Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
This easy microwave peanut brittle recipe makes a crispy airy peanut brittle perfect for Christmas treats or a gift idea. This old-fashioned homemade recipe is made in an 1100-watt microwave.
If you’ve never had peanut brittle, you’re missing out on the ultimate sweet, crunchy treat. This microwave peanut brittle recipe, made with raw peanuts, hits just the right balance of salty and sweet for the best flavor-packed snack!
Love homemade candies? Then try this microwave chocolate-covered pretzels recipe or these turtle bars! I also love making these no-bake chocolate haystacks for the holidays!
My mom created this recipe. She has made it since I was a kid – no holiday treat plate is complete without my mom’s peanut brittle. The best yet is that it is incredibly easy to make using the microwave.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe is a time-saver. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and doesn’t require constant monitoring, unlike traditional stovetop recipes.
- No-Fuss: This recipe is incredibly straightforward. You don’t even need to use a candy thermometer for it!
- Perfect Results: With this recipe, you’ll get perfect peanut brittle every time. The microwave method ensures that the candy cooks evenly, giving you the ideal crunch in every bite.
- Holiday Essential: This recipe is a holiday essential. It sets the mood for the holidays and it doesn’t hurt that it’s so easy to make either!
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Key Ingredients
- Raw Peanuts: These will be the star of our microwave peanut brittle, adding a deliciously nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. You can find raw peanuts with skins in the produce section of your grocery store.
- Granulated Sugar: This will sweeten the brittle and give it a nice, caramelized flavor.
- Light Corn Syrup: It will help to give the brittle a smooth, chewy texture and prevent the sugar from crystallizing.
- Butter: This will add a rich, buttery flavor to the brittle and also help to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Vanilla Extract: It will enhance the overall flavor of the brittle, giving it a warm, sweet aroma.
Equipment
- Microwave-Safe Dish – You’ll need a 1 1/2 quart microwavabl, dish to combine the peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup, and to microwave the mixture at 70% power.
- Microwave – This recipe calls for an 1100-watt microwave used in short intervals at 70% power. If you don’t have a 1100 microwave you can adjust the power at which the microwave is on. You do not need to adjust the time. For example, my mom originally did the recipe with a 700-watt microwave at full power. The 1100-watt example is at 70%.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Preparation
To start, combine the peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup in a microwave-safe dish. This will be the base of your peanut brittle.
Step 1 – Microwave the Peanuts and Sugar
Place the dish in the microwave and heat it at 70% power for 4 minutes and 25 seconds. This will begin the process of melting the sugar and corn syrup to the right consistency.
Step 2 – Stir and Microwave Again
After the first microwave session, take the dish out and stir the mixture. Then, microwave it again at 70% power, this time for 4 minutes. This will further melt the ingredients to the perfect brittle texture.
Step 3 – Add Butter and Vanilla
Once the second microwave session is done, it’s time to add the butter and vanilla to the mixture. Stir these in until they are well combined.
Step 4 – Microwave and Add Baking Soda
Return the dish to the microwave and heat it at 70% power for 2 minutes. After this, quickly stir in the baking soda. It will react with the hot mixture and cause it to become foamy and light.
Step 5 – Spread the Brittle
Next, pour the hot, foamy mixture onto a greased baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it out until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Let it sit and cool.
Step 6 – Break and Enjoy
Once the peanut brittle has cooled and hardened, you can break it into pieces and enjoy.
Expert Tip
If you don’t have a 1100 microwave you can adjust the power at which the microwave is on. You do not need to adjust the time. For example, my mom originally did the recipe with a 700-watt microwave at full power. The 1100-watt example is at 70%.
Recipe Variations
- Honey: Substitute the corn syrup with an equal amount of honey for a more natural sweetener in your peanut brittle.
- Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the sugar and peanuts for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Saltier: Sprinkle the finished brittle with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
What to Serve With
- For a sweet and salty treat, crumble your microwave peanut brittle over a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream is the perfect contrast to the crunchy, sugary brittle.
- Hosting a brunch? Why not add a bowl of this microwave peanut brittle to your spread? It’s a great way to satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth, and it pairs well with other brunch favorites like pastries and fresh fruit.
- You can also chop the brittle into smaller pieces and use it as a topping for your favorite baked goods, such as brownies or cheesecake. It adds a nice crunch and a pop of sweetness to the rich, decadent desserts.
Microwave Peanut Brittle Video
Recipe FAQs
This peanut brittle recipe stands out because it is made in the microwave, making the process much quicker and more convenient. You don’t need a candy thermometer, and the exact cooking times and power levels are specified, making it easier to achieve the perfect brittle consistency.
Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for raw peanuts, you can also use other nuts like almonds or cashews. Just make sure they are raw and still have their skins on for the best results.
It takes about 30 to 45 minutes to completely cool. Unless you’re like me and live in a drafty old farmhouse – you can cut that cooling time in half.
No. You can make this easy peanut brittle recipe without a candy thermometer because of the exact baking times in the microwave using an 1100-watt microwave at 70% heat.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This peanut brittle will keep well for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, this microwave peanut brittle does not freeze well due to its sugar content. Freezing can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in a gritty texture that’s not as enjoyable. So, it’s best to just make it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it.
More Dessert Recipes for Gifts You’ll Enjoy
Serving Size
- What to Expect: This microwave peanut brittle recipe yields 12 servings.
- How to Scale: If you’re looking to make more than 12 servings, you can double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Make sure your microwave is large enough to accommodate a larger mixture. If not, you may need to cook it in two separate batches to achieve the desired result.
Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups raw peanuts with skins
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 Cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
**This recipe is based on an 1100-watt microwave.
- Grease well a cookie sheet.
- Combine peanuts, sugar, and corn syrup in a 1 1/2 quart microwavable dish. Microwave for four minutes and 25 seconds at 70% power. Stir.
- Microwave again for four minutes at 70% power. Add butter and vanilla and stir until combined.
- Microwave for the final time at 70% power for 2 minutes. Add baking soda and quickly stir until foamy and light.
- Spread onto a greased baking sheet. Let spread until about 1/4 inch thick. Let cool and break into pieces.
