Microwave Peanut Brittle is an easy homemade candy recipe that only takes a few minutes of cooking time-no stove top needed! The mouthwatering combination of sweet and salty caramelized flavor is totally irresistible.
The only thing that makes it even better? That satisfying, nutty crunch you get in every delicious bite. Make an extra batch and thank me later!
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Best microwave peanut brittle recipe
Peanut brittle is perfect as a snack, dessert, and makes a great homemade holiday gift for friends and family! The golden brown shine and buttery crunch in each bite will hit you with a wave of nostalgia, taking you back to the good ol' days.
Microwave peanut brittle is my favorite during the holidays because prep is quick and uses simple ingredients. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it all season long!
Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
Creative variations to try
Feel free to use different nuts in this easy peanut brittle recipe-almonds, pistachios, pecans, macadamia nuts, and so on. They'll all work great!
Of course, there is always the option to add toppings. I recommend drizzling dark or milk chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle for a chocolate/peanut combination!
On the other hand, get festive and add some sprinkles or colorful candy overtop before the microwave peanut brittle sets. Switch up the colors for holidays, or just choose your favorite!
Also, some people like to finish with a pinch of sea salt, too-this will really amp up the sweet and salty flavor combo.
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions, scroll down to the bottom. Click on each photo to enlarge it to clearly show the instructions.
#1 Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with nonstick spray.
#2 Add the peanuts, Karo syrup and sugar to a microwave proof bowl.
#3 Stir to combine and microwave.
#4 Remove from the microwave, stir and add butter and vanilla. Microwave again.
#5 Stir in the baking soda.
#6 The mixture will foam.
#7 Pour over the baking sheet.
#8 Allow to cool and break into small pieces.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Nope! It cooks to perfection right in the microwave. However, if you have one and want to double-check, let the mixture reach about 300 degrees F for a good, crisp batch of brittle candy.
Yep, it'll likely look lumpy and even a bit foamy, but don't worry! That's part of the process-as long as you heated it long enough, it'll smooth out and get nice and hard as it cools.
Once it reaches a light brown, golden caramel color, it should be good to go.
Usually, this means that the sugar wasn't cooked long enough. Be sure to follow my recipe for cooking times, adding a minute or two more if your mixture doesn't turn golden brown.
Yes-don't let the sugar mixture get too dark (or too hot).
Yep! The baking soda makes little air bubbles that give homemade peanut brittle the perfect texture.
Deb's tips for the perfect peanut brittle
Be sure to use a large, glass microwave-safe bowl. It has to be microwave-safe because this sugar mixture gets super hot!
- Keep your wooden spoon and oven mitts handy when moving the bowl. It stays piping hot throughout the cooking process!
- Before starting, measure out all your ingredients. The process of making microwave peanut brittle moves quickly.
- Use a large mixing bowl. The mixtures foams up when you add the baking soda.
- Allow the peanut brittle to cool completely at room temperature before breaking it into pieces.
- Finally, I don't recommend doubling the recipe because it'll throw off the microwave time. Instead, just repeat the process for each new batch.
The best way to store peanut brittle
Store the microwave peanut brittle in an airtight container for a few weeks. The less air that gets in the container, the longer it'll stay crisp.
Alternatively, keep peanut brittle in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to three months-just be sure to squeeze any air out and allow frozen brittle to thaw at room temperature before enjoying it.
More recipes you'll love
Here are all kinds of yummy peanutie treats. I know one of these will take care of your sweet tooth! Just click on the photo and it will take you right to the recipe!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup peanuts I used lightly salted peanuts
- ½ cup white Karo syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large microwave glass bowl add the sugar, peanuts and Karo syrup. Microwave on high for 4 minutes.
- Remove from microwave and stir well with a wooden or silicone spoon.
- Return to microwave and cook for another 3 to 3 ½ minutes until the peanuts begin to turn light brown.
- Remove from the microwave and stir in the vanilla and butter. It will hiss and sputter when you add the vanilla, that's ok! It's supposed to do that. Return to the microwave and cook on high for another minute.
- Remove from the wave and stir in the baking soda. Stir until light and foaming. Pour onto the prepared cooking sheet and spread out.
- Allow to cool completely. Break into pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!
kesha says
This is my daddy's favorite candy I make at Christmas!
Bowl Me Over says
How fun, what a great old-fashioned treat!
Amy says
Used to make these to gift to teachers, they all loved them.
Bowl Me Over says
Ooh, yes a great Teacher's Gift - a great idea Amy!
Michelle Gosser says
I love making this with pecans! Simple, easy, and quick!
Bowl Me Over says
Oooh!! I've never made Pecan Brittle Michelle; that sounds AMAZING!!
Tammy says
It sound like a great and very easy recipe!!! Just my type of recipe!!! I will definitely have to try it. Thanks
Bowl Me Over says
You're so welcome Tammy, it's perfect for the holidays, I hope you give it a try!
Sherri Rochester says
Thank you SO much for giving this recipe back to me!!! My Daddy loved this candy. He would ask me to make it every year! Thank you for the memories! Now, I will surprise my grandson with it this year!!!
Angie says
My Dad loves peanut brittle. I was just talking about what to get him for Christmas. I am going to make him some peanut brittle this year. The best gifts are homemade ones.
Bowl Me Over says
Homemade gifts are the best ones, I totally agree! Enjoy the peanut brittle Angie!
Carol says
My neighbor use to make this for us every December, but, then they moved away, boohoo. I always wondered how he made it. I will have to make this year as we all miss the sweet taste of peanut brittle.
Bowl Me Over says
You're going to love this recipe Carol. It's so easy and SO GOOD! I'm so glad you're going to give it a try!!
Maureen says
This is fantastic. A recipe for peanut brittle in the microwave. Must try it . Maybe not peanuts possibly cashews. It's a toss up. We'll see which one I choose. Thanks for a short cut.
Bowl Me Over says
Yum, yum, yum, you can't go wrong. Either choice is great!!
Cat stevens says
My Mom always made Peanut Brittle at Christmas. I could never get it right so maybe this quick recipe will do the trick. Thank You Deb.
Bowl Me Over says
You're so welcome Cathie! I know it will be yummy - enjoy!
MaryB says
Thank you for this recipe and the variations. I’m going to be making cashew brittle in the coming week so this appeared at just the right time for me!
Bowl Me Over says
How exciting, I bet cashew brittle will be amazing! Send me a photo Mary, I'd love to see how it turns out!