Spooky 300°F Spider Web Peanut Brittle That Will Haunt Your Tastebuds

There’s something magical about spider web peanut brittle – it’s the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and just a little bit spooky! I first made this treat for my niece’s Halloween party years ago, and let me tell you, the kids went wild for it (the adults too – don’t let them fool you). What makes this recipe special isn’t just the delicious peanut brittle base (though trust me, it’s the best), but that gorgeous white chocolate spider web design that makes it look like you spent hours crafting it. After making countless batches over the years – and yes, suffering through some early candy-making disasters – I’ve perfected this foolproof version that comes together in no time. Whether you’re making it for a Halloween bash or just because you want to impress your friends, this spider web peanut brittle is guaranteed to be the talk of the party!

Why You’ll Love This Spider Web Peanut Brittle

This isn’t just any peanut brittle – it’s a showstopper that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Here’s why I’m obsessed with this recipe:

• Surprisingly easy – If you can boil sugar, you can make this (I promise!)
• Halloween magic – That spider web design turns simple candy into edible art
• Perfect crunch – The brittle snaps just right with every bite
• Party favorite – Disappears faster than ghosts at sunrise
• Customizable – Make it spookier with extra drizzle or switch up the nuts

The best part? You don’t need to be a candy-making pro – my foolproof method makes it simple for anyone to create this crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Spider Web Peanut Brittle

Now let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, every single one matters in this recipe! I’ve learned the hard way that candy-making is all about precision, so measure carefully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – This is your base, and regular white sugar works perfectly
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup – The secret to preventing crystallization (don’t skip this!)
• 1/4 cup water – Just enough to dissolve everything without making it soupy
• 1 cup roasted peanuts – I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness, but use what you love
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – This tiny amount makes all the difference for that perfect brittle texture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor – use the real stuff!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances all that sweetness beautifully
• 1/2 cup melted white chocolate – For our showstopping spider web design (chocolate chips work great)

Pro tip from my many brittle batches: Have everything measured and ready before you start cooking – candy waits for no one! And please, whatever you do, don’t substitute margarine for real butter if the recipe calls for it (not that I learned that the hard way or anything…).

Equipment You’ll Need

Now, let’s talk tools–because in candy-making, the right equipment makes ALL the difference. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you start:

• Heavy-bottomed saucepan – Thin pans burn sugar faster than a vampire in sunlight (trust me, I’ve been there)
• Candy thermometer – Non-negotiable! Those little temperature markers are your best friends
• Parchment paper – For easy release (no one wants brittle stuck to the pan)
• Baking sheet – A standard half-sheet pan works perfectly
• Heatproof spatula – Silicone is my go-to—it can handle the heat
• Piping bag or ziplock bag – For those gorgeous spider web lines

That’s it! Nothing fancy—just the basics that’ll make your brittle-making smooth as melted sugar.

How to Make Spider Web Peanut Brittle

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making that gorgeous, crunchy spider web peanut brittle! I promise it’s easier than it looks, especially when we break it down step by step. Just follow along, and you’ll have perfect brittle in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

First things first – grab that heavy-bottomed saucepan and combine your sugar, corn syrup, and water. Here’s my golden rule: stir just until the sugar dissolves (about 2 minutes over medium heat), then STOP STIRRING. I know it’s tempting to keep mixing, but trust me, stirring after this point can cause sugar crystals to form and make your brittle grainy. Just let that mixture bubble away – it’ll take about 10-12 minutes to reach temperature.

Step 2: Cook to Hard Crack Stage

This is where your candy thermometer becomes your best friend. We’re waiting for exactly 300°F – that magical “hard crack” stage where your brittle will have that perfect snap. Don’t walk away during this part! Sugar can go from perfect to burned in seconds. If you don’t have a thermometer (though I highly recommend one), test a bit in cold water – it should form hard, brittle threads that break when bent.

Step 3: Mix in Peanuts and Leavening

Now for the exciting part! Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in your peanuts, baking soda, vanilla, and salt. WARNING: It’s going to bubble up like a witch’s cauldron – that’s the baking soda doing its magic to create those perfect air pockets in your brittle. Work quickly but carefully – this mixture is crazy hot. Stir just until everything’s combined, then pour it out immediately.

