If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy treat that comes together faster than you can say candy time, you’re going to love this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe. It’s a delightful crash of toasted peanuts and buttery caramel with just the right crunch, all made effortlessly in your microwave. No need for stovetop babysitting or complex candy thermometers—this recipe brings the magic of classic peanut brittle straight to your countertop in under ten minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned candy pro or a curious beginner, this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe will quickly become your go-to for homemade sweets that impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe is wonderfully simple because each ingredient packs a punch in flavor and texture. From the sweetness of sugar to the rich nuttiness of peanuts, every component works in harmony to create that iconic brittle crunch and caramel flavor.
- 1 cup sugar: The base of our candy, sugar caramelizes to create that irresistible golden sweetness.
- ½ cup light corn syrup (Karo Syrup): This keeps the sugar mixture smooth and helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a perfect brittle texture.
- 1 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the flavor from simple to spectacular.
- 1 cup cocktail peanuts: The star ingredient—roasted to perfection, they provide that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor we all adore.
- 1 tsp baking soda: This little gem lightens the brittle by creating tiny air bubbles, giving it a tender bite instead of a hard snap.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Sweeten and Melt
Begin by combining the sugar and light corn syrup in a microwave-safe glass bowl. Stir them together gently, then microwave on high for 5 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the mixture to make sure it’s bubbling a bit and the sugar dissolves completely, turning into a smooth caramel base.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Peanuts
Next, stir in the butter, vanilla, and cocktail peanuts. The butter melts into the hot syrup, creating a glossy finish, while the peanuts start to soak up that sugary goodness. Pop it back in the microwave for another 1 minute and 30 seconds at high power—this helps the peanuts toast slightly and the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 3: Lift With Baking Soda
Remove the bowl promptly from the microwave and quickly stir in the baking soda. Watch as the mixture fizzles and lightens—that’s the magic of baking soda aerating your brittle for that perfect texture. This step needs to be swift because the candy will start to harden fast.
Step 4: Shape and Cool
Immediately pour your sticky mixture onto parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a Silpat mat. Spread it out evenly into a rectangle using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Let this sit and cool undisturbed for at least one hour. As it cools, it hardens into that classic brittle crunch ready for breaking into delightful pieces.
How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is traditionally served plain, you can sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top right after spreading it for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or chili powder can also spice things up and make your Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Peanut brittle pairs perfectly alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, providing a satisfying crunch that complements hot beverages wonderfully. Also, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a textural contrast and sweet boost that delights the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gifting or party treats, break your brittle into bite-sized chunks and arrange them in festive cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Or, use your Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe as a crunchy topping for cakes and brownies to add an irresistible nutty crunch. The possibilities are endless and always delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Microwave Peanut Brittle, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly sealed, it stays perfectly crunchy for up to two weeks, making it an easy grab-and-go snack or last-minute party addition.
Freezing
While peanut brittle typically keeps well at room temperature, you can freeze it for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag. When frozen, your brittle can last up to three months. Just let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Since peanut brittle is meant to be enjoyed cold and crunchy, reheating isn’t usually necessary or recommended. If your brittle feels a bit soft, simply give it some time in a dry, cool place to firm back up and regain its signature snap.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of peanuts?
Absolutely! Cashews, almonds, or pecans all work wonderfully in this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe. Just swap out the peanuts for an equal amount of your favorite nut and enjoy a tasty variation with the same fast method.
What type of bowl should I use in the microwave?
Use a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl for the best results. Avoid plastic as the high sugar concentration and heat could warp the bowl or cause melting, and metal is not microwave-safe.
Why do I need baking soda in the recipe?
Baking soda reacts with the hot sugar mixture creating tiny bubbles, which aerates the brittle. This process ensures the candy isn’t rock hard but has a lovely light crunch that melts pleasantly in your mouth.
What if the brittle turns out too sticky?
If your peanut brittle is sticky, it likely means the sugar mixture didn’t reach the right temperature or didn’t cook long enough. Next time, microwave it a little longer, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn, to achieve that perfect hard crack stage.
Can I make this recipe without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the brittle smooth. You could try replacing it with honey or golden syrup, but results might vary, and the texture could be less stable. For best success, stick to light corn syrup as recommended.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress yourself and friends with a homemade treat that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make, this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe is your new best friend. It blends simplicity, speed, and that classic peanut brittle crunch into one irresistible package. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a staple in your sweet snack rotation!
Print
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
This quick and easy Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe delivers a classic, crunchy candy that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and peanuts, it comes together in just minutes in the microwave, making it an ideal homemade treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup (Karo Syrup)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocktail peanuts
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Combine sugar and syrup: In a microwave-safe glass bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and ½ cup light corn syrup. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Microwave sugar mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for 5 minutes. This will melt and caramelize the sugar and syrup to form the brittle base.
- Add butter, vanilla, and peanuts: Carefully stir in 1 tablespoon butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup cocktail peanuts into the hot sugar mixture.
- Microwave again: Return the bowl to the microwave and heat on high for another 1 minute and 30 seconds to roast the peanuts and blend the flavors.
- Stir in baking soda: Remove the bowl from the microwave and quickly stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda. This will cause the mixture to foam and lighten the texture, creating the classic brittleness.
- Pour and cool: Immediately pour the mixture onto parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a Silpat mat. Spread it out into a thin rectangle shape and allow it to cool completely for about 1 hour until hard.
- Break and serve: Once cooled and hardened, break the brittle into pieces and enjoy your homemade microwave peanut brittle!
Notes
- Be cautious when handling the hot sugar mixture to avoid burns.
- Use a glass microwave-safe bowl for best results to withstand the high heat.
- You can substitute cocktail peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews if desired.
- Store broken peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
- Do not skip adding baking soda as it creates the desired light and crunchy texture.
