This Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe is the easiest you’ll ever make! It’s made with basic ingredients, is virtually foolproof and you get a perfectly crisp texture and an irresistibly nutty, caramel like flavor. The perfect holiday treat or homemade gift.
Peanut brittle tends to have a reputation as a dessert that’s “easy” to mess up, but this recipe is pretty fail proof. I love peanut brittle around the holidays, and this easy microwave peanut brittle takes the cake for simple and yummy! Candy recipes like this one and Christmas Crack are some of my favorite things to make around Christmas.
If you want a peanut brittle recipe that is classic and easy to follow, you’ll love this recipe. So put on your candy making hat, and get to cooking!
Why You’ll Love this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- This easy microwave peanut brittle only takes a total of 15 minutes to make! Everyone loves a quick and simple candy recipe.
- Learning how to make microwave peanut brittle will give you an extra dessert that won’t take up precious oven space during all of your holiday baking!
- Microwave peanut brittle lasts for a really long time, so it’s a great dessert to make ahead!
Ingredients for Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Unsalted Peanuts – I personally like unsalted peanuts so I can control the sweet n’ savory level of the peanut brittle. The salt level of salted peanuts can be overwhelming in peanut brittle.
- Vanilla – A little splash of vanilla helps elevate the flavor of this easy microwave peanut brittle.
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted, both will work great!
- Corn Syrup – This is what makes peanut brittle candy-like. It helps give a smooth texture and sweetens the peanut brittle.
- Sugar – When used this microwave peanut brittle recipe, the sugar caramelizes to create that sweet, crunchy, brittle.
- Baking Soda – Baking soda will help create the little air pockets and bubbles that microwave peanut brittle needs to stay light and crunchy.
Helpful Tools
How to make Microwave Peanut Brittle
Before making anything, be sure to grease a baking sheet thoroughly with butter. You’ll want this ready to go so you’re not rushing later when you’re ready to spread the microwave peanut brittle mixture out to set.
In your microwave safe glass bowl, mix together the corn syrup, sugar, salt and heat in the microwave for 3.5 minutes.
Stir in your unsalted peanuts and then microwave again until light brown. Then, stir in the butter and vanilla and microwave for another minute and a half.
Add the baking soda and stir it thoroughly and then quickly pour onto your butter baking sheet.
Let the peanut brittle set, and then break into pieces and serve!
How to Store Peanut Brittle
Store your microwave peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing in the fridge because any condensation could make the brittle chewy.
My peanut brittle got stuck to the baking sheet. What do I do?
If you find that your peanut brittle is getting stuck, you could try spreading it onto parchment paper or a buttered slip mat.
Why Is My Peanut Brittle Chewy?
You may end up with chewy peanut brittle if you did not cook the mixture long enough. If your peanut brittle is chewy after being stored, there is most likely excess moisture where you are storing it that has made it chewy.
How long does peanut brittle take to harden?
I like to let my microwave peanut brittle set for about 20-30 minutes before breaking it into pieces.
Pro Tips for the best Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Quickly rinse your glass bowl in warm, soapy, water to keep the remnants of your brittle mixture from sticking to the bowl.
- Change things up a bit by switching out peanuts for pecans, cashews, walnuts, or any other nut.
- If you find your peanut brittle to be too thick, use a bigger baking sheet or other surface to spread it out more and make it thinner.
I love this super simple, crowd favorite, classic. Three cheers for easy peanut brittle that is light and crispy and won’t break your tooth!
More Candy Recipes You’ll Love
- This Buckeye Candy recipe is super easy and so yummy!
- Need a super quick and festive candy recipe? Try these Sugared Cranberries!
- This Bunny Bait is a fun Easter candy!
- These Rolo Pretzels are a great simple dessert that you can adapt for year round festivities!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cup unsalted peanuts
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Butter a rimmed cookie sheet and set aside.
- In a glass bowl stir together sugar, syrup and salt in a glass safe bowl. Microwave for 3.5 minutes.
- Stir in the peanuts and microwave for an additional 3 minutes or until light brown.
- Stir in butter and vanilla and microwave an additional 1.5 minutes.
- Add baking soda and gently stir until light and foamy. Quickly pour mixture onto prepared cookie sheet. Gently rotate the pan to spread mixture until it's a 1/2'' thick.
- Let the peanut brittle cool until it's set. Break the candy into small pieces and store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Have your cookie sheet buttered before you make the peanut brittle because it sets up fast.
- You can also use parchment paper to pour your brittle onto.
- Wondering why we use baking soda? Baking soda makes the brittle tender by adding air bubbles, giving it a porous texture.
- To store this candy simply layer the brittle in an air tight container and place parchment or wax paper between the layers.
- Peanut Brittle will keep in an airtight container for up to two months so it’s a great make ahead candy.
- Switch things up and substitute the peanuts for cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans.
Cindy says
Would have been great but my microwave is a 1200 watt and according to your microwave times it tastes burnt. I guess I’ll have to adjust the times to cook it
Courtney says
Yes, please adjust as needed!
Diane Karr says
It was easy and delicious
Laurie says
I made this last night and it was so good that this morning there are only a few pieces left. Id like to blame it on the dog since were the only ones in the house, but she swears she didnt do it.
Courtney says
Haha oops! 🙂 Glad it was so good you couldn’t resist it!
Jenny says
Followed recipe exactly. Just a big mess and hard to clean bowl and utensils. Don’t bother with this one!
Jan Besser says
What is the easiest way to clean the glass bowl after making the brittle?
Curly says
I always fill the bowl with the hottest water from the tap. Let it sit for a bit. It will melt the brittle that is stuck to the bowl. I also pad my island countertop with old newspapers covered with buttered foil. This works better for me than using a cookie sheet pan.
Philippa says
I used baking parchment with a very light cooking oil spray. Came off well