Microwave Peanut Brittle

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Learn how to make an easy peanut brittle in the microwave. If you love peanut brittle but want a quicker and easier version to make than a classic peanut brittle, try this microwave peanut brittle recipe. It is perfect for the holidays and incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients

To make microwave peanut brittle you just need a handful of simple ingredients:

• Corn syrup
• White granulated sugar
• Peanuts – If you can easily find raw peanuts use those, otherwise normal dry-roasted peanuts will work great too. I normally will use unsalted peanuts.
• Butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Baking soda – Baking soda gives peanut brittle its signature honeycomb texture.

Equipment

• Candy Thermometer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Forks
• sheet pan
• Cooking spray, shortening, or butter, or parchment paper
• Microwave

Why make peanut brittle in the microwave?

You may be wondering why someone would want to make peanut brittle in the microwave, the answer is simple, it is much quicker to make than traditional peanut brittle. That doesn’t mean it is necessarily the best method, but it works pretty awesome. Also, it is easier as well in the microwave, and not as daunting as making it the old-fashioned way, although I think the old-fashioned way is pretty easy too. So honestly the biggest benefit is it is a time saver.

How to make microwave peanut brittle

Add the sugar to a medium microwave-safe bowl as well as the corn syrup. Give the mixture a stir. Then into the microwave, it goes for about 3 minutes. It will get nice and bubbly. Remove the bowl from the microwave (use hot mitts if needed) then give it a stir to make sure there are not bits of sugar on the sides of the bowl.

Now add the butter, salt, and the peanuts. Raw peanuts are the best to use for candy making, but sometimes they can be hard to find, so normal dry-roasted peanuts will work fine. Give that mixture a stir and then place it back in the microwave and microwave on high for 3 to 5 minutes until the hot mixture reaches 300F/150C which is the hard crack stage.

TIP: If you don’t have a candy thermometer, once the mixture turns to a blond color it is probably ready.

Remove the bowl again from the microwave, add all the vanilla extract at once and stir. It will bubble a bit. Then put in the baking soda and stir that in. The mixture should foam up some.

Pour the peanut brittle onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat or you can also just grease the pan or cookie sheet with butter. Then pull it apart with two forks to thin it out some.

Now all you need to do is let the microwave peanut brittle cool to room temperature and then you can break it apart.

Just use your fingers to break it apart and wear kitchen gloves if you don’t want to use your bare hands. This is always a good idea, especially if you plan on giving the peanut brittle away as a gift. Enjoy!

How long does peanut brittle last and how do I store it?

Peanut brittle will last quite a while up to a few months if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You may also freeze it if desired for 3 to 4 months. Do not store the brittle in the refrigerator, the moisture in the fridge will cause it to lose its crunchiness.

Here are a few other candy recipes you may like:

Homemade Almond Roca

Pecan Pralines

Homemade Snickers

Do you like this easy brittle recipe? Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it.  If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.