If you’ve ever wished for homemade candy in a fraction of the time (with nearly zero fuss), let me introduce you to Microwave Peanut Brittle. It’s everything you love about classic brittle—shatteringly crisp, rich with toasted peanuts, and just the right touch of buttery caramel flavor—but it involves absolutely no candy thermometer and comes together in under fifteen minutes. This recipe is pure magic for candy lovers and last-minute gifters alike, and it brings all the nostalgia of grandma’s kitchen with a modern microwave twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Microwave Peanut Brittle is in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a starring role, bringing out the delicious candy’s signature crunch, flavor, and rich color. Be sure to have everything prepped and measured out before you start—the process moves fast!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This is the backbone of your brittle, melting down to create that iconic sweet, glossy candy base.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Essential for both structure and chew, corn syrup keeps your brittle smooth and crystal-free.
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts: The star ingredient! These bring irresistible crunch and savory notes that round out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon butter: Adds a subtle richness and shine, making the brittle even more enjoyable to snack on.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a perfect depth of flavor, vanilla softens the edges and ties all the sweetness together.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The secret to the light, airy texture—it reacts with the hot syrup, creating bubbles for a tender-crisp, snappy finish.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Before you start anything, grease a baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial: it ensures your brittle won’t stick when you pour the hot mixture, and gives you more time to spread it thinly for that perfect crisp.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup
In a large microwave-safe glass bowl (think bigger than you think you’ll need—the candy foams up!), stir together the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. This mixture is about to turn into your homemade candy magic.
Step 3: Microwave – First Round
Pop the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 4 minutes. Watch as the sugar melts and begins to bubble—you’re building that gorgeous caramel base for your Microwave Peanut Brittle. No need to stir at this stage!
Step 4: Stir in the Peanuts
Carefully remove the hot bowl (use oven mitts!), then stir in the salted roasted peanuts until they’re well-coated. They’ll start toasting and infusing their delicious flavor right away. Microwave again for another 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is a light golden color.
Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove the bowl from the microwave, add the butter and vanilla extract, and stir until everything is silky smooth and evenly combined. This is where that irresistible aroma starts to fill your kitchen.
Step 6: The Final Microwave Blast
Return the bowl to the microwave one last time and heat for 1 more minute. The mixture will become extra hot and golden—just what you want for that perfectly crisp Microwave Peanut Brittle texture.
Step 7: Baking Soda – the Magic Touch
Now work quickly! Stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up and lighten in color—this is your cue that the reaction is happening. Immediately pour the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet and use a spatula to spread it out thin before it hardens.
Step 8: Cool and Break
Let the brittle cool completely at room temperature. Don’t rush this step—cooling allows the candy to set for that iconic snap. Once fully hardened, break it into pieces and marvel at your homemade masterpiece!
How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle
Garnishes
While Microwave Peanut Brittle is fantastic all on its own, you can elevate it by drizzling melted dark or white chocolate on top or dusting with a pinch of flaky sea salt just after pouring. For a festive flair, toss in a handful of crushed candy canes around the holidays or sprinkle chopped roasted nuts before it cools for added color and dimension.
Side Dishes
Pairing this brittle with creamy treats creates a heavenly balance. Try it alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or crumble it over a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt. It’s also lovely served alongside fresh fruit like apple or pear slices, which complement its rich flavor and add a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Microwave Peanut Brittle is fabulous for gifting! Pile shards into mason jars or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade treat everyone will adore. Arrange pieces on a platter for holiday gatherings, or break the brittle into smaller chunks and use as a unique topping for cakes, brownies, or even pancakes at brunch. Your creativity is the limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Microwave Peanut Brittle crisp and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to two weeks, making it perfect for gifting or snacking through the holidays. Avoid humid or damp environments, as moisture can make the candy sticky.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep your brittle even longer, you can freeze it! Place pieces in an airtight, freezer-safe container separated by layers of parchment paper. Microwave Peanut Brittle will stay good for up to two months. Just let it come to room temperature before serving to avoid condensation.
Reheating
You generally won’t need to reheat brittle, but if yours has softened a bit, you can refresh it. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet and place in a low oven (about 250°F) for 5–10 minutes. Let cool, and it should be crisp once again—almost like freshly made!
FAQs
Why did my Microwave Peanut Brittle turn out chewy instead of crisp?
Chewy brittle usually means the syrup didn’t get hot enough or wasn’t cooked quite long enough in the microwave. Be sure to follow the time guidelines, and remember to use a clear glass bowl so you can keep an eye on the mixture’s color—aim for a light golden hue before adding the butter and vanilla.
Can I use unsalted or raw peanuts?
You can, but you’ll miss some of that classic flavor! Salted roasted peanuts give the candy a perfect balance of salty-sweet crunch. If you use unsalted or raw, consider toasting them first and adding a pinch of salt to the mixture.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Corn syrup is crucial for texture here, but in a pinch, you could try light golden syrup. Honey or maple syrup aren’t recommended as substitutes—these can cause your brittle to crystallize or not set properly.
Can I double this recipe?
For best results, make Microwave Peanut Brittle in single batches. The sugar syrup foams up quite a bit as it cooks, and larger amounts can bubble over or cook unevenly, leading to unpredictable results.
Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! Microwave Peanut Brittle is naturally gluten-free and can easily be dairy-free by swapping the butter for a neutral oil or plant-based butter substitute. Just double-check all ingredient labels to make sure they fit your needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making candy at home, this is the recipe that’ll win you over! Microwave Peanut Brittle delivers unbelievable flavor and crunch with barely any prep and just a few ingredients. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked, and your friends and family will absolutely love you for it!
Print
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: About 1 pound brittle (10–12 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for a quick sweet treat or as a homemade gift!
Ingredients
Sugar Mixture:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup salted roasted peanuts
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Mixture: Grease or line a baking sheet. In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup. Microwave for 4 minutes until bubbling.
- Add Peanuts: Stir in peanuts and microwave for 3–4 minutes until light golden.
- Final Steps: Add butter and vanilla, microwave for 1 minute. Quickly mix in baking soda until foamy. Spread mixture on the baking sheet to cool.
Notes
- Work quickly when adding baking soda, as the mixture hardens fast.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
