texture and lacks the aftertaste associated with erythritol. However, it can result in a slightly chewier brittle.
- Combination of Allulose and Erythritol: A blend of allulose and erythritol can provide the best of both worlds, creating a smooth candy with a good crunch and minimal aftertaste. Using a combination of allulose and erythritol for the sweetener results in a super-smooth candy with ZERO aftertaste with just enough erythritol to make it crunchy without the brittle turning grainy.
Sukrin High Fibre Syrup
This is a low carb substitute for corn syrup, honey, regular syrup etc. It's also referred to as IMO syrup. It's great for giving baked goods a soft and gooey center with a slightly crisp crust.
Monkfruit/Erythritol Granular Sweetener
This is a favorite sweetener because of the combination.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt the Butter: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will distribute heat more evenly and help prevent the mixture from burning.
- Add Sweeteners: Stir in the powdered sweetener (Bocha Sweet, erythritol, allulose, or a combination).
- Cook the Caramel: Let the mixture cook over medium-high heat until it is bubbling, foaming and turning a golden brown. Stir regularly so it does not burn. Use a pan with a white or silver interior. This way, you can see easily when the caramel has browned sufficiently.
- Incorporate Peanuts: Take off the heat, add in the peanuts and stir.
- Spread the Brittle: Pour the mixture onto the prepared pan and spread it into a thin layer.
- Cool and Harden: Allow to cool completely. Then, transfer it, uncovered, to the freezer for 15 to 30 minutes or until hardened. Break into pieces and serve.
Tips for Perfect Keto Peanut Brittle
- Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer ensures accurate temperature control, preventing burning or a chewy texture. Aim for 305-310 degrees F.
- Stir Frequently: Consistent stirring prevents the mixture from burning and promotes even caramelization.
- Work Quickly: Once the brittle reaches the desired temperature, work swiftly to incorporate the peanuts and spread the mixture on the baking sheet.
- Control Humidity: Try to avoid making the peanut brittle when it’s super humid. This can greatly affect the peanut brittle and not turn out as well.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Grainy Texture: This is often caused by erythritol recrystallization. Ensure the erythritol is finely powdered and consider using a combination with allulose.
- Chewy Brittle: This indicates that the mixture did not reach a high enough temperature. Use a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches 305-310 degrees F.
- Burnt Brittle: Reduce the heat and stir more frequently to prevent burning.
Variations and Additions
- Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt over the cooled brittle to enhance the sweet and salty flavor profile.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive twist.
- Extracts: Turn heat off, add vanilla extract, caramel extract and vanilla stevia and stir together.
Storing Keto Peanut Brittle
- Freezer: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. This helps maintain its crispness. Enjoy straight from the freezer or let defrost for 10 minutes.
- Refrigerator: By replacing 2 tablespoons of the Bocha Sweet or allulose with powdered erythritol, the peanut brittle will set a little harder and can be stored in the fridge.
- Room Temperature: Only if you use powdered erythritol as a sweetener. This way, the brittle stays hard enough at room temperature.
Is Peanut Brittle Keto-Friendly?
Traditional peanut brittle is not keto-friendly due to its high sugar content. However, by using sugar-free sweeteners and keeping portion sizes in mind, keto peanut brittle can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Peanuts have six net carbs per ½ cup. So, if eaten in moderation, peanuts can easily fit into a keto diet.
Gift-Giving with Keto Peanut Brittle
Keto peanut brittle makes a thoughtful and delicious edible gift, especially during the holiday season. Package it in tins or cellophane bags for a festive presentation.
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