Microwave Peanut Brittle
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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.
Debra says
OMG!!! This turned out really well thank you very much for this recipe my husband enjoyed it, and so did I. Next time I will make it cashew brittle
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed it! Cashew brittle sounds awesome too!
Debra says
I have never left a comment to anyone before and I have to tell you that I made the microwave peanut brittle I’m not much of a cook or a baker for that matter I wish I would have Grease the ball first it turned out okay I guess it’s cooling right now that looks awesome. Thank you Julie and have a very Merry Christmas ?
Linda says
I’ve been making microwave peanut brittle for about 40 years and it’s always the most popular Christmas treat for family, neighbors and friends. In fact, I don’t think my family would forgive me if I didn’t make it! My recipe is pretty similar to yours and I make it in a production line to get all 10 lbs made every year. I have to agree with you, it is the best!
Julie Evink says
WOW that’s awesome! Love that you have a “production line”!
Beth says
Wow – I have never made peanut brittle but I would totally do it like this – what a great technique. Thank you!
Julie Evink says
It’s so easy and turns out delicious!
Kelly says
This was quick and easy! I tried 4 times to make peanut brittle the old fashion way all ended up like taffy. One try with this recipe and I made peanut brittle…
Julie Evink says
I’m scared to try it the other way because of this! So glad this worked!
Kellie Martin says
Any trickster to cleaning the bowl afterwards?
Julie Evink says
Spray it with a non-stick spray first!
Beth says
How many watts is your microwave? Mine is 1200, so I don’t want to over cook this. Thanks!
Bonnie Swendener says
Was wondering the same thing!
Amber says
Hello, is it possible to make just a half batch? Would you need to reduced cooking time?
Thanks
Julie Evink says
Yes you would need to reduce cooking time but this recipe doesn’t make a ton!
Bethany says
How much do you reduce cooking time? I tried to make a half batch and it burned in the first round I’d microwaving.
Julie Evink says
Reduce the cooking time when? I always make a full batch.
Kim says
This will be a nice addition to the fudge, cookies and bars I make at Christmas. Thanks for the super easy recipe!
Gal B says
Your peanut brittle recipe looks so easy to make and yoummy. Thanks for the recipe, as I love peanut brittle. I always enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for the chance to win your great give-a-way!
Julie Evink says
Thanks so much Gal!
Carolyn says
This is great, every year I make peanut brittle on the stove. It takes a long time to do. Made this in the microwave and it was simple and taste great. Be careful it gets really hot and hard to handle the hot bowl and pour the ing. onto the buttered baking sheet. But in conclusion, if you like peanut brittle go for it you will love it. Will be making again for the holidays.
Julie Evink says
Yes the bowl is super hot! But it’s so easy and delicious!! So glad you enjoyed it!
Suzy says
My current peanut brittle recipe uses raw peanuts. It is cooked on the stovetop with a candy thermometer. Does your recipe use raw or roasted peanuts? Thanks!
Julie Evink says
I use dry roasted peanuts!
Susan says
No recipe -just a photo!
Julie Evink says
Sorry it’s there now!
PEGGY TAYLOR says
Can not get the recipes to come up.
Julie Evink says
Sorry it’s there now!
Barb says
i love peanut brittle, but when i get to the actual recipe page, it only has the words “ingredients” and “instructions” – we’ve tried 3 different computers with the same results – help please!
Julie Evink says
Sorry it’s there now!