Microwave Peanut Brittle

This easy Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe is one you’ll make over and over again. The simple preparation can only be topped by the taste. It’s crisp and buttery with a bit of chewy in between, giving it that sweet and salty vibe that’s irresistible. Make it in minutes in your microwave, and you can enjoy delectable peanut brittle anytime of year.

Ingredients to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe

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 amounts and cooking time does vary depending on the microwave wattage. This easy peanut brittle recipe was developed using a 1000 watt microwave. Ingredients to make simple Microwave Peanut Brittle: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Peanuts – Dry Roasted Peanuts.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Syrup – Light corn syrup forms the liquid portion of the peanut brittle mixture.
• Seasonings – Sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract for creamy floral notes.
• Baking Soda – Activates and gives the texture and air bubbles to the peanut brittle.

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.

• Prepare a Sheet Pan – Lightly grease a standard baking sheet, or cover with parchment paper. You could also use a silicone baking mat.
• Melt Sugar – In a large microwave-safe bowl stir together the sugar, corn syrup and salt. Microwave on high for 4 minutes or until the sugar mixture is bubbly and the sugar has dissolved. Stop and stir halfway through cooking.
• Add Peanuts – Add the peanuts. Stir until coated.
• Cook – Return to the microwave cooking for an additional 3 minutes stopping to stir halfway through cooking.
• Add Butter – After cooking the peanuts in the syrup add cubed butter. Stir well then return to the microwave, cooking for 1 minute.
• Add Vanilla – Remove from microwave. While stirring, add the vanilla and baking soda. The mixture will foam continue to stir until it does down slightly.
• Transfer to the Pan – Quickly pour onto the prepared pan or silicon mat and spread to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
• Serve – Allow to cool completely then break into desired size pieces.

Tips for Making Microwave Peanut Brittle

• 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.
• Use Light Corn Syrup: The light corn syrup used in this recipe refers to the color, not calories. Clear corn syrup, not dark corn syrup works best.
• Check the Wattage of Your Microwave: The times used in this recipe are based on a 1000 watt microwave and should be adjusted based on the wattage of your own microwave at home.
• No Candy Thermometer Needed: This recipe doesn’t use a candy thermometer like classic peanut brittle, which makes it super simple to make.
• Use a Large Microwave-Safe Bowl: 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 bowl you use to double check safe practices, and each manufacturer’s recommendation for use. I used a microwave safe glass bowl.
• Handle with Care: The peanut brittle mixture will be hot, so handle the bowl carefully between steps. Use oven mitts if necessary, to protect your hands as you work.
• When to Serve: Peanut brittle is a natural choice for Christmas treats, a special occasion dessert and homemade gifts. It’s also a terrific choice for game day snacks, sharing with friends and family and used as a stocking stuffer.

Recipe Variations

• Honey: 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 result. The amounts and cooking times were crafted using the ingredients called for in the recipe.
• Nuts: You could use almonds or cashews in place of peanuts.
• Sea Salt: You can use table salt in place of sea salt. When doing so decrease the amount to 1/4 teaspoon.
• Spice: You could add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of spice in the flavor.
• Can I Make a Double Batch? It’s better to make one batch at a time. So, if you need more servings consider making several batches, rather than combining the ingredients into one big batch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store Microwave Peanut Brittle in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: You can package and freeze peanut brittle for up to 3 months. It does change the texture slightly.

More Easy Candy Recipes to Make

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• This spongy Honeycomb Candy melts in your mouth.
• Toffee Peanut Clusters are like a bite of heaven!
• Bourbon Pecan Pralines are an iconic Southern confection.
• This Sweet and Salty Crockpot Candy is a holiday must make.
• Fluffy Southern Divinity Candy.
• Sweet and Salty Potato Chip Clusters.
• Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Cashew Clusters.
• Homemade Caramels from Tastes Better from Scratch.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Sheet Pan
• Silicone Mat