Microwave Peanut Brittle
This quick and easy Christmas candy is a classic treat for the holiday season. Microwave Peanut Brittle is lighter and crispier than the traditional version and you don’t even need a candy thermometer to make this fuss-free homemade treat. Perfect for gifting or to just enjoy a sweet snack.
Homemade candy make the perfect holiday food gift. I’ve done this a few times in the past holiday seasons where I’ve made a variety of candy and packaged it up all festive and pretty for gift giving. It’s a great gift idea for someone who is hard to buy for or as a thoughtful hostess gift too!
I’ve made peanut brittle the traditional way, but I find using the microwave to make brittle candy just as yummy and so much easier. It’s become a new family favorite sweet treat over the holiday season.
I love this easy microwave recipe just melts in your mouth with the perfect texture and flavor. Nothing beats the combination of caramel, roasted peanuts and a hint of salt. I’ve been craving it quite a bit so it’s a good thing it’s simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Simple ingredients
- No candy thermometer is required
- A delicious treat for the Christmas season
- Delicious caramel-like flavor with a crispy, light texture
- A unique food gift idea
- Only takes about 10 minutes to cook in the microwave
Ingredients
- Dry roasted peanuts or cocktail peanuts
- Granulated sugar
- Light corn syrup
- Salted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
How to Make Peanut Brittle in the Microwave
- Step One: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step Two: In a microwave safe glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.
- Step Three: Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the peanuts.
- Step Four: Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook another 3 minutes.
- Step Five: Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Microwave another 2 minutes.
- Step Six: Immediately stir in the baking soda until foamy.
- Step Seven: Pour out the mixture onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Do not spread the mixture.
- Step Eight: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Step Nine: Once the peanut brittle is set, pick up the parchment paper and drop it on the counter to crack the candy.
Equipment Needed
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What to Serve with Delicious Microwave Peanut Brittle
Variations and Substitutions
- You can use another kind of peanut if you prefer. Make sure they are salted though.
- Use other types of salted nuts like cashews or almonds.
- Dip the peanut brittle in melted chocolate for added decadence.
Storage Instructions
Store the peanut brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate because it can make the peanut brittle too soft. If stored properly, it should keep up to 6 weeks.
Add a piece of parchment paper between each layer of brittle in your container so they won’t all stick together.
Can I Freeze?
Yes, you can freeze peanut brittle for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Recipe Tips
- Microwaves can vary quite a bit depending on the wattage, age, make and model. Your microwave could run hotter or cooler than mine so your cooking time may vary.
- Use oven mitts when removing the bowl from the microwave. It will be hot!
- Don’t spread out the peanut brittle on the baking sheet. Just pour it out and let it set as is.
Holiday Treats
- Homemade Eggnog
- Reindeer Chow
- Eggnog Pudding Shots
- Snowball Cookies
- Christmas Punch
- Crockpot Candied Nuts
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Microwave Peanut Brittle
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry roasted or cocktail peanuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a microwave safe glass bowl, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes on high.
- Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the peanuts.
- Place the bowl back in the microwave and cook another 3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bowl and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Microwave another 2 minutes.
- Immediately stir in the baking soda until foamy.
- Pour out the mixture onto the parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Do not spread the mixture.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Once the peanut brittle is set, pick up the parchment paper and drop it on the counter to crack the candy.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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I use the same recipe only mine calls for raw peanuts and they go in at the beginning with the sugar and corn syrup. Love this recipe. Big hit with family