If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a sweet, crunchy treat without heating up your entire kitchen, this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a quick and surprisingly easy way to create that nostalgic peanut brittle crackle and sweet buttery flavor using just your microwave. Imagine caramelized sugar, crunchy peanuts, and that irresistible honeycomb texture all coming together in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re craving a homemade snack or looking to impress with a simple yet delicious candy, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your sweet treat arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and every single one plays a key role in balancing the flavor, texture, and appearance of your peanut brittle. From the sweetness to the crunch, each component helps create that perfect bite.
- 1 cup sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and caramel base for the brittle.
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup: Keeps the sugar from crystallizing and adds smoothness to the caramel.
- 1 1/2 cups raw peanuts: Adds the signature nutty crunch and heartiness to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enriches the brittle with a creamy, buttery flavor, making it melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the caramel’s flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Creates the light, airy texture by causing the mixture to foam and crack as it cools.
How to Make Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start off by lining a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a good spray of nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial because it’ll make sure your brittle doesn’t stick and breaks apart beautifully when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Corn Syrup
In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, mix together sugar and corn syrup until everything is well blended. This is your candy base, so getting a good mix here sets you up for success.
Step 3: Microwave and Add Peanuts and Butter
Pop the bowl into the microwave and cook the sugars for 4 minutes, during which the sugar will begin to boil. Carefully remove it and stir in the peanuts and butter using a heatproof utensil — this incorporation makes sure every peanut gets coated in that buttery sweetness.
Step 4: Cook Until Caramel Colored
Return the bowl to the microwave for another 3 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a rich caramel color here and that hard crack stage, which means the mixture has reached between 300 and 310°F. This heat level guarantees the brittle will be perfectly crisp with that iconic snap.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Baking Soda
As soon as you take the bowl out, stir in vanilla and baking soda quickly but gently. You’ll notice the mixture foams up – that’s exactly what you want. Don’t overdo the stirring; those bubbles create the signature honeycomb texture which makes this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe stand out.
Step 6: Spread and Cool
Pour the hot mixture onto your prepared pan while wearing oven mitts for safety. Use a silicone spatula sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to spread it evenly. Let it cool completely until it hardens and cracks easily; that’s how you know your peanut brittle is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
Garnishes
While peanut brittle is a star on its own, sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt right after spreading the mixture on the pan can beautifully enhance the flavors by balancing the sweetness with a touch of savory crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve your peanut brittle alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement its rich caramel and nutty flavors. These pairings turn your snack into a cozy, indulgent experience perfect for any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, break the brittle into irregular shards and place them in a decorative jar or cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon. You can also crush some pieces and sprinkle as a crunchy topping over frosted cupcakes or brownies for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This ensures it stays crisp and delicious without absorbing any moisture or odors from the environment.
Freezing
You can freeze peanut brittle if you want to keep it longer. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, thaw it at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t recommended as it may soften the brittle and change its texture. This treat is best enjoyed fresh and crisp straight from storage, so plan on consuming it within a couple of weeks for optimal crunch.
FAQs
Can I use roasted peanuts instead of raw?
Yes, you can use roasted peanuts if you prefer a deeper nutty flavor. Just keep in mind they may add extra oil to the brittle and could affect the texture slightly.
What if my brittle turns out sticky?
If your peanut brittle is sticky, it likely didn’t reach the right hard crack temperature. Try cooking it a little longer during the caramelizing step or use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature precisely.
Can I substitute the corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization and keeps the texture smooth, but if you don’t have it, honey or maple syrup can be a substitute. The flavor will vary slightly and the texture might be less stable.
Why does the mixture foam when adding baking soda?
The baking soda reacts with the acidic elements in the mixture, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that cause foaming. This process adds the classic airy, honeycomb texture that makes peanut brittle so delightful.
Is it safe to microwave candy mixtures?
Absolutely, as long as you use microwave-safe containers and follow the timing carefully. Microwaving offers a fast, hands-off way to make brittle without the need for a stovetop or candy thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Making candy at home might sound intimidating, but this Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe proves you don’t need fancy equipment or hours of prep work to achieve a buttery, crunchy sweet treat. Once you get a taste of this easy, delightful brittle, you’ll never want store-bought again. So grab your ingredients, fire up your microwave, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of homemade magic.
Print
Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Microwave Peanut Brittle recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic crunchy candy treat made with raw peanuts, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Prepared in just 14 minutes without any stovetop fuss, this brittle has a delightful honeycomb texture from baking soda and is perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups raw peanuts
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside to ensure the brittle doesn’t stick when poured.
- Mix Sugar and Corn Syrup: In a large microwave-safe glass bowl, stir together the sugar and corn syrup until well combined.
- Initial Cooking: Microwave the sugar-corn syrup mixture for 4 minutes. During this time, the sugar will boil, starting the caramelization process.
- Add Peanuts and Butter: Carefully add the raw peanuts and unsalted butter to the hot mixture. Use a heatproof utensil to stir thoroughly, blending the ingredients evenly.
- Finish Cooking: Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the mixture turns a caramel color and reaches the hard crack stage (300-310°F). This is crucial for the brittle’s crunch.
- Add Vanilla and Baking Soda: Remove the bowl carefully from the microwave. Quickly add the vanilla extract and baking soda, stirring just enough to combine. The mixture will foam up, creating the light honeycomb texture; avoid over-stirring to retain this texture.
- Shape the Brittle: Immediately pour the hot mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a silicone spatula sprayed with cooking spray, spread the brittle evenly to your desired thickness.
- Cool and Store: Allow the brittle to cool completely until hardened. Once cool, break it into pieces and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a heatproof utensil and be cautious when stirring hot sugar mixtures to prevent burns.
- Ensure the mixture reaches 300-310°F for proper brittle texture; a candy thermometer is helpful.
- Do not over stir after adding baking soda to preserve the airy texture of the brittle.
- Store the brittle in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp.
- You can substitute raw peanuts with roasted for a deeper flavor, but adjust cooking time slightly.
