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Microwave Peanut Brittle

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.

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle

When researching different techniques of making peanut brittle, I came across many versions of microwave 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. This recipe was developed using a 1000 watt microwave. How to make simple Microwave Peanut Brittle:

  • Peanuts – Dry Roasted Peanuts.
  • Sugar – Granulated sugar.
  • Syrup – Light corn syrup.
  • Sea salt.
  • Fat- Salted or unsalted butter.
  • Flavoring – Pure vanilla extract.
  • Baking soda.

Microwave Peanut Brittle ingredients

How to Make the BEST Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

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.

  • Kitchen tools you’ll need: Large microwave safe bowl, measuring cups and spoons wooden spatula or heat safe silicone spatula, oven mitts, sheet pan and a silpat.
  • The light corn syrup used in this recipe refers to the color. Clear corn syrup is what you need.
  • 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 candy thermometer like classic peanut brittle which makes it super simple to make.
  • Can I use table salt in place of sea salt? Yes, you can. When doing so decrease the amount to 1/4 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 mixing 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.
  • Store Microwave Peanut Brittle in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Microwave Peanut Brittle

More Easy Candy Recipes to Make

Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

Microwave Peanut Brittle

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Cooling Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 13 minutes
Course: Candy
Cuisine: American
Keyword: microwave-peanut-brittle
Servings: 24 servings (may vary)
Calories: 122kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 Tbsp butter cubed
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp 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 1/4-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 1/2 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!

43 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is really good, and easy! And I’m supposed to go weigh in tomorrow! My is still very warm, but I’m already snacking on it! Hope there’s enough left to break up!

  2. Recipe says cook time 12 minutes.I see cook time on the recipe at 4+3+1 minutes.What am I missing

    1. 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.

  3. 5 stars
    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.

  4. 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

    1. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. I recommend warming a buttered metal pizza pan in a 200 Degree Fahrenheit oven to put peanut brittle on as it spreads easier.

    1. 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.

  7. 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.

    1. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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?

    1. 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.

      1. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

    1. 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!

      1. 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.

      2. 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.

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