When is National Peanut Brittle Day?

The next occurence will be on January 26th, 2025. The last occurence was on January 26th, 2024.

National Peanut Brittle Day (January 26th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every January 26th
Tagged as:	Baking Food & Drink
What's the hashtag?	#NationalPeanutBrittleDay
We first published this page on:	Dec 23rd, 2017
We last updated this page:	Nov 11th, 2024

Super sweet and delightfully crunchy, peanut brittle brings about a sense of satisfaction for its munchable goodness. While this tasty treat is often more readily available during the winter holiday season, there is little to keep diehard fans from celebrating it pretty much any time of year.

And that is just what National Peanut Brittle Day is all about!

History of National Peanut Brittle Day

Everyone loves a bit of Peanut Brittle, and the sweet treat, which dates back to the 19th century, has become so nationally adored that it has joined the legion of foods with their very own day.

Some people ascertain that the history of peanut brittle begins in the southern states of the USA, which makes sense because that is where peanuts were first known to be cultivated.

Of course, similar confectionary treats have been made throughout the world using different nuts, but the peanut-specific version of brittle originated as an American invention.

It is well known that many soldiers survived the American Civil War predominantly on the protein found in peanuts, especially toward the end of the war when meat and produce were scarce. These little snacks were easy to carry, were simple to prepare by roasting or boiling, and were salted to help with preservation.

Following this era, peanuts became more popular with Americans and were cultivated on farms in the southern parts of the country, especially as they became more popular in the early 1900s.

One version of the history of peanut brittle credits a woman from the south for inventing this delightful treat somewhere around the year 1890.

But, as many creations are, this invention was actually a bit of a mistake. The story goes that she was attempting to make taffy, but mistakenly added baking soda to the mix instead of cream of tartar.

Even when she realized her mistake, the woman didn’t want to be wasteful, so she continued to cook the concoction, throwing in some handfuls of peanuts just to see what would happen. The result was a completely different texture and flavor that turned into what is now known as peanut brittle.

Another story that is clearly more folklore than fact relegates the invention of peanut brittle to a character named Tony Beaver.

Often referred to as a cousin of the largely famous Paul Bunyan, the story casts Beaver as the savior of a town when he prevented it from flooding by pouring peanuts and molasses into the river. And the result was peanut brittle!

The term for this treat “brittle” first seems to have appeared in 1892. Since then, the basic recipes have remained relatively unchanged except for the fact that many people would now use corn syrup instead of molasses.

National Peanut Brittle Day was founded to celebrate and show appreciation for this delightful and delicious sweet treat!

How to Celebrate National Peanut Brittle Day

Celebrate this deliciously crunchy, peanut-based candy on National Peanut Brittle Day by picking up a few bars from a local store or even attempting to make some in the kitchen at home. Try out these ideas to get started:

Try Making Peanut Brittle at Home

For the most part, this delicious confection is pretty easy to make once you get the hang of it.

It can be a little fussy and it is necessary to pay attention, but there really are very few ingredients and it’s not super complicated. Plus, the results are absolutely amazing!

All that is really required to make peanut brittle is corn syrup, baking soda, water, a bit of butter, and peanuts. It’s best to avoid making it on a rainy day because the humidity will impact the results.

Learn Fun Facts About Peanut Brittle

Have a good time sharing various bits of trivia about peanut brittle. Get started with these fun pieces of information:

Thought to be one of the first types of candies that was ever made, “brittle” is a flat, sugary candy with a hardened texture.
Brittle is made with sugar and water, heated until it comes to around 340 F, or what is called the “hard crack stage”. The peanuts are then mixed in at the end of the process before spreading it out to cool.
The amount of humidity in the air significantly affects the results of peanut brittle. Too much moisture and it won’t keep its shape. This is probably the reason that peanut brittle is a treat that is made mostly in the winter months.
The first recipe for peanut brittle was published in an American cookbook, around the turn of the 19th century.

Just like most days dedicated to food, it’s more fun to celebrate National Peanut Brittle Day when there’s an opportunity to share!

Whether making it homemade or picking it up at a candy store, peanut brittle is an easy snack to pass around at the office or at a family gathering.

