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If you’ve ever thought homemade peanut brittle was too tricky or time-consuming, this recipe is going to change your mind! This Microwave Peanut Brittle comes together in just 10 minutes – no candy thermometer, no stovetop stress, and no fuss. It’s perfectly crisp, buttery, and sweet with just the right crunch, making it ideal for last-minute holiday gifts, party treats, or a quick sweet snack that tastes like it took all afternoon to make.
Peanut Brittle Made Easy
You’ll absolutely love this quick and easy Microwave Peanut Brittle! Most traditional peanut brittle recipes can take hours, but this one is ready in just ten minutes – a total lifesaver during the hectic holiday season. Between running errands, holiday shopping, and juggling family schedules, I often need a fast, impressive treat, and this peanut brittle is my go-to.
It’s also a fun after-school snack for the kids. They’ll be completely convinced you spent all afternoon in the kitchen, even though it really took just ten minutes to whip up this sweet, crunchy surprise!
🧡 Heidi
What You’ll Need to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Light corn syrup – This is what thickens the sauce and gives the mixture that candy texture that is so crispy and delicious.
- Sugar – Combine sugar with the light corn syrup and the sugar mixture creates the base for your peanut brittle.
- Spanish peanuts – You can find raw peanuts at your regular grocery store, sometimes in the baking aisle or with the other nuts.
- Salt – Just a dash of salt.
- Vanilla extract – Just a tsp vanilla extract gives such a rich and delicious flavor.
- Butter – I like to use a tbsp unsalted butter to control the flavor and the sodium levels in the candy.
- Baking soda – One teaspoon.
Nut Substitutions
This microwave peanut brittle is super versatile! I love using raw whole peanuts for this recipe, but you can substitute any of these nuts as an alternative:
- Pecans – rich and buttery, and slightly sweet.
- Walnuts – earthy and robust, with a hearty crunch.
- Cashews – creamy and mild, with a soft, smooth bite.
- Almonds – crisp and slightly sweet.
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds – nutty with a toasty flavor, plus a fun green pop of color.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – small, crunchy, and slightly savory, giving a subtle nutty flavor.
Additions and Variations
While this classic peanut brittle recipe is delicious and perfect as is, you can dress it up with all kinds of yummy ingredients:
- Chocolate drizzle – Add melted white, milk, or dark chocolate over the cooled peanut brittle.
- Peanut butter – Spread a drizzle melted peanut butter over the peanut brittle for added peanut flavor.
- Sea salt – Sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top before the peanut brittle mixture hardens.
- Coconut and almonds – Mix shredded coconut and slivered almonds into the mixture instead of peanuts for a more tropical flavor.
- Cranberry and orange – Mix in dried cranberries and orange zest for a fruity flair.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Prep Your Pan: Start by spraying a cookie sheet with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper so your peanut brittle won’t stick.
- Mix It Up: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the light corn syrup, sugar, raw Spanish peanuts, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed.
- Microwave Magic: Pop the bowl in the microwave on High for 7 ½ minutes. Stop to stir every 2 ½ minutes, keeping the microwave door open while stirring. (Careful—the bowl gets super hot!)
- Add Flavorings: Once done, stir in the vanilla, room-temperature butter, and baking soda.
- Spread the Brittle: Pour your mixture onto the prepared pan and use a silicone spatula to spread it into a nice, even layer. Smooth out any bubbles so it looks perfect.
- Cool & Break: Let the brittle sit for about 10 minutes to firm up, then break it into bite-size pieces with your hands – or give the pan a little slam on the counter for fun. Store in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to make one batch at a time. The microwave cooks unevenly with larger amounts, which can affect the texture and make it less crisp. Stick to a single batch for perfect brittle every time!
Even in the microwave, the peanut brittle candy MUST reach the hard crack stage so the sugar strands break easily and not feel sticky. I have made this recipe more times than I can count and it always turns out perfectly. Just follow the cooking times and you will have success too!
Nope! This microwave method is designed to be simple without a thermometer. Just follow the timing instructions carefully, and you’ll get perfect brittle.
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays crisp for several days and makes a fantastic homemade gift.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge, which can make the candy sticky.
More Christmas Candy Recipes
Christmas treats are such a fun gift for family, friends and neighbors. Try some of these easy recipes that are simple to make and a joy to share!
Who knew peanut brittle could be this quick and simple? Whip up this quick treat, impress your friends and family, and still have time to sip your cocoa! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave a rating if you loved it! 🥜✨
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Video
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups raw Spanish peanuts
- dash salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare a pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Stir together light corn syrup, sugar, raw Spanish peanuts and salt in a microwave safe bowl.
- Cook on High for 7 ½ minutes, stirring every 2 ½ minutes. (Careful the bowl will be hot)
- Remove from microwave and add vanilla, butter and baking soda.
- Pour onto prepared pan and spread out into a thick layer.
- Allow peanut brittle to cool for 10 minutes.
- Break into pieces by hand or (preferred method) slam the pan on the counter top a few times.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Please do not double this recipe. It cooks so fast, you can quickly make two or more batches as needed.
- Switch peanuts out with cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts or other fruits and nuts for different flavors.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cooled microwave peanut brittle for an extra special treat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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