Creamy Crunchy Peanut Brittle (Pé de Moleque): A Brazilian Delight

Creamy Crunchy Peanut Brittle (Pé de Moleque): A Brazilian delight, this is a traditional Brazilian sweet loved for its crunchy texture and sweet caramelized-peanut flavor. Over the years, many variations of this treat have been created, including the version that combines the crunch of caramel with the creaminess of condensed milk, resulting in the irresistible creamy crunchy peanut brittle. In this article, we explore every detail for preparing this delight, from choosing the ingredients to tips for guaranteeing the perfect texture. Get ready to discover how to make a creamy crunchy peanut brittle that will enchant everyone!

Ingredients

To prepare creamy crunchy peanut brittle, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb plus 1.5 oz (500 g) of roasted, skinless peanuts
• 1 can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 pinch of salt

Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Toast the Peanuts: If the peanuts are not toasted, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and aromatic.
2. Grease the Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper to make unmolding the peanut brittle easier.

Step 2: Making the Caramel

1. Melt the Sugar: In a large saucepan, add the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and starts to caramelize.
2. Add the Peanuts: When the caramel is amber-colored, add the toasted peanuts and stir well so all the peanuts get coated in caramel.
3. Stir in the Condensed Milk: Reduce the heat and add the condensed milk, stirring constantly so it does not stick to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Finishing

1. Add the Butter and Baking Soda: Add the butter and baking soda. Stir quickly. The baking soda will make the mixture airy and easier to chew.
2. Spread on the Baking Sheet: Pour the mixture onto the greased baking sheet and spread it evenly. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
3. Let It Cool: Let the peanut brittle cool completely before cutting it into pieces. This can take about 1 hour.

Step 4: Cutting and Serving

1. Cut into Pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the peanut brittle into squares or rectangles.
2. Storage: Store the peanut brittle pieces in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.

Tips for Perfect Peanut Brittle

• Caramel Temperature: Watch the color of the caramel. It should be golden, but be careful not to burn it, as that can leave a bitter taste.
• Stir Constantly: After adding the condensed milk, stir continuously so the mixture does not burn.
• Even Thickness: When spreading the mixture on the baking sheet, try to keep an even thickness so all the pieces have the same texture.

Yield and Prep Time

• Yield: About 25 pieces
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Crunchy Peanut Brittle

Although creamy crunchy peanut brittle is a candy, it contains some nutrients from peanuts, which are a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. However, due to its high sugar and calorie content, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Nutrition Facts

Below is the nutrition facts table for one serving of creamy crunchy peanut brittle (about 1 oz / 30 g per piece):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 oz / 30 g)
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	20 g
Protein	3 g
Total Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sodium	50 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Iron	0.5 mg

History and Fun Facts About Pé de Moleque

Pé de moleque is a traditional Brazilian sweet with origins in the colonial period. The name “pé de moleque” has several popular explanations: one is that, long ago, the candy was made in the streets and sold by moleques (boys) who stamped their feet on the ground to get customers’ attention. Another version suggests the candy has a texture reminiscent of the old stone-paved streets, known as “pé de moleque”.

Whatever its origin, pé de moleque has become a symbol of June festivals (festas juninas) and a sweet enjoyed all over Brazil. Its traditional recipe, made with only sugar and peanuts, has evolved over the years, incorporating new ingredients and techniques, such as using condensed milk to create a creamier, more irresistible version.

Recipe Variations

The pé de moleque recipe can be adapted in many ways to create new versions and flavors. Here are some variation ideas:

• Chocolate Peanut Brittle: Add melted chocolate to the peanut-and-caramel mixture for an even more indulgent version.
• Coconut Peanut Brittle: Add shredded coconut to the recipe for a tropical touch.
• Vegan Peanut Brittle: Replace the condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and the butter with coconut oil for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy crunchy peanut brittle is delicious on its own, but it can be served in several ways to complement other desserts or as an accompaniment:

• With Ice Cream: Serve pieces of peanut brittle with a scoop of cream or vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
• With Coffee: Serve with a cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
• At June Festivals: Include peanut brittle on candy tables at June festivals alongside other traditional treats.

Conclusion

Creamy crunchy peanut brittle is a true delight that combines the best of Brazilian flavors. Its unique texture and irresistible flavor make it a perfect sweet for any occasion. By following this recipe, you can prepare a peanut brittle that will surely be a hit with your friends and family.

We hope you enjoyed this complete guide on how to make creamy crunchy peanut brittle. Try making this recipe at home and share this delicious Brazilian tradition with those you love. Enjoy! Making creamy crunchy peanut brittle is a wonderful way to enjoy a traditional Brazilian sweet. With the perfect combination of crunch and creaminess, this candy is a great option for parties, celebrations, or simply savoring at home. Follow this step-by-step recipe to guarantee a delicious result and enchant everyone with this classic treat.

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