Peanut Drops Recipe

This Jamaican Peanut Drops recipe yields nutty, chewy mounds of caramelized peanuts for the perfect anytime treat! They’re simple, sweet and totally irresistible so whip them up when you want a delicious indulgence for the whole family to enjoy.

For more delicious Jamaican snacks, try Jamaican Coconut Drops, Peanut Punch and Jamaican Banana Fritters.

Jamaican Peanut Drops

Satiate your sweet tooth with Jamaican peanut drops. When I’m craving something sweet, they are at the top of my list. They’re easy to make from scratch and super addictive so the batch is bound to disappear.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Peanut Drops Recipe

• Perfect Anytime Treat: If you have the munchies, this is the perfect snack no matter the time or place. They don’t need to be refrigerated so you can enjoy them on the go.
• Absolutely Delicious: Their chewy texture, gooey, caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts make them delectable.
• Easy Prep: This takes about 30 minutes of hands-on preparation with no baking required! Plus they’re made with simple ingredients already stocked in your kitchen.

What are Peanut Drops?

Peanut drops, sometimes referred to as peanut cake, are a popular Jamaican snack made of roasted peanuts, ginger, and sugar. It’s cooked until caramelized then “dropped” onto a surface in mounds to cool down. They are often sold by street vendors. Traditional peanut drops are dropped on banana leaves.

What’s the Difference Between Peanut Drops and Peanut Brittle?

Although peanut drops look similar to peanut brittle, there are subtle differences.

• Texture: Peanut drops are soft and chewy, whereas peanut brittle is hard and crunchy.
• Ingredients: Drops include ginger and other spices but brittle has a more straightforward peanut flavour, with fewer ingredients.
• Shape: Drops are mounds of candy and brittle are flat, jagged pieces.

What’s Needed to Make This Recipe (Kitchen Tools and Equipment)

• Heavy-Bottomed Dutchpot or Saucepan: For cooking the sugar and peanuts mixture.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Use to stir the mixture continuously as it cooks.
• Baking Sheet or Tray: Use to pour and shape the peanut drops.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: You need these for accurate measurement of ingredients.

Ingredients and Ingredient Notes

• Peanuts: Use shelled, roasted peanuts because they have so much more flavour than raw peanuts. Be sure to remove the skin too.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar has a rich, caramel-like flavour with a subtle hint of molasses. It is slightly more moist than white sugar due to the presence of molasses, which also gives it a darker colour.
• Water: The liquid base for the candy mixture.
• Ginger: Grated ginger has a fresh, spicy taste.
• Vanilla: Nearly every dessert tastes better with a touch of vanilla.
• Cinnamon: This adds warm depth to the peanut drops recipe.
• Pinch of Salt: This balances out the sweetness.

How to Make Peanut Drops

1. Prepare a baking sheet or tray by lining with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set aside.
2. Over medium high heat in a large, heavy-bottomed dutch pot (saucepan), combine the water, sugar, ginger and peanuts. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to boil.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes until it starts to thicken, add the vanilla and cinnamon (if using), then reduce heat to medium and continue stirring until liquid is reduced to a thick syrup consistency and peanuts are coated in caramelized sugar.
4. Reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting to keep warm. Using 2 spoons, scoop the mixture and place “drop” it onto prepared baking sheet or tray. Allow to cool and harden, then enjoy!

Recipe Substitutions and Tips

• Spices: Use more or less cinnamon and ginger, depending on how strong you want the flavours to be. You can omit the cinnamon if you prefer and use nutmeg instead.
• Nuts: Try almonds, cashews or pecans as an alternative to peanuts.
• Sweeteners: Some recipes use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar. I haven’t tried either of those ingredients but taste and texture may vary.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Enjoy Jamaican peanut drops with hot beverage like Caribbean Chocolate Tea (Cocoa Tea) or Honey Ginger Tea.

Recipe Notes and Tips for Success

• Be patient when making peanut drops. Don’t cook on high heat because you will burn the sugar and have to start all over. Instead, allow the mixture to slowly come to a simmer.
• If your drops seem too loose, the mixture wasn’t cooked long enough for the liquid to evaporate.
• Work quickly once you remove the mixture from direct heat. You don’t want it to cool when you’re not done dropping them because it will be difficult to transfer it from the pan to a baking sheet.
• Your “drops” don’t have to be perfect or uniform. They’ll still taste amazing!

Can I Make Jamaican Peanut Drops Ahead of Time?

Yes. These last up to 2 weeks when properly stored at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover peanut drops in an airtight container at room temperature and consume them within 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interested in more Jamaican Dessert Recipes? Check These Out!

• Jamaican Busta Candy
• Jamaican Coconut Drops
• Peanut Punch
• Peanut Porridge
• No Bake Vanilla Protein Balls
• Gizzada
• Jamaican Coconut Drops
• Grater Cake
• Jamaican Easter Bun
• Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
• Bulla Cake

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