You'll be amazed how quick this easy Microwave Peanut Brittle comes together! Seriously, it takes only 10-minutes to make this deliciously crunchy, buttery and nutty brittle with no candy thermometer!!!
I initially thought this would be an all-day event, I was pleasantly surprised how quick and easy canding-making can be! This makes a lovely hostess gift, too!
You'll love this recipe!
- Silly Simple - I mean, all you do is mix some stuff, microwave; add peanuts; microwave; add butter and vanilla; microwave...there's really no cooking to it!
- The hardest part of making this easy microwave peanut brittle is cleaning the darn bowl! The mixture hardens really fast...I recommend you spray oil in it first.
- Light texture - this brittle is light and nutty; you will not break a tooth eating it
- Perfect hostess gift - going to a holiday gathering? Make up a batch for your hostess!
Here's what you'll need:
Other than the ingredients shown below, I strongly urge you to use a large, microwave-safe glass mixing bowl, preferably one with a handle and pour spout. It gets super hot, so you'll need a rubber oven mit or one that's really thick.
You can use roasted salted peanuts or Spanish peanuts, also known as redskin peanuts...I use a combination of both. Some folks like to roast their peanuts first, but this is not necessary if they're already roasted.
If you use raw peanuts, you'll want to roast them. Just place them on a dry baking sheet in a 300ºF oven for about 8-10 minutes.
A note about microwaves:
Just like stove tops and ovens, everyone's microwave runs differently. This recipe was made in a 1600watt microwave. If yours is older or has less wattage, you may need to increase cook times.
Here's how to make it:
The picture below is what it looks like when you add the baking soda--it swells up and bubbles.....quickly pour the peanut brittle batter onto prepared baking sheet......
Tilt pan to let mixture spread and thin. (Do not use a spatula or spoon to spread it. Trust me on this.)
Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30-minutes.
When cool, remove from pan, break into smaller pieces and enjoy!
Tips for making the best microwave peanut brittle:
Start with a large glass mixing bowl, preferably with a handle and pour spout
When you add the baking soda, the mixture will swell up (that's why you need to start with a big one)...spray it with a little oil first...this will help
Make sure you have some heavy duty (rubber is recommended) pot holders or oven mits.
Use fresh baking soda. The baking soda is what keeps the peanut brittle from becoming too dense...you'll crack a tooth if you don't use fresh baking soda:)
Storage:
Keep your microwave peanut brittle in a dry container at room temperature.
Related recipes:
- Homemade Marshmallows
- Texas Pecan Bars
- Classic Cheddar Wafers
- Holiday Sausage Balls
- Louisiana Crab Puffs
If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you! Thank you!
Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
Equipment
- Microwave, parchment paper (not required, but helpful)
- Glass mixing bowl with handle and pour spout (microwave safe; spout and handle because it gets super hot)
- Oven mits (bowl gets really hot)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar , granulated
- ½ cup corn syrup , light (not dark)
- 1¾ cups peanuts , roasted and salted
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prep baking sheet with parchment or silicone baking mat (if you don't have either, spray oil or butter a baking pan); set aside
- In a large microwave-safe containerl, combine sugar and corn syrup; cook in microwave on high for 3-4 minutes; remove (it's HOT)
- Add peanuts; microwave 3-4 minutes until the mixture is golden brown; remove
- Add butter and vanilla; microwave 1-2 minutes; remove
- Add baking soda and combine; pour mixture onto prepared baking dish
- Tilt pan to spread out the peanut brittle into a thin coat
- Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes
- Remove from baking pan and break into small pieces
Notes
- Oil or butter a baking pan first; you can also use a silicone baking mat or oiled parchment paper
- This recipe was made in a 1600 watt microwave- using the HIGH setting.
- Just like stove tops and ovens, everyone's microwave runs differently. If yours is older or has less wattage, you may need to increase cook times or reduce the power level.
- After you add the peanuts and put the bowl back into the microwave, keep an eye on it! The recommended time is 3-4 minutes on high, but if the mixture starts to turn really brown or you smell roasted peanuts, take it out!
- Once you add the baking soda, the mixture will swell. At this point, you're gonna need to work quickly...stir the mixture quickly and immediately pour it onto a prepared baking sheet
Trish H says
I can’t find raw peanuts this year so I needed to use the canned Spanish peanuts. I tried this recipe on a wet snowy day and it turned out perfect. With raw peanuts I microwave them with the sugar, syrup and salt for 4 minutes, stir and microwave another 4 minutes. Add the butter and vanilla microwave another minute then add the baking soda. Your recipes tastes better than my raw peanut recipe. Thank you!!
Anecia says
Hey Trish! Thank you so much for your comments! I couldn't find raw peanuts, either:) I like this easy microwave peanut brittle because it doesn't crack your teeth and it's not too sweet! Happy Holidays and thank you!