This easy Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe is one you'll make over and over again. The easy preparation can only be topped by how good it is to eat. Crisp and buttery with a bit of chewy in between it has that sweet and salty vibe that's irresistible. Make it in your microwave and you can enjoy delectable peanut brittle anytime of year.
Homemade Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
I can remember loving homemade peanut brittle from a very young age. It's one of those sweet treats that dates back to the beginning of time. Or so it seems. The origin of peanut brittle is up for debate, however, we can all agree that it's a sweet and salty snack that's here to stay. Due to the peanut farming boom in the early 1900's peanut brittle has been a long held favorite in the South. This version of peanut brittle can be whipped-up using your microwave with ease.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
When researching different techniques of making peanut brittle, I came across many versions of microwave peanut brittle recipes. I was more than a little surprised that not one of them discussed the wattage of the microwave they used to make the particular recipe. That's a crucial piece of information, if you ask me. The ingredients are all essentially the same, but the amount of cooking time does and will ,vary.
Helpful Tips for Making Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
If you have 10 minutes to spare, it's a small price to pay to make your own homemade no-fail microwave peanut brittle at home.
- Please note: The times I use in this recipe are based on a 1000 watt microwave and should be adjusted based on the wattage of your own microwave at home.
- Can I use honey in place of corn syrup? There are peanut brittle recipes that call for honey however I recommend that you don't adapt this recipe and use corn syrup for the best end result.
- This recipe doesn't use a thermometer like classic peanut brittle.
- Can I use table salt in place of sea salt? Yes, you can. When doing so decrease the amount to ¼ teaspoon.
- All containers aren't created equal. You should only use a microwave safe bowl for this recipe that can withstand the heat. Plastic isn’t a good choice, in particular for recipes like this one that involve heating, melting and cooking ingredients together. Always take a moment to check the bottom of the container you use, regarding safe practices and each manufacturer’s recommendation for use. I used a microwave safe glass bowl.
- The mixture will be hot, so handle the bowl carefully between steps. Use oven mitts if necessary to protect your hands as you work.
- If you're a lover of all things peanuts, you may also enjoy these Candied Peanuts from Recipe Tin Eats.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Servings: 24 servings (may vary)
Calories: 122kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 ½ cup dry roasted peanuts
- 1 tablespoon butter cubed
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Instructions for 1000 watt microwave. Lightly grease a standard baking sheet, or cover with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
- In a large microwave safe bowl stir together the sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until bubbly and the sugar dissolves. Stop and stir at 2 minutes, halfway through cooking.
- After cooking for 4 minutes total, add the peanuts. Stir until coated.
- Return to the microwave cooking for an additional 3 minutes stopping to stir halfway.
- After cooking the peanuts in the syrup for 3 minutes, add cubed butter. Stir and return to the microwave, cooking for 1 minute.
- Remove from microwave. While stirring, add the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam continue to stir until it does down slightly.
- Quickly pour onto the prepared pan or silicon mat and spread to approximately ¼-inch thickness. You may use an offset spatula spritzed lightly with cooking spray.
- Allow to cool completely then break into desired size pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. (Makes about 1 ½ lbs)
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Rita
Eas, great taste, and everyone loved itRita
Tom Kaim
Recipe says cook time 12 minutes.I see cook time on the recipe at 4+3+1 minutes.What am I missing
Melissa
This peanut brittle is cooked for 8 minutes in a 1000 Watt microwave. It may need adjusting if the microwave used is more or less than that wattage. From the Recipe: In a large microwave safe bowl stir together the sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until bubbly and the sugar dissolves. Stop and stir at 2 minutes, halfway through cooking.
After cooking for 4 minutes total, add the peanuts. Stir until coated.
Return to the microwave cooking for an additional 3 minutes stopping to stir halfway.
After cooking the peanuts in the syrup for 3 minutes, add cubed butter. Stir and return to the microwave, cooking for 1 minute.
Lee Richards
Great peanut brittle recipe! I've made 2 batches so far, the 2nd batch I heated my cookie sheet, then buttered the parchment paper on the cookie. It gives you a little more time to spread the brittle.
Melissa
I'm so happy you loved it, and a great tip, thanks!
Wanda Kidd
Oh Melissa I am so devastated. I finally found 1000 W recipe that was going to hopefully working my new microwave and I like Sue didn’t understand The instructions at the beginning for cooking at four minutes and then four minutes longer. I didn’t read it like that at all even when you restated it it didn’t sound like that to me so I have totally lost another pan and wasted all my ingredients again. So you cook it 4 minutes without stirring, then 2 minutes and stir and 2 minutes more befor storing and adding nuts? Please respond so I can try this one more time correctly.
Thank you!
Wanda
Melissa
From the recipe: In a large microwave safe bowl stir together the sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until bubbly and the sugar dissolves. Stop and stir at 2 minutes. (stir halfway thru after it's been cooking for 2 minutes)
After cooking for 4 minutes total, add the peanuts. Stir until coated.
Return to the microwave cooking for an additional 3 minutes stopping to stir halfway.
After cooking the peanuts in the syrup for 3 minutes total add the cubed butter. Stir and return to the microwave. Cook for 1 minute.
