Microwave Peanut Brittle

Microwave Peanut Brittle is the absolute easiest way to prepare this traditional Christmas treat that has a crispy nutty caramel-like flavor. Made with pantry staples and simple ingredients, this peanut brittle can be made in less than 20 minutes. I’ve also included stovetop instructions if you prefer this method.

Why This Recipe Works

Making peanut brittle is extremely easy, but when using the microwave it’s even easier. This is a no fuss simple holiday recipe that makes a great gift or holiday treat. Not only is the microwave version easy to prepare, but it’s extremely quick too.

You only need a handful of simple ingredients with light corn syrup being the most obscure.

This delicious treat makes a wonderful hostest gift, which can be wrapped up in a bag or placed in a cookie tin. I recommed making some and pairing it with this Homemade Amaretto as a gift.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient Notes

• Light Corn Syrup: for this recipe you will need light corn syrup which helps the candy to harden as it cools. It can be swapped for maple syrup if you would prefer to use that instead or would like a different flavor.
• Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter and then add salt to the recipe, however, you can also use salted butter and omit the salt from the ingredients.
• Peanuts: I like to use dry roasted peanuts in peanut brittle, but you can use your favorite version of peanuts.

Recipe Variations

• Add some spice: you can use spices to bring a different taste to your peanut brittle. Some great options are to add cinnamon, nutmeg, or clove.
• Change the flavor. You can bring out a different flavor by adding in flavorings such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or something more exotic such as anise extract.
• Make it bolder. Instead of using light corn syrup you can use dark corn syrup for a more robust flavor.
• More nuts. Though this is peanut brittle, you can add other nuts or even dried fruits. Some options would be pecans, macadamia nuts, or cashews. If you want to add dried fruits stir them in when you mix in the baking soda.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prep. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray and set it aside.
• Heat the syrup. In a large microwave-safe mixing bowl mix the sugar, corn syrup, water, and salt together using a wooden spoon coated in cooking spray. Place the bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes where it will bubble as it cooks.
• Add in the peanuts and butter. Stir the mixture and add the butter and peanuts and return the bowl to the microwave for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The mixture will begin to turn a deep caramel color. Quickly check the temperature to see if it has reached 305ºF

• Add the baking soda. Remove the bowl from the microwave and carefully stir in the baking soda. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet (if adding spices or flavor such as vanilla extract add it in this step as well).
• Cool the candy. Allow the brittle to set and cool for 30 to 60 minutes before breaking it apart. A kitchen mallet helps to break it into pieces.

Stovetop Method Instructions

• Arrange the baking sheet. Prepare a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat and set it aside.

• Prepare the syrup. In a large heavy-bottomed pot mix the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and water together, stirring constantly, over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, about 6 to 7 minutes, and clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pot.
• Add the butter. Place the butter into the pot and continue stirring until the temperature reaches 280ºF, about 15 minutes.
• Stir in the peanuts. Stir in the peanuts and cook for an additional 10 minutes allowing the mixture to reach 305℉.
• Cool the candy. Working quickly remove the pot from the heat and stir in the baking soda. Evenly and carefully pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread using a spatula. Let it cool and harden for a minimum of 30 minutes before breaking into pieces.

How to Fix Chewy Peanut Brittle

1. Break it apart. Break the candy apart just as you would if it were sturdier and not chewy and place it into a large pot.
2. Melt the pieces. Set the pot over medium-low heat on the stove and use a wooden spoon coated in cooking spray to stir the pieces continuously (don’t stop stirring it otherwise it will burn).
3. Reheat the brittle. Once the pieces have melted and turned back into a liquid turn the heat up to medium, stirring occasionally. Place a candy thermometer on the side of the pot to check the temp of the mixture. Allow it to reach 305ºF before you pour it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Cool it. Let the candy cool again for 30 minutes before trying to break it apart again.

Storage Information

Store the brittle in an air-tight container on the counter for 1 1/2 to 2 weeks. Don’t leave it uncovered as it will become sticky. If you plan on making this candy for a gift you can make it up to 3 days in advance of when you plan to give it away.

Helpful Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Candy Thermometer
• Meat Tenderizer

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

• When heating the mixture in the microwave make sure to use a very large heatproof and microwave-safe mixing bowl because the mixture will bubble up and you don’t want it to bubble up over the sides.
• To avoid chewy peanut brittle use a candy thermometer to check the temperature as it’s finished cooking. You want the mixture to reach 300ºF to 305ºF before you add the baking soda and pour it onto the baking sheet.
• For a traditional thin peanut brittle once you pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet use a spatula to spread it out in a thin layer. For a thicker candy don’t spread it out at all.
• The easiest way to break apart your brittle is to use a meat tenderizer. Don’t bang the brittle with too much force though or you’ll end up with crumbles.
• To make a large batch perfect for gifting double the recipe below. If you choose to double it you will also need to double the time the mixture is cooked in the microwave. Use the candy thermometer to check the temp as it heats to get it to 305ºF.
• Don’t worry if your candy spreads unevenly on the baking sheet it will still crack nicely and all the spots will harden as it cools.

FAQs

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If you made this Microwave Peanut Brittle I want to hear all about it! Share a photo and tag me on Instagram using @AimeeMarsLiving and #AimeeMars so I can see your beautiful work. Enjoy!