How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
Learn how to make quick and easy microwave peanut brittle recipe with simple ingredients. It’s sweet, salty and crunchy and a classic candy for Christmas.
I am so excited about adding this peanut brittle recipe to my peanut butter candy collection. You may remember this Peanut Butter Fudge (3 Ingredients) or this Easy Buckeye Recipe (Peanut Butter Balls or even these Peanut Butter Eggs. These are all delicious and very popular with family, friends and readers like you!
This microwave peanut brittle recipe without candy thermometer never fails!
My grandparents made this on the stovetop but thankfully, my Mom taught me the microwave version, which is so much easier. I have tried the stovetop method a few times and it’s is a nightmare.
Truly the best peanut brittle!
How to make peanut brittle? How do you make peanut brittle in microwave?
- Mis sugar and corn syrup in a bowl and heat in microwave.
- Add peanuts, mix and heat again.
- Add vanilla extract and baking soda and mix.
- Pour mixture in a cookie tray, lined with parchment paper.
- Let it cool and harden at room temperature.
- Break into small pieces and enjoy.
Is peanut brittle healthy?
No, it’s not healthy but candies are supposed to be enjoyed in moderation.
Why do you use baking soda in peanut brittle?
Baking soda makes a delicate brittle.When you add baking soda to the sugar syrup, you unleash lots of air bubbles that give the brittle its airy and porous texture.
How long does it take peanut brittle to harden?
It usually takes about 30 minutes. I leave it untouched for 1 hour, just to be safe.
What causes peanut brittle to be too hard?
Baking soda was either old and expired OR not enough baking soda was used. Those are the 2 main reasons for this issue.
How do you store homemade peanut brittle?
Store pieces in an airtight container, where layers are separated by wax paper so that pieces don’t stick together. Keep this container at room temperature away from moisture, humidity and even heat from the stove.
How do you cool peanut brittle?
Cool it at room temperature. Cooling it in the fridge or freezer can alter the texture and make it sticky. Brittle cannot be exposed to moisture and humidity.
Why is my peanut brittle sticky?
It may have become soft because ingredients were not measure properly OR it wasn’t cooked long enough to reach the “hard-crack” stage in which the brittle is no longer soft and sticky and becomes dry and breaks easily.
Soft peanut brittle recipe
If it’s soft, it’s not a classic brittle because as the name suggests, it needs to be brittle and not soft. It may have become soft because ingredients were not measure properly OR it wasn’t cooked long enough to reach the “hard-crack” stage in which the brittle is no longer soft and sticky and breaks easily.
Peanut brittle with raw peanuts
Roasted peanuts are best because they enhance the “nutty” flavor but raw peanuts can be used too.
Tips for easy peanut brittle recipe:
- Don’t even think about making peanut brittle without corn syrup because it will change the flavor and texture.
- Don’t use a plastic bowl. Use a microwave-safe glass bowl because the mixture will become very hot.
- You need to work quickly between each step because if you are too slow, the mixture starts to cool and it becomes hard to mix everything together.
- Don’t replace baking soda with baking powder. The results are not the same!
- Make sure your baking soda is not old or expired or else the results will not be that good.
- Granulated sugar cannot be replaced with brown sugar.
Other old fashioned peanut brittle recipe variations:
- Replace peanuts with any other nuts of your choice. Pecan brittle is really delicious!
- Dip each brittle piece halfway in melted chocolate to add a chocolate flavor to them.
- Peanut Brittle Ice Cream– Chop the brittle into small pieces and use them as a topping in ice cream.
- Use it in cakes: Use it as decoration on top or crush it and sprinkle it over the top for a crunch in each bite.
Other Candy Recipes:
- Candied Orange Peel and Slices
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars
- Lemon Fudge (2 Ingredients)
- Chocolate Mint Truffles
- Red Velvet Truffles
Other Peanut Butter Candy Recipes:
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Corn syrup, Light
- 1.5 cups Peanuts, Roasted and salted
- 1 tbsp Butter, Unsalted
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Spray a wooden spoon with an oil spray.
- In a a large bowl, add sugar and corn syrup and mix until combined. The mixture will be stiff and hard to stir. That's okay.
- Heat this mixture (uncovered) in this microwave on high power for 5 minutes. It will start bubbling vigorously.
- Remove bowl from microwave and add peanuts and butter. Mix to combine. everything well. Work quickly because the cooler the mixture becomes, the harder it is to mix it together.
- Heat this mixture in the microwave again on high power for 2 to 4 minutes, until the mixture turns a medium-brown caramel shade. Keep a very close eye after 2 minutes.
- Remove from the microwave and add the baking soda and vanilla extract. The mixture will start bubbling A LOT but that's normal and gives the brittle its unique texture. Mix quickly until combined.
- Pour this mixture onto your baking tray that's been lined with parchment paper or been lightly greased with oil. Work quickly and and spread this mixture as evenly as you can.
- Let the brittle cool and set at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Then, break it into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container with wax paper separating the layers for up to 1 month. Keep it away from humidity!
Nutrition
Until next time, tata my lovelies!
I never knew you could microwave brittle! OMG MIND BLOWN!
This is such a great treat! Looks really addictive!