How Long Does Peanut Brittle Last? [+Storage Tips]
Have you ever had your mouth watering at the sight of a piece of peanut brittle, only to find it’s gone soft and sticky? If so, you know that even the best peanut brittle doesn’t necessarily last forever. Unfortunately, I have come to learn this the harder way. Also, how long it stays fresh depends on how you store it. So, how long does peanut brittle last?
Peanut brittle could last from a week to six months, depending on how you store it. At room temperature, it will last about a week; in the fridge, it could last up to two weeks, while the freezer will keep its freshness for up to six months!
Let’s start with the basics. How long should your homemade peanut brittle last, and what’s the best way to store it to keep it crunchy and delicious? In this article, I’ll help answer your questions with my favorite tried-and-true peanut brittle storage tips. We’ll look at several storing options plus, I have some tricks to help keep your candy from getting too sticky. Read on for all the storage tips you need to make the most of homemade treats!
How Long Will Homemade Peanut Brittle Stay Fresh?
Peanut brittle can last a lot longer than you think when stored properly! Whether in the pantry, fridge, or freezer, following these guidelines can ensure your brittle stays fresh for days, weeks, or even months.
I’m sure you’ve encountered the frustration of a homemade treat going bad before you can finish it – that’s why it’s essential to understand the types of storage for your peanut brittle. Different approaches can be used depending on how long you want to store it.
For short-term storage, keep your peanut brittle at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about a week in an airtight container like a glass jar or Tupperware.
Keep your peanut brittle in the fridge for mid-term storage (up to two weeks). This will provide the best environment for keeping it fresh and avoiding potential over-softening.
Finally, if you’re looking to store your candy for an extended period of time, place it in the freezer. When done correctly and kept in an airtight container, homemade peanut brittle can last up to six months in the freezer!
Remember that proper storage and maintenance practices are essential – no matter which approaches you choose, small things like wiping away condensation and ensuring airtight containment will make all the difference in keeping your peanut brittle fresh!
So don’t hesitate to make a big batch of this classic treat and enjoy it whenever you like, knowing it’ll stay just as delicious as the day you’ve made it.
Storing Peanut Brittle at Room Temperature
Storing peanut brittle at room temperature may seem like the simplest choice, but it comes with its drawbacks. If stored in a warm or humid location, moisture can potentially build up on the surface of the brittle and cause it to become sticky or even lead to mold growth.
To prevent this, opt for an airtight container to store your dessert in, away from direct heat and sunlight. If refrigerating the brittle is not an option, ensure the room it’s stored in is cool and dry.
That said, when stored correctly at room temperature up to two weeks after being made, homemade peanut brittle should stay fresh and crunchy. To be safe and avoid contamination, I recommend using your peanut masterpiece within one week of making it whenever possible if stored at room temperature.
Storing Peanut Brittle in the Fridge
If you would like to further extend the shelf-life of your homemade peanut brittle, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
To do this, ensure the brittle is sealed in an airtight container before putting it in the fridge. The cool air of the fridge will prevent bacteria and mold from forming and will keep your brittle fresh for longer.
The downside of storing in the fridge is that it can cause the peanut brittle to get soft or sticky. To compensate, I usually take out my candy just before serving so that it can warm up to room temperature. This will restore its crunchy texture, allowing your guests to enjoy delicious freshly-made peanut brittle!
Storing Peanut Brittle in the Freezer
If you’ve got more peanut brittle than you know what to do with and want it to stay fresh for as long as possible, then pop it in the freezer. Wrapping it up in a freezer-safe container or bag will help it maintain its shape and keep it from drying out.
Storing it in the freezer can easily extend its shelf life for up to six months without losing any of its taste or texture.
However, be warned that if your storage conditions include changes in temperature, such as taking the peanut brittle out of the freezer and then putting it back again, that will reduce the shelf life of your treat significantly. You should always bring this dessert back to room temperature before eating it.
How to Keep Peanut Brittle From Getting Sticky?
If you’re wondering how to keep your peanut brittle from getting sticky and soft, the answer is to store it correctly. No matter if you’ve made it yourself or purchased a tin, peanut brittle will last longer if stored in the right way.
Firstly, to keep your brittle from getting sticky, you must create the right environment: sealed, airtight containers and keep temperatures low.
If you plan on eating the whole batch within a week of making it or buying it, then storing it at room temperature is best. To avoid them getting sticky, you need to wrap your homemade peanut brittle in cling film or parchment paper and place it in an airtight container for optimal freshness, especially if it is chocolate-covered.
If you are storing them in the fridge, you should also wrap the individual pieces of peanut brittle with wax paper and store them inside an airtight plastic container for up to two weeks. The same goes for the freezer option!
However, you should avoid opportunities for moisture because humidity is one of the biggest enemies of any candy!
Lastly, the ingredients you use also significantly affect whether your peanut brittle will be sticky.
Not only should you add enough corn syrup (according to the recipe), but you should also use oil or butter to coat the bowl before adding the syrup. The insufficient amount of syrup will also lead to sticky peanut brittles.
In addition, baking soda can also reduce stickiness. Just add a tablespoon to one cup of sugar syrup, and it will make numerous bubbles that will make your brittle crispy once they harden up.