Step 4: Spread and Cool

Pour your bubbling brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use your spatula to spread it into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Hurry though – it starts setting fast! Let it cool for about 5 minutes (just until it’s firm enough to touch but still slightly warm) before adding your spider web design.

Step 5: Create the Spider Web Design

This is where the magic happens! Melt your white chocolate (I do 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between each), then transfer it to a piping bag or ziplock with a tiny corner snipped off. Pipe concentric circles on your slightly cooled brittle, then take a toothpick and drag lines from the center outward to create that gorgeous web effect. Let it cool completely (about 20-30 minutes) before breaking into pieces.

Pro tip: For extra drama, drizzle some chocolate in squiggly lines to make “spiders” crawling on your web! The kids go crazy for this touch.

Tips for Perfect Spider Web Peanut Brittle

After making more batches of brittle than I can count (and yes, some spectacular failures too), here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Move like lightning once you add the baking soda – that mixture sets up FAST
• Test your thermometer in boiling water (should read 212°F) – inaccurate temps ruin batches
• Pick a dry day – humidity makes candy sticky and sad
• Butter your spatula before spreading – the brittle won’t stick as much
• Don’t stress the web – imperfect lines look more authentically “spidery” anyway!

Remember: Even if it’s not magazine-perfect, it’ll still taste amazing. My first attempt looked like a spider had a few too many cocktails, but everyone devoured it!

Variations & Substitutions

Listen, rules are made to be broken—especially when it comes to candy! Here’s how I love to mix up my spider web peanut brittle when I’m feeling creative:

• Chocolate switcheroo – Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate or even orange-tinted white chocolate for extra Halloween vibes
• Spicy twist – Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne to the sugar syrup for a warm kick
• Nut alternatives – Almonds, cashews, or even pumpkin seeds work beautifully if peanuts aren’t your thing
• Colorful webs – Tint your chocolate with food coloring for neon spider webs that’ll wow at parties

The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your candy creativity—just keep that sugar syrup at 300°F, and you can’t go wrong!

Storing and Serving Spider Web Peanut Brittle

Here’s the good news – this brittle keeps like a dream! Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature (no fridge needed), and it’ll stay perfectly crisp for up to 2 weeks – if it lasts that long! I love arranging spider web brittle on Halloween party platters with other spooky treats, or wrapping pieces in cellophane bags tied with black ribbon for adorable (and delicious) party favors. Pro tip from my kitchen: Layer pieces between parchment paper in your storage container to keep those beautiful spider web designs from smudging. Now the only question is – will you share it, or hide some just for yourself? (No judgment here!)

Spider Web Peanut Brittle FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten SO many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often!

Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?
Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it – honey makes the brittle softer and stickier. Corn syrup gives that perfect snap! If you must substitute, try golden syrup instead.

Help! My brittle turned out sticky – what went wrong?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! Usually it means the sugar didn’t reach 300°F. Next time, double-check your thermometer’s accuracy (test it in boiling water first) and don’t rush the cooking process.

Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the peanuts – the brittle itself will still be delicious. For the web, try sprinkling crushed pretzels or toasted coconut flakes instead.

Why did my spider web chocolate smear?
You probably drizzled while the brittle was still too warm. Wait until it’s just slightly warm to the touch – about 5 minutes after spreading. And don’t touch it while it sets!

Can I make this ahead for a party?
You bet! This brittle actually gets better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Just store it properly (airtight container, room temp) and it’ll stay perfect for weeks.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist (just a candy enthusiast!), but here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious piece of spider web peanut brittle. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary depending on your ingredients:

• Serving size: 1 piece (about 1.5″ square)
• Calories: 180
• Total fat: 8g
• Saturated fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Let’s be real – we’re not eating peanut brittle for its health benefits! But hey, peanuts do provide protein, and that white chocolate drizzle? Well… it makes our souls happy, and that counts for something, right? As with all treats, enjoy in moderation – though I won’t judge if you sneak an extra piece or two!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – my foolproof spider web peanut brittle that’s guaranteed to impress! Whether you’re making it for Halloween or just because, I’d love to see your creations. Tag me on social media so I can ooh and ahh over your spider web masterpieces. Now go forth and make some magic – your sweet tooth will thank you!

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