This Microwave Peanut Brittle is an easy candy recipe for the holidays. Crunchy, buttery and comes together in 15 minutes. Nobody will ever know you made it in the microwave! We may earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this post. Read our disclosure policy here.
Peanut Brittle is a classic homemade candy and one of the best holiday treats. Nothing like a buttery, crunchy piece of peanut brittle. Such a classic treat that my family enjoys, and perfect for holiday gift-giving!
Making peanut brittle on the stove top can be really intimidating with the fact you need a candy thermometer. Making it in the microwave is a fuss-free process and comes out perfect every time. You get all the crunch without the stress!
Let's take a quick look at the simple ingredients
• Granulated sugar
• Light corn syrup
• Vanilla
• Baking soda
• Butter
• Peanuts
Scroll down to the bottom for the full printable recipe!
Supplies needed
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cup
Baking/ cookie sheet
Baking mat
Parchment paper
What are the best peanuts to use?
I use regular roasted peanuts but Spanish peanuts or raw blanched peanuts can also be used. Although peanuts are the classic nut used, you may substitute other nuts if you prefer.
How to make Microwave Peanut Brittle
1. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line with a baking mat.
2. In a large glass bowl (microwavable safe) combine sugar and light corn syrup. Stir until the combined mixture will be difficult to stir.
3. Microwave on high for 4 minutes. then stir. return to microwave and cook another 3-4 minutes or until mixture turns a light golden color.
4. Remove bowl from microwave and quickly add vanilla, baking soda, butter, and peanuts. Quickly stir the brittle mixture until combined.
5. Spread mixture onto a prepared baking sheet, using a spatula to smooth peanut brittle out into a layer.
6. Let peanut brittle set for 30 minutes. Once firm use your hands to break into small pieces.
Recipe Tips
1. You'll need an 1100 watt microwave, if your microwave oven has a lower wattage you may need to cook the mixture for a bit longer.
2. Have everything ready and measured, you need to work fast.
3. I don't recommend doubling the recipe, it's better just to make one batch at a time.
4. Be careful and use oven mitts the bowl and candy mixture will be hot!
Why did my peanut brittle not harden?
You didn't let your candy mixture get hot enough. You're looking for the mixture to turn a golden brown color.
How to store peanut brittle
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Perfect make-ahead treats for gift giving.
How do I clean the bowls?
It may seem like it is impossible to remove the hard candy that sticks to the bowl. Just soak everything in some hot soapy water and it comes right off. Just don't put cold water in a hot bowl.
Looking for more candy recipes?
Chocolate Peppermint Bark
Peppermint Chocolate Truffles
Peanut Butter Balls
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Microwave Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- In a large microwavable safe bowl add the sugar and corn syrup. Stir until combined, mixture will be sticky and hard to stir.
- Microwave for 4 minutes on high. Then stir. Microwave for another 3-4 minutes or until mixture starts to turn a light golden color.
- Remove bowl from microwave and quickly add peanuts, butter, vanilla and baking soda and mix until combined.
- Working quickly spread out on prepared baking sheet.
- Let the peanut brittle harden for 30 minutes. Once cooled and hard use your hands to break the brittle into chunks.
Sorry it didn't turn out for you. Every microwave is going to run slightly differently if the mixture is starting to turn slightly brown then you shouldn't microwave it any longer as stated.
I followed the directions exactly as written and should have stopped after the first microwaving. The second microwaving resulted in a burning of the syrup and sugar mixture and I wasted the whole batch!
Just soak in hot soapy water for a few minutes comes right off.
I'm going to try this recipe today, but my concern is cleaning the glass mixing bowl and utensils I'll be using. Won't the mixture harden on them, too? How do you clean them properly?