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This Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe is quick and easy to make, and a perfect gift during the busy holiday season.
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You’ll love this easy and fast Peanut Brittle Recipe! Most recipes like this take nearly two hours to make, but this peanut brittle treat is done in ten minutes. It’s perfect to whip up for Christmas gifts or holiday parties, especially if you’re busy like me and always working at the last minute. It’s also a terrific after school snack for the kids. They’ll love the special surprise dessert that looks like you slaved forever but really it took all of ten minutes.
Ingredients in Peanut Brittle
If you think peanut brittle is complicated or tough to make, think again! All you need are a few simple ingredients and some delicious raw peanuts and you’re good to go. Here’s all you need for this easy 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
You can make this brittle candy with all kinds of substitutions. I love raw whole peanuts for this peanut brittle but you can try any of these nuts as an alternative:
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
Steps to Simple Microwave Peanut Brittle
Since this is a quick recipe there’s no need to slave over a stove, and messing around with a candy thermometer or stirring nonstop, etc. Here’s the simple steps:
- Get a prepared baking sheet ready by spraying a cookie sheet with cooking spray. You can also use parchment paper to avoid the peanut brittle from sticking.
- Next, stir together light corn syrup, sugar, raw Spanish peanuts and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Then, cook on High for 7 ½ minutes, stirring every 2 ½ minutes, leaving the microwave open. You may need to use oven mitts because the bowl will be VERY hot.
- Remove from microwave oven and add a teaspoon vanilla extract, room temperature butter and baking soda.
- Next, pour the candy onto your prepared pan and use a silicone spatula to spread out into a thick layer. Take the time to smooth out the air bubbles and make it nice and even.
- Let the peanut brittle cool on the sheet for about ten minutes, then break into pieces or bite size chips by hand or slam the pan on the counter top a few times.
Additions to this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
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.
Can you Double This Recipe?
We do not recommend doubling the recipe. It is best to prepare one batch at a time.
Why is my Peanut Brittle a Little Chewy?
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!
Read Next: 25+ Christmas Dessert Ideas
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!
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle
Microwave Peanut Brittle
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.
