If you’ve ever craved a sweet, crunchy treat that feels like a nostalgic hug from childhood, then this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s an incredibly quick way to whip up that classic, golden peanut brittle without the fuss of stovetop candy-making. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get that perfect caramelized sugar snap paired with roasted, salty peanuts that create a mesmerizing contrast in every bite. This recipe is not only delightfully simple but also perfect for gifting or satisfying your sweet tooth in a flash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward, focusing on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a key role in delivering unbeatable flavor, crunch, and caramel color. Every element works together to create the brittle’s irresistible texture—crispy but not too hard—and its rich, buttery sweetness that lingers.
- Sugar: The heart of our brittle, responsible for that caramelized sweetness and crunch.
- White corn syrup (Karo): Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
- Roasted, salted peanuts: Adds a nutty depth and a satisfying crunch that balances the sweetness.
- Butter: Provides richness and a silky texture to the final candy.
- Vanilla: Enhances the caramel flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Baking soda: Creates lightness by foaming the candy, making it easier to bite into and adding a unique texture.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup
Start by mixing 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of white corn syrup in a 1 1/2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish. Give it a good stir until combined—this mixture is the foundation of your candy’s texture and sweetness.
Step 2: Microwave the Sugar Mixture
Place the dish in the microwave on high for 4 minutes. This initial cooking softens the sugars and begins the caramelization process. Keep an eye on it because microwaves vary, but you want it hot and slightly bubbling.
Step 3: Stir in Peanuts
Now, toss in 1 cup of roasted, salted peanuts to infuse that irresistible nutty flavor and crunch. Stir them evenly throughout the bubbling sugar mixture to ensure every bite gets a nutty surprise.
Step 4: Microwave Again Until Light Brown
Pop the dish back in the microwave for 3 to 5 more minutes on high. Watch carefully until the mixture turns a beautiful light brown—the hallmark of perfectly caramelized brittle. It’s important not to overcook, or it may turn too hard or bitter.
Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla
Once your mixture reaches the right color, stir in 1 teaspoon of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. These ingredients add richness and deepen the candy’s flavor, creating that melt-in-your-mouth softness despite the snap.
Step 6: Microwave a Final Time
Microwave the buttery vanilla mixture for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This helps everything meld together into a smooth, glossy candy base ready for the final magic.
Step 7: Add Baking Soda and Mix
Stir in 1 teaspoon of baking soda gently—this will cause the mixture to foam and lighten. This reaction is what gives peanut brittle its airy crunch and prevents it from being overly dense and tough.
Step 8: Pour and Cool
Quickly pour the warm mixture onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Spread it evenly before it sets. Let it cool completely until it hardens into that classic brittle texture, then break it into bite-sized pieces. The faster you work, the better your brittle will spread thin and crisp.
How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is beautiful on its own, a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can really make the flavors pop—heightening the contrast between sweet and salty. For an extra festive touch, try dusting with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top once cooled for a decadent twist.
Side Dishes
This Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe shines as a sweet snack on its own but pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a fantastic crunchy contrast alongside creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse for dessert lovers craving textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking about gifting? Wrap small clusters in decorative cellophane tied with a ribbon and gift as a homemade treat. Or use broken pieces as a crunchy topping for cakes and cupcakes—adding both texture and an unexpected peanutty flavor twist that always impresses!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Microwave peanut brittle stores wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry spot to maintain its crunch for up to two weeks. This way you can enjoy a quick nibble anytime the sweet craving strikes without having to make a fresh batch.
Freezing
If you want to keep your peanut brittle fresh for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature—no microwave needed—and your brittle will stay crisp and tasty.
Reheating
This recipe doesn’t require reheating since peanut brittle is best enjoyed crunchy and at room temperature. If you happen to want to soften it slightly, let it sit out for a few minutes; avoid microwaving again as that may affect texture negatively.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted, salted ones?
While you can, roasted, salted peanuts bring the best flavor and texture. Raw peanuts need roasting first to bring out comparable nuttiness and crunch, so for convenience and taste, stick with roasted, salted.
What if I don’t have white corn syrup?
White corn syrup helps prevent sugar crystallization, keeping your brittle smooth. You can substitute with light honey or golden syrup, but the texture might change slightly, so keep an eye on the microwave timing.
Can this recipe be doubled or tripled?
Absolutely! For larger batches, use a bigger microwave-safe dish and increase your cooking times incrementally. Just be sure to stir well between heating intervals to avoid uneven cooking or burning.
Why does the mixture foam when I add baking soda?
Baking soda reacts with the acidic components in the sugar mixture, releasing carbon dioxide bubbles that aerate the candy. This foaming lightens the brittle, making it crisp but not rock hard—an essential step for perfect texture.
How can I tell when the peanut brittle is done in the microwave?
Look for the mixture to turn a light golden brown color and start bubbling vigorously—this indicates caramelization without burning. Timing can vary by microwave so use visual cues more than the clock to get the best result.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making candy that is as quick and simple as this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe. It’s a fantastic treat to whip up on a whim, share with loved ones, or even gift from your heart. Give it a try and enjoy the satisfying crunch and sweet nostalgia in every bite—you might find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (approximately 8-10 pieces)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy microwave peanut brittle recipe that yields a deliciously crunchy candy with roasted salted peanuts, perfect for a sweet treat made in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup white corn syrup (Karo)
- 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts
- 1 tsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Combine sugar and syrup: In a 1-1/2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish, mix together the sugar and white corn syrup, stirring well to combine the ingredients evenly.
- First microwave heating: Microwave the sugar and corn syrup mixture on high for 4 minutes to start melting and cooking the sugars.
- Add peanuts: Stir in the roasted salted peanuts thoroughly ensuring they are well coated with the hot syrup mixture.
- Second microwave heating: Microwave the mixture on high for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light brown color, indicating caramelization.
- Add butter and vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated to enrich the brittle’s flavor and texture.
- Third microwave heating: Microwave again on high for 1 to 2 minutes to bring the mixture to the correct temperature and consistency.
- Add baking soda: Stir in the baking soda gently; the mixture will foam up and become light and airy, which helps create the characteristic brittle texture.
- Pour mixture to set: Pour the foamy brittle mixture onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or parchment paper, spreading it out evenly.
- Cool and break: Allow the brittle to cool completely at room temperature until it hardens, then break it into small, bite-sized pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use a microwave-safe dish large enough to accommodate bubbling mixture.
- Work carefully when stirring hot sugar mixtures to avoid burns.
- Let the brittle cool completely before breaking to prevent it from crumbling prematurely.
- Store brittle in an airtight container to keep it fresh and crunchy.
- If peanuts are unsalted, you may want to add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
