This recipe delivers classic peanut brittle with its signature snap, all made in the microwave. It’s a simple way to make homemade candy without a stove or a candy thermometer. The whole cooking process takes less than 10 minutes.
Since it comes together so fast, it’s a great recipe for a last-minute sweet treat or a homemade holiday gift. Just be sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready before you begin, as the final steps move quickly.
Why is Microwave Peanut Brittle a Must-Try?
No candy thermometer needed. The timed microwave steps cook the sugar to the right temperature without any special equipment.
The cooking is very fast. The entire process is done in about 8 minutes, which is much quicker than most stovetop methods.
Cleanup is simple. Using one bowl for mixing and cooking means you have fewer dishes to wash at the end.
Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Brittle
• Light Corn Syrup: This is key to preventing the sugar from crystallizing, which ensures a smooth, hard candy texture.
• Peanuts: Salted cocktail peanuts add a nice flavor contrast to the sweet candy. You can also use raw or unsalted peanuts.
• Baking Soda: This reacts with the hot sugar to create tiny air bubbles, giving the brittle its light, airy, and crunchy texture.
• Butter: A small amount adds richness and flavor to the finished brittle. Unsalted is used here, but salted works too.
Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Sugar Base
First, get your baking sheet ready so you can pour the candy immediately when it’s done. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, mix the sugar and corn syrup and microwave it for the first heating stage until bubbly.
Step 2: Add Peanuts and Continue Cooking
Next, stir the peanuts into the hot sugar syrup. This step toasts the nuts and continues cooking the sugar. Two more short trips to the microwave will get the mixture to the right color and temperature.
Step 3: Finish and Pour
The final steps happen very quickly. Stir in the butter and vanilla, then give it one last minute in the microwave. Immediately add the baking soda, which will make the mixture foam. Pour it onto your prepared sheet and let it cool completely.
What to Serve with Microwave Peanut Brittle
Peanut brittle is great on its own as a snack or dessert. It’s also a nice treat to serve with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
Expert Tips for Microwave Peanut Brittle
The bowl and sugar mixture will be extremely hot. Always use oven mitts and handle with care.
Work very quickly after adding the baking soda. The brittle begins to set almost immediately.
Microwave wattages vary. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly. Watch for a light amber color before adding the baking soda.
Use a large bowl, as the mixture will bubble up significantly during cooking and again when you add the baking soda.
How to Store and Freeze Microwave Peanut Brittle
Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate, as the moisture can make it sticky. Freezing is not recommended.
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe FAQs
Why didn’t my peanut brittle get hard?
The sugar mixture was likely undercooked. Microwave wattages vary, so your brittle might need another 30-60 seconds of cooking time. The syrup should be a light amber color before you add the baking soda.
Can I use other nuts besides peanuts?
Yes, this recipe works well with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews. Use the same quantity and ensure they are chopped or whole as you prefer.
My brittle tastes burnt. What went wrong?
This happens when the sugar is overcooked. Keep a close eye on the color during the final cooking stages. You are looking for a golden amber, not a dark brown. If you notice it getting too dark, stop cooking immediately.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200g
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup 120ml
- 1 cup salted cocktail peanuts 145g
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. You can also use foil lightly greased with oil.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl (at least 2 quarts), stir together the sugar and corn syrup until combined.
- Microwave on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will be bubbly.
- Carefully remove the bowl using oven mitts. Stir in the peanuts. Microwave on high for another 3 minutes.
- Remove the bowl again. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 1 final minute. The mixture should be a light amber color.
- Quickly remove the bowl and stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up immediately.
- Working very fast, pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it into a thin layer with a heat-safe spatula.
- Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or until it is hard and firm to the touch.
- Once cooled and hardened, break the brittle into pieces with your hands.
Notes
