If you have a sweet tooth and love that irresistible crunch with a buttery, nutty punch, you are going to adore this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe. It combines the perfect balance of caramelized sugar and roasted peanuts in a way that’s quick, straightforward, and satisfies your dessert cravings without heating up the whole kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned candy maker or a curious beginner, this recipe makes achieving that classic brittle texture and flavor easier than ever, using just your microwave and a handful of simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor in your peanut brittle. From the smooth buttery richness to the crisp snap of caramelized sugar, every component matters.
- Sugar: The base for that crunchy caramel texture that defines peanut brittle.
- Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing, ensuring a smooth, glossy finish.
- Water: Helps dissolve the sugar and corn syrup evenly as they cook.
- Salt: Enhances the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
- Butter (cut into small cubes): Adds a creamy, rich flavor while contributing to the brittle’s smooth texture.
- Dry Roasted Peanuts: Provide that signature nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
- Baking Soda: Creates tiny bubbles in the mixture, giving the brittle its light, airy crispness.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This simple step ensures that the brittle won’t stick and will be easy to lift once it’s ready to cool. Having this set up beforehand makes the final steps smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Heat the Sugar Syrup
In a very large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt. Use a wooden spoon that’s been coated with cooking spray to stir everything together—this helps prevent the mixture from sticking to the spoon. Place the bowl in the microwave on high for 5 minutes. You’ll see the mixture bubble and transform into a golden syrup as the sugar dissolves and starts to caramelize. Using a large bowl is key here, so the syrup doesn’t bubble over as it cooks.
Step 3: Add Butter and Peanuts, Continue Cooking
Remove the bowl carefully from the microwave and give the mixture a quick stir. Then add the butter cubes and dry roasted peanuts. Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture will darken into a deep caramel color—this is the rich, toasty stage you want. Use a candy thermometer to check if the temperature has reached between 300º to 305ºF, which is the perfect “hard crack” stage for brittle. If it needs more time, microwave in 30-second bursts and keep checking.
Step 4: Stir in Baking Soda and Pour
Take the bowl out of the microwave and immediately stir in the baking soda. This causes the mixture to foam up and aerates the candy, which gives peanut brittle its classic light crunch. Quickly pour the bubbling candy onto your prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Cool and Break Apart
Allow your brittle to cool completely for 30 to 60 minutes until it hardens. Once it’s firm, break the brittle into pieces using your hands or gently tap it with a meat mallet for neat shards. This step is so satisfying—you’ll love those golden, caramelized bits packed full of peanuts.
How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your peanut brittle, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after pouring before it cools. The salt crystals create a delightful contrast with the sweet brittle. You can also toss in some cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to add a subtle warmth for a twist on the traditional flavor.
Side Dishes
Microwave Peanut Brittle isn’t just a solo star—it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. These combinations enhance the experience by adding creamy or bitter notes that contrast beautifully with the crunchy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing this treat at a party or giving it as a gift, consider breaking the brittle into bite-sized pieces and placing it in decorative tins or mason jars tied with a ribbon. It also makes a charming homemade gift during the holidays or as a cheerful surprise for a friend. For a fancy touch, try drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled brittle and letting it set before breaking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover peanut brittle fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will protect it from moisture and preserve its crisp texture for up to two weeks. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can soften the brittle.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t typically necessary, you can freeze the brittle in a sealed plastic bag or container for up to three months. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before unwrapping to prevent condensation from making it sticky.
Reheating
Reheating peanut brittle isn’t recommended since it’s best enjoyed at room temperature when it’s perfectly crisp. However, if the brittle becomes soft, placing it in a warm oven (about 250ºF) for a few minutes may help restore some of its crunch. Let it cool completely before eating.
FAQs
Can I use raw peanuts instead of dry roasted peanuts?
Dry roasted peanuts are best because they have a toasted flavor and less moisture, which helps achieve the right brittle texture. Using raw peanuts can result in a chewier brittle and a less developed nutty taste. If you only have raw peanuts, roasting them lightly before adding will improve the result.
Why do I need baking soda in the recipe?
Baking soda aerates the hot candy mixture, creating tiny bubbles that make the brittle lighter and less dense. It’s the secret to that classic crisp and crack you expect from peanut brittle rather than a hard candy-like texture.
What can I do if my brittle turns out chewy?
Chewy brittle usually means the candy didn’t reach the correct temperature or cooled too slowly. Make sure your candy thermometer reads between 300º and 305ºF and use a microwave-safe bowl large enough to prevent overflow. If it’s still chewy, you can gently reheat it until you reach the right temperature, but be careful not to burn it.
Is it possible to make peanut brittle without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer is very helpful for precision, you can use the cold water test: drop a small spoonful of the cooked syrup into cold water. If it hardens into brittle threads and snaps cleanly, it’s ready. However, a thermometer makes the process much easier and more reliable.
Can I substitute other nuts in this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with almonds, cashews, pecans, or even mixed nuts. Just make sure the nuts are dry roasted for the best flavor and texture. Keep in mind that different nuts may change the cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe is one of those joyful creations that brings a burst of nostalgia and pure happiness with every crunchy bite. It’s quick, fun, and so rewarding to make in your own kitchen, perfect for treating yourself or spreading some crunchy cheer to friends and family. If you haven’t made peanut brittle before, this is your golden ticket—give it a try, and I promise it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.
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Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
Description
This delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe offers a quick and easy way to make classic, crunchy peanut brittle without the fuss of stovetop candy-making. Using simple ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, roasted peanuts, and baking soda, this recipe uses the microwave to create a perfectly caramelized brittle with minimal effort, ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth or gifting during holidays.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- 1¾ cups Dry Roasted Peanuts
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter (cut into small cubes)
Instructions
- Prep the baking sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for pouring the hot brittle mixture.
- Heat the syrup mixture: In a very large microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine sugar, light corn syrup, water, and salt with a wooden spoon coated in cooking spray. Microwave on high for 5 minutes, allowing the mixture to bubble and cook thoroughly. Using an extra-large bowl helps prevent the mixture from bubbling over.
- Add peanuts and butter: Stir the hot syrup mixture, then add the butter cubes and dry roasted peanuts. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture turns a deep caramel color. Frequently check the temperature with a candy thermometer to ensure it reaches the hard crack stage (300º to 305ºF). If not at temperature, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.
- Incorporate baking soda: Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully stir in the baking soda. The mixture will foam up, creating the characteristic airy texture in the brittle.
- Pour and cool: Quickly pour the foamy mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly if desired. Allow the peanut brittle to cool and set for 30 to 60 minutes. Once hardened, break it apart into pieces using your hands or gently with a meat mallet.
Notes
- Use an extra-large microwave-safe bowl to prevent overflow as the mixture bubbles during cooking.
- Check the temperature frequently to avoid undercooking or burning the brittle; the ideal hard crack stage is between 300º and 305ºF.
- Be careful when handling hot caramel; use oven mitts to avoid burns.
- For even pieces, pour and spread the mixture thinly on the baking sheet before cooling.
- Store peanut brittle in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
