Easy, delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe ready in 10 minutes! Enjoy for the holidays or give as a gift.
Yes. Peanut Brittle in the microwave.
My mom makes this every year at Christmas. Then it occurred to me, it’s the perfect holiday candy. No stove top. No oven. And, no big mess. Just one bowl in the microwave! Ready in ten minutes!
I love going to candy shops on vacation and trying the homemade brittle recipes and fudge flavors. Today’s recipe for The Best Microwave Peanut Brittle is just as good as any fancy candy shop!
Rich, golden brown peanut brittle is the perfect sweet and salty treat!
How to make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
Start by laying a piece of parchment paper over a large baking sheet. Set this aside.
In a large glass bowl, that is safe for the microwave, add sugar and corn syrup. Microwave (on power level 7) for 4 minutes. (my microwave is 1500 watt)
Remove bowl (with hot pads) and stir in peanuts using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Return to the microwave and cook an additional 3 1/2 minutes on power level 7.
Remove (with hot pads) and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Return to microwave and cook an additional 1 1/2 minutes on power level 7.
Remove (with hot pads) and stir in vanilla and baking soda. Mix until light and foamy and immediately pour over parchment paper and spread to desired thickness, working quickly.
Allow peanut brittle to set and harden at room temperature (about 2 hours). Break into pieces and enjoy.
Tips and Tricks
The bowl gets very hot. You’ll see I recommend using hot pads. Learn from my mistake and always use them.
I use dry roasted, lightly salted peanuts (no skins). You can also try switching it up and make this Cashew Brittle too.
Finally, clean up. The brittle hardens in the glass bowl very quickly. Fill with HOT water and allow to soak until you can scrub it off.
Make Peanut Brittle on the Stove Top
Yes, you can also make this on the stove top if you prefer.
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper like above.
Using a heavy 2 quart saucepan over high heat, bring to a boil the sugar, corn syrup, and add 1/4 cup water.
Stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture is boiling. Reduce heat to medium.
Stir in peanuts. Set a candy thermometer in place, and continue cooking until temperature reaches 300 degrees F (or until a small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water separates into hard and brittle threads.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in butter, vanilla, and baking soda. Pour onto baking sheet and spread to desired thickness. Break into pieces when completely cooled.
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Rich, decadent, copycat Fannie May Fudge. It’s the perfect chocolate fudge recipe for any time of year, no candy thermometer needed!
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Microwave Peanut Brittle
Easy, delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe ready in 10 minutes! Enjoy for the holidays or give as a gift.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup peanuts, dry roasted, salted
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Lay a piece of parchment paper over a large cookie sheet. Set aside.
- Combine sugar and corn syrup in a 2qt. glass bowl. Microwave (on power level 7) for 4 minutes. {I use a 1500watt microwave}
- Remove and stir in peanuts quickly using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Return to microwave and heat for 3 ½ minutes (on power level 7).
- Remove and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Return to microwave for an additional 1 ½ minutes (on power level 7).
- Remove and stir in baking soda, mixing until light and foamy. Pour over parchment paper and spread to desired thickness, working quickly.
- Allow peanut brittle to set and harden at room temperature (about 2 hours). Break into desired sized pieces and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Is power level 7 the same as high or 100% power?
Aimee I was just wondering, you say power level 7 on your 1500 watt microwave. Would that be the same for a 1200 watt?
I live in the South, humidity makes a huge difference with any brittles. Ideally this peanut brittle works best on the lowest day of humidity. Don’t try if it is raining or recently rained, it will be “sticky” and chewy not “crisp”. I was raised in the West, never had this problem, even experienced cooks have to learn about weather and how it effects everything.
I have an older microwave and I am not sure of the wattage. It also doesn’t have the option of setting a power level. What would you suggest for timing?
I was making peanut brittle and dropped my eyeglasses in the boiler. How can I get the sticky hardened candy off my glasses?
Can’t wait to make this! It looks so easy and delicious! Thanks!!
That is awesome! I’ll have to try this out. 🙂
Oh this is so great! I love peanut brittle 🙂
Great idea! Peanut Brittle is something I’ve never bothered to try making, assuming that it would be too much effort. But now I have no excuse!
This sounds so easy and yummy! Definitely going on my to-do list! Thanks Aimee : )
Liz