Make up some small packets of peanut brittle and bring delight to neighbors by making a little delivery to them. Or pass out peanut brittle to the various people in the local area, such as teachers, mail carriers, coworkers or bank tellers, aiming to make the world a slightly brighter place!

Get Creative with Peanut Brittle

Play around with recipes and add a distinctly personal touch to create a unique version of the classic brittle we all know and love.

Try out some of these ideas for unique versions of peanut brittle, or get crazy in the kitchen and come up with your own:

Chocolate Drizzle Peanut Brittle. Add some pizzazz to a basic recipe by drizzling melted chocolate over the top once it is cool. Choose dark, milk or even white chocolate for a unique touch. Add almond slices to create even more flavor and texture in the world of nuts.
Spicy Peanut Brittle. Channel those autumn vibes by adding some spicy goodness to the mix. Choose cinnamon, nutmeg and clove to complement well with peanuts. Add a little brown sugar to the recipe for a comfy-cosy flavor.
Peanut Java Brittle. Meld flavors and get a caffeine fix by mixing some coffee beans into the brittle along with the nuts.
Hot Chili Peanut Brittle. Give things a little kick by adding hot chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture at the end of the cooking process. It adds a fun and interesting flavor that brings depth to the standard recipe.

A word of warning, though – it isn’t always easy to create this level of perfection in your own home, as it requires all kinds of complicated temperature controls, so to save any disappointment, it might be a good idea to get a pre-made bar for back up. However you decide to spend this day, make sure you go nuts!

National Peanut Brittle Day FAQs

Did peanut brittle really start as a cooking mistake?

Some legends say peanut brittle was invented by accident in the late 1800s when a cook misread a recipe, mistaking baking soda for cream of tartar.

The result? A crunchy, bubbly treat. Others claim a Southern woman trying to make taffy-added peanuts as a last resort to save a failed batch.

While unconfirmed, these stories add charm to the candy’s history.

Why is brittle so popular in the Southern United States?

Brittle has roots in Southern U.S. cooking, where peanuts grow abundantly.

During the 19th century, families in this region used local ingredients to create sweets that would last. Adding peanuts to brittle became a clever way to make a tasty, durable treat in a warm climate.

Are there similar candies to peanut brittle in other countries?

Yes, many countries have their versions. In India, they enjoy “chikki,” a peanut and jaggery brittle.

In Mexico, “palanquetas” are made with peanuts or seeds, often sweetened with piloncillo. Each has its twist, but all share a love for crunch and sweetness.

Is peanut brittle hard to make in certain climates?

High humidity can ruin brittle by making it sticky or soggy. Many candy makers recommend dry winter days for the best results.

In tropical areas, people may even dehumidify rooms to get the perfect crunch.

What’s the strangest ingredient ever used in peanut brittle?

Some inventive cooks add spicy peppers, bacon bits, or even coffee grounds.

In recent years, chocolate-drizzled and cayenne-peppered brittle has gained a fan base for adding a punch to the classic sweet treat.

Are there any superstitions or beliefs tied to peanut brittle?

Some say peanut brittle brings prosperity. In certain parts of the U.S., sharing it on New Year’s is believed to bring good luck and sweeten relationships.

This tradition mirrors other cultures, where sharing sweets represents prosperity and friendship.

How do people make peanut brittle healthier?

Health-conscious cooks now use coconut sugar or honey instead of corn syrup and choose raw, unsalted peanuts. Some even add superfoods like chia seeds.

While not traditional, these changes offer a guilt-free way to enjoy the crunch.

What’s the largest peanut brittle ever made?

In 2011, volunteers in Bryant, Texas, broke records with a peanut brittle weighing over 2,500 pounds.

They used hundreds of pounds of ingredients to cook the massive treat, celebrating local pride and raising funds for charity.

Is there a peanut brittle-related phobia?

Sort of! People with arachibutyrophobia—a fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of their mouth—might avoid peanut brittle.

While mostly a phobia for peanut butter lovers, some extend it to peanut brittle due to its sticky remnants.

Why does baking soda make peanut brittle airy?

When mixed with hot syrup, baking soda releases carbon dioxide, creating bubbles that give brittle its signature airy crunch.

Without it, brittle would be rock-hard and tough to bite.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!

National Peanut Brittle Day

History of National Peanut Brittle Day