So, you cook this in steps for 8 minutes total. Hope this helps.
J.H.Cross
Truly discovered how spoiled my hubby is (and if this is his only vice at our age, I'll stay married till death do us part). While In the transition of moving to a larger farm, hubby began throwing a fit for peanut brittle, (which for some strange reason the local stores don't seem to carry). Thinking back to the early years of our marriage, I decided to surprise him with some old-fashioned PB. Not wanting to "mar" my new cookware I turned to modern tech - the internet. Low and behold your recipe popped up. My hubby is once again a happy man. While it may seem insignificant to some, this recipe is "just what the doctor ordered" to motivate my spouse. It may even have rescued my marriage. I know I've spoiled my husband, but for the price of a few nuts in the microwave. I feel truly blessed - thanks for the recipe.
Melissa
How wonderful, that you found my recipe and he liked it! I love your story, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing.
Betty Bosold
I don't have sea salt. I'm going to use salted peanuts, will that take the place of the sea salt?
Melissa
Replace it with table salt or omit, it's your preference.
Karen
I recommend warming a buttered metal pizza pan in a 200 Degree Fahrenheit oven to put peanut brittle on as it spreads easier.
Alesia Midgette
Mines been sitting up for about 2 hrs & is still a little soft. Will it harden up overnight?
Melissa
It usually doesn't take a long time to harden but, it may. I hope it was cooked long enough, a variation in microwave wattage could affect how it turns out.
Tigermom1
Do NOT use plastic (Tupperware ware or rubber maid!!
Mine burned the bottom out. When I went to take the bowl out of the microwave it spilled over the floor and onto my leg. I got a pretty bad burn and a big mess. Never got to the last couple of steps. I made little nut brittle and a big mess.
Melissa
Oh dear, yes, you should only use a microwave safe bowl for this recipe. Plastic isn't a good choice, in particular for recipes like this one that involve melting and cooking ingredients together. Always take a moment to check the bottom of the container you use, regarding safe practices and each manufacturer's recommendation for use.
Sue
I am a little confused it says total cook time 12 minutes I read te recipe and came up with
8 minutes cook time.what am I missing? I want to try this it looks delicious.
Melissa
Please re-read the recipe. There are several steps each taking several minutes.
Genise
I too only count 8 cooking minutes.
Step one 4 min, then add peanuts 3 min then final 1 min.
Melissa
That's it, yes!
Carol
I haven't tried this recipe yet, but will for sure. The husband loves peanut brittle. Just wanted to let you know the email button doesn't work, at least for me.
Melissa
Hi Carol, I hope you love this one! Thanks for the heads-up I have my IT looking into it to get it fixed.
Beth
My peanut brittle is not brittle, it is chewy like taffy. I have put it in the refrigerator, hoping it will harden up. Any other ideas?
Melissa
The wattage of the microwave is the most important thing to note with this recipe. If your microwave is a different wattage, the cook time will need to be adjusted.
Claudia
How? 1700 wattage
Melissa
I haven't tested this in a 1700 watt microwave, if that's what you're asking. If you try it, let us know how it goes.
Rosanna
I have a 1200w what would cook time be?
Melissa
I haven't tested a 1200 Watt microwave specifically so I can't tell you with certainty. It would cook quicker, so you may need to do a trial batch and customize.
Cathy
Update from my post. The fridge seems to be doing the job. It's still in there but it is harder. Cant wait to taste it.
Melissa
Great news, enjoy!
Vicki Behrend
Can this recipe be doubled?
Melissa
It's best to make in 2 batches. All recipes don't work well when doubled.
Nagi@RecipeTinEats
I am TOTALLY TRYING THIS for Christmas!!!! You had me at "microwave" (I'm totally shameless) Merry Christmas Melissa! N x
Melissa
Merry Christmas to you and yours Nagi, thank you!
Pete (female)
That is the only way nI make it. Step 7 after adding vanilla and soda I beat for a minute or two until light in color then spread out . Make sure to use pot holders, very hot. Also I use salted peanuts.
Sandra Baker
So glad I saw your comment!! I’m stuck here during this quarantine/social distancing and found this lovely recipe but salted is all I have on hand! Now I know that salted is for sure okay! 😉 Thanks for including that tidbit of info for sticklers like me! LOL
Stay safe and healthy!
james heller
I just want to clarify: cook for 2 mins, stir, cook 2 more mins, stir, cook for addititional 4 mins, (now at 8 mins) add peanuts stir, cook 1.5 mins, stir, cook 1.5 mins, add butter stir, cook 1 min.
Melissa
From the recipe: In a large microwave safe bowl stir together the sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until bubbly and the sugar dissolves. Stop and stir at 2 minutes.
After cooking for 4 minutes, add the peanuts. Stir until coated.
Return to the microwave cooking for an additional 3 minutes stopping to stir halfway.
After cooking the peanuts in the syrup for 3 minutes total add the cubed butter. Stir and return to the microwave. Cook for 1 minute.
Melissa
I love it too, this version is super simple to make.
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
I didn't think I liked peanut brittle until I ate someone's homemade peanut brittle. Then I became a believer. Making it in the microwave----boy howdy that is great.