There’s something pure and nostalgic about making a batch of homemade candy, and Microwave Peanut Brittle is the absolute champion when you’re craving a sweet, nutty crunch with zero fuss. Imagine all the classic flavor and crispiness of traditional peanut brittle, but with no candy thermometer, stovetop stirring, or fancy equipment required. Just a handful of staple ingredients, a trusty microwave, and a half-hour later you have a stunning golden treat perfect for snacking, gifting, or holiday trays. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen magician!

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Microwave Peanut Brittle relies on a short list of pantry basics, each one essential to the final snap, flavor, and shine of the candy. Every ingredient has its role, so don’t skip or substitute if you want that signature result!

Granulated sugar: The heart of the brittle, sugar provides sweetness and the beautiful golden glassy texture once melted.
Light corn syrup: This acts as a gentle binder, helping prevent crystallization for that glossy finish and smooth crunch.
Roasted salted peanuts: These bring bold peanut flavor and a perfect savory note that balances all the sweetness. Salted is best for flavor contrast.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the brittle harden with a little extra snap. It also adds shine!
Vanilla extract: Just a dash creates irresistible aroma and rounds out the candy’s overall character. Don’t skip it.
Baking soda: The magic secret! This creates millions of tiny bubbles for a delicate, tender crunch rather than jaw-breaking hardness.

How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your brittle will release easily later. Set it close to your microwave, because you’ll need to move quickly once the mixture is done.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Corn Syrup

In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and corn syrup until evenly combined. This base will turn into your “glass” brittle, so make sure to use a bowl big enough to allow for bubbling and foaming in later steps.

Step 3: Microwave the Base

Microwave the bowl on high for 4 minutes. The mixture will begin to bubble and look slightly transparent. Handle carefully with oven mitts, as the bowl and syrup will be extremely hot already!

Step 4: Add the Peanuts

Stir in your roasted salted peanuts. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture turns a gorgeous light golden color and smells wonderfully nutty. This is when the peanuts toast just a bit more in the molten sugar.

Step 5: Stir in Butter and Vanilla

Add unsalted butter and vanilla extract, mixing well. Pop the bowl back into the microwave for one more minute. The butter will melt and the flavors meld beautifully, ensuring a crisp yet buttery finish to your peanut brittle.

Step 6: The Baking Soda Magic

Here’s where the real chemistry happens! Quickly and carefully stir in the baking soda until fully dissolved. The mixture will foam up dramatically—it’s supposed to! This creates those tiny bubbles that make Microwave Peanut Brittle so airy and crisp.

Step 7: Spread and Cool

Immediately pour the foaming brittle mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Use a greased spatula to spread it out evenly, working quickly before it sets. Let it cool completely (about 30 minutes) at room temperature until it’s hard and ready to shatter.

Step 8: Break and Enjoy!

Once set, break your brittle into satisfyingly jagged pieces and get ready to crunch. Share your batch, gift it, or keep it all to yourself—no judgment!

How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle

Garnishes

While classic Microwave Peanut Brittle is perfect as-is, a light shower of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of dark chocolate over the top just before it cools can take this treat to the next level. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts or chopped candied ginger can also add visual flair and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

Brittle is a joy because it needs little accompaniment, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or as a crunchy topping for creamy yogurt. Serve it alongside fresh fruit, coffee, or a mug of hot cocoa for a fun contrast of hot, cold, and crispy textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap pieces of brittle in parchment, tie with twine and tuck into jars or boxes for adorable edible gifts. For parties, arrange shards upright in a glass for a showstopping candy bouquet. Crumble and sprinkle Microwave Peanut Brittle over cupcakes, sundaes, or blend into homemade ice cream for added crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Microwave Peanut Brittle snappy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Humidity is its enemy, so make sure the lid is tight, and it’ll stay fresh and crunchy for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can cause the brittle to turn sticky.

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Microwave Peanut Brittle. Wrap pieces tightly in wax or parchment paper, place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and it will taste as crunchy as the day you made it!

Reheating

If your brittle does absorb a little moisture and loses its crunch, spread the pieces out on a baking sheet and pop them in a 250°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Let the brittle cool completely before enjoying—it’ll crisp right back up.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Try using cashews, almonds, or pistachios (roasted and salted for best results). Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different nuts can toast faster or slower in hot sugar.

Why did my Microwave Peanut Brittle turn out chewy?

This usually happens if the syrup doesn’t cook long enough or if your microwave runs on the lower side of power. Next time, try increasing the final microwave session by 30 to 60 seconds—just watch carefully to avoid burning.

Is it safe to make this candy in any bowl?

It’s essential to use a large, microwave-safe glass bowl. Plastic may warp or melt, and a bowl that’s too small could overflow as the mixture bubbles and foams. Always use oven mitts for safety!

Can I double the recipe?

You can, but doubling increases the risk of uneven cooking or burning in the microwave. For best results, make two separate batches one after the other.

What makes the brittle foam after adding baking soda?

The baking soda reacts with the hot sugar, releasing carbon dioxide and creating tiny bubbles throughout the brittle. This is what gives Microwave Peanut Brittle its light, crisp texture—that signature snap everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

Microwave Peanut Brittle is the ultimate treat for when you want big flavor and sweetness with minimal effort. There’s pure joy in seeing sugar, peanuts, and a dash of baking soda turn into crunchy golden candy in just a few minutes. Give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite no-fuss homemade gift or secret party snack. Happy candy-making!

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes (including cooling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for a sweet treat or homemade gift!

Ingredients

Scale

Sugar Mixture:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup roasted salted peanuts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it and set aside.
Microwave Sugar Mixture: In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together the sugar and corn syrup until combined. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
Add Peanuts and Cook: Carefully stir in the peanuts and microwave for another 3-4 minutes until light golden. Add butter and vanilla, stir, and microwave for 1 more minute.
Add Baking Soda: Remove from microwave, quickly stir in baking soda (mixture will foam), then pour onto prepared sheet.
Cool and Enjoy: Spread out the brittle, let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until hardened. Break into pieces and enjoy!