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!
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!
Why Should I Make This Recipe
Making peanut brittle on the stovetop can be really intimidating given the fact that 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!
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 Peanut Brittle
Step 1: Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or you a baking mat. Mix the sugar and corn syrup together in a bowl.
Step 2: Heat the mixture in the microwave until golden.
Step 3: Stir in the vanilla, baking soda, butter, and peanuts.
Step 4: Spread onto the prepared baking sheet.
Recipe Tips
You'll need a 1100-watt microwave. If your microwave oven has a lower wattage, you may need to cook the mixture for a bit longer.
Have everything ready and measured, you need to work fast.
I don't recommend doubling the recipe, it's better just to make one batch at a time.
Be careful and use oven mitts, the bowl and candy mixture will be hot!
Recipe Faq's
What peanuts are best 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.
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.
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!
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.
Video
Notes
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!5. To clean the bowls just soak in hot soapy water.
my peanut brittle came out delicious and easy to make I recommend people to make this
Yes that will work 🙂
could I use pecans instead of peanuts
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?
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Fantastic Lee so happy it was a hit!
my peanut brittle came out delicious and easy to make I recommend people to make this
Yes that will work 🙂
could I use pecans instead of peanuts
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?