Name: Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white sugar; ½ cup light corn syrup; 1 ½ cups peanuts (raw or salted, to your preference); 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle

Craving crunchy, peanut-y perfection? Look no further than this Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe!

This irresistible treat delivers all the classic brittle satisfaction without the fuss of traditional stovetop methods. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or whipping up a last-minute gift.

With only a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe is ideal for beginner candy makers and busy kitchens alike. So ditch the complicated candy thermometers and get ready to fall in love with the effortless magic of microwave peanut brittle!

Questions I get asked about this recipe:

Q: Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?

A: Yes, you can use roasted peanuts in this recipe. However, keep in mind that they may already be salted, so you might need to adjust the amount of salt added to the recipe or omit it altogether.

Q: My peanut brittle didn’t turn golden brown, what went wrong?

A: There are a few possibilities:

Microwaving power: Microwave power can vary, so it might take slightly longer or shorter depending on your specific microwave. Keep an eye on the mixture and adjust the cooking time in 30-second increments if needed.
Not stirring enough: Regularly stirring the mixture helps ensure even cooking and prevents burning.
Starting temperature: If the sugar and corn syrup mixture weren’t fully dissolved before adding the peanuts, it might take longer to caramelize.

Q: The brittle is too hard, how can I soften it?

A: Unfortunately, once the brittle cools and hardens, it’s difficult to soften it without completely remaking it. However, you can try breaking it into smaller pieces to make it more manageable to eat.

Q: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Once the peanut mixture is golden brown and removed from the microwave, you can stir in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other desired mix-ins.

Q: How long does the peanut brittle stay fresh?

A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, peanut brittle can last for up to a week.

What you need to make easy microwave peanut brittle:

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar

½ cup light corn syrup

1 ½ cups peanuts (raw or salted, to your preference)

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

How to make it:

Instructions:

Prepare the baking sheet: Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or nonstick cooking spray.

Combine sugar and corn syrup: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup.

Microwave the sugar mixture: Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes, stopping halfway to stir the mixture. The sugar will dissolve and start to boil.

Add peanuts and butter: Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the peanuts and butter. Be cautious, as the mixture will be hot.

Cook until golden brown: Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on high for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture turns a deep golden brown caramel color. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Add vanilla and baking soda: Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, quickly add the baking soda and stir until the mixture becomes foamy.

Spread and cool: Immediately pour the hot candy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out thinly with a greased spatula or spoon. Work quickly because the candy hardens fast.

Let it set: Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely on the baking sheet, which can take about 30 minutes.

Break and enjoy: Once cool and hardened, break the peanut brittle into pieces and enjoy!

Tips:

Be careful when handling hot ingredients and the hot candy mixture.

If the candy seems too thick after adding the peanuts, you can add a tablespoon of water and microwave for an additional 30 seconds, stirring halfway through.

For a richer flavor, you can substitute brown sugar for half of the white sugar.

Store leftover peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Safety note: Making candy involves using high heat. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use caution when handling hot ingredients and equipment.